sports shoe help please

[Farm boy]

we have been given gym membership at work and i have decided to get a bit fitter (well i am not really fit now:D)
the last pair of gym shoes i used were dunlop k26 for under $50 they were ok
can you throw some recomendations on good shoes and what to avoid
they will be used for gym,cycling and walking maybe jogging later on
thanks heaps
greg

[Fireguard]

I went in to Athletes Foots, and told them what I wanted to do and they gave me a couple of different shoes to try on and find the ones that I liked.

The brand I ended up getting was "Mizuno", apparently they're a fairly well know in the sporting world... From memory cost me about $220, but definatelly worth the money. they are WAY better than the K-Mart sneakers that i youst to get :U

[rhancock]

My feet are a disaster zone - my brother reckons I'm a hobbit - so I went to a podiatrist and they were able to put my medibank extras (?) towards the cost of a pair of runners - I think I saved about $80 and paid around $140 for a pair of Adidas something, but I did also have to pay for the podiatry...

[corbs]

Asics, New Balance & Brooks are your big three that make good runners. There are others but they are your best start. If you're looking at running then get a running shoe, for the general gym work get a cross trainer (these are also good for court sports or anything that requires lateral movements and other changes of directions.

If you're a big bloke (100kg+) and will be running then Brooks Beast are a good start.

[scrapwood]

For a start any good sport shoe should pass the following 3 tests, if they don't, reject them irrespective of how fashionable/cool etc they may look. ie the old Dunlop volleys were fashionable but do not do very well with the following tests

Test 1. Holding the toe and heel end only,bend the shoe in half, sole outwards, the shoe should only bend at the same place where your foot naturally bends ie the balls of the feet.

Test 2. Holding the toe and heel end only, twist the shoe, you should feel a strong resistance to twisting but some flexing is ok.

Test 3. Press the support at the back of the heel, again there should be strong resistance which will give your heel plenty of support.

As for arch support, heel padding and cushioning, comfortable width, breathabilty, etc, you would need to consult a store where the sales are assistants are trained to fit the right shoe to your foot. Ensure you take or wear your own thick socks when you are fitting for shoes

[Farm boy]

thanks guys
i have nib health cover so i might take a visit to a podiatrist:2tsup:
otherwise i might visit athletes foot and check out some shoes including the beast