shoes for the heavier runner?

Hello,

I'm about to start a walk/run beginner regime and I'm 5'9 and tip the scales at 270lbs.

What type of running shoe should I be looking into right now?

Try the Brooks ADdiction. Works for me. Good luck!

Go to a running store and tell them you're looking for a shoe for the 'heavier runner'. DON'T go to a discount/chain store. They'll let you try various models, watch you walk, etc.... I did this; it was a close call between the Brooks Beast and some ASICS shoe. I'm 235 and went with the Beast.

Take it slow, walk a LOT and don't be dissuaded by people who say you're too heavy to jog. Oh, and if you can, run on dirt (trails in the park).

check out the following training schedule: I've been doing it for about a month now. No injuries yet. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Best wishes,

Pat

Building on Bob's suggestion, I would add that your shoes be comfortable. Regarding a walk/run regime, I would focus on the walk with the idea that you are working at walking for an hour a day with some running.

We don't know your percentage body fat and also don't know your level of fitness as you may be into other sports and exercise.

Also the group would need to know a little more about your intentions and purpose behind starting your program. Also there's nothing about age or levels of health or experience of exercise in the past: e.g. never been active and just starting or someone who was active in high school and/or college and quit due to life getting in the way along with work and family and.... and....and....

Let us know how you progress. You achieve what you can measure and monitor.

All the best,

Here's a hint. They're made of iron, and shaped .............like a horse shoe.

sorry, I forgot to mention that I'm a powerlifter. my doctor measured my bodyfat at 8%. I'm currently doing a 80-mile bike ride 4 times per week, but want to ease into long-distance running. I'm in this for personal fitness and endurance, not for speed; I understand my bulky, muscular body is probably the worst physique to have for speed running anyway

You're really heavy for a distance runner. The online store roadrunnersports lists shoes that are appropriate for heavier runners. Some have already come up with some good suggestions.

Shoes also depend on arch type / pronation. Read up on this and decide which one is appropriate. Brooks Beast is for people with relatively low arches/high pronation.

Others have suggested running on reasonably soft surfaces such as dirt trails. Softer taken to extremes (like dry sand) isn't a good thing, but neither is hardness (like pavement). Dirt trails or football ovals are a good middle

Is it April 1st again?

ahh, go screw a couple queers, when you come down with aids you'll lose that bulky muscular body.