Clydesdal shoes

Don't see why you couldn't do the weights in your running shoes.

Can't help with a knowledgeable store, but went to one here in Texas when I started running again (I'm a bike guy - I hate running). Have always ended up bailing on out running because my weight pounds my creaky knees. Thought I liked the New Balance shoes myself. Probably more liked the fact that they make a lot of their shoes in the U.S., and I like to support U.S. industry whenever I can.

But my friend/sales guy/running expert put me in a pair of Brooks Beast. Said there was nothing like them for a heavy guy. We tried a NB 9-series, too, but man, he was right. The Brooks pair was great. I still hate running, but I can tolerate it now, and my knees can survive 1-2 sessions/week, which they've never been able to do before.

I have heard a lot of good things about the Brooks Beast from some of the big guys on this website. Don't know anything in williamsport area but There are a couple in Rochester about 4 hours drive for you.

Don't need any special shoes for weights, but I'd save my running shoes for just running. A good pair costs quite a bit and they do wear out. No need to speed this process by wearing them around all the time.
JD

I am also running in the Brooks Beast and I am wearing a 13eee. I have also been in the new balance, but the Beast has been the best for me. I have a friend that has a Running Store and he told me about a new shoe that is comparable to the Beast but is lighter. I will let you know who makes and and the particular shoe it is when I find out.

As far as finding a running store, check with your local running club if there is one in your area and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

As an Athena with bad knees and a bad back, I can vouch for the Beast. It's what I used a few years ago for running and managed to avoid trouble. That said, I'm now trying Asics and we'll see how they hold up. They were MUCH less expensive, but I may end up trading up soon if I notice even the slightest discomfort. I'm curious about the lighter version of the Beast...

I weigh about 245.

The NB 1220 is supposed to be for guys with a large frame (that's putting it nice, isn't it!)
It also is supposed to be good for motion control and stability.

I believe there is also a newer version of this shoe - the NB 1221.

Dan

I used to wear a good pair of running shoes to the gym, but I think they wore out much faster because I was doing squats and leg presses etc. I wouldn't reccomend "squishing" your shoes any more than you have to.

"Don't see why you couldn't do the weights in your running shoes. "

Running shoes typically are too thin to provide a strong base for heavy lifts like squats and deadlifts. Furthermore, if they are "gel-filled" or "air-filled", it will allow for your weight to shift, which is not desireable at all when you're squatting/deadlifting or supporting a decent amount of weight.

Seriously, if you are doing lifts where you stabilize yourself (i.e. barbell lifts) like SLDL, standing overhead press, deadlifts, squats, barbell rows, etc ... you'll want something with a flat sole and possibly a slightly raised heel .... that's why you see guys lift in contruction boots (or Chuck Taylors). A squishy, rubbery foam, narrow sole = bad balance. Good for running poor for weights. If you're a "machine trainee", then shoes aren't going to matter.

Just thought I would chime in with this before you tried squatting a good deal of weight in running shoes, only to find that your weight shifts, causing torque on the back and then you spend the next week at the chiro's getting rehab.

Everything starts with the feet.

I second (or third, fourth fifth, whatever we are on) that the Brooks Beast are great shoes. When I first started running last year, it took at least 1/2 mile for my knees to feel warmed up and able to run. I went to a running store and tried a lot of shoes and got the Beast. The first time running in them the knee problem got better and within a week, my knees didn't bother me at all.

I would wear your running shoes only for running. And as mentioned above, don't wear them for working out. I wear my racquetball shoes which are mid height shoes for extra support. Get shoes that have more ankle and lateral support.

And don't skimp on the shoes.

Well it took a few miniutes, but I did a little homework. Brooks Beast web site is brookssports.com. This site has a store finder. The conversation was so riviting I needed to bookmark the site for my next pair of shoes.

By the way I am pretty sure I am one (6'1" 230 and counting my way down), but what is the "definition" of the Clydesdale athlete.

Joe

Edited by Ontherun 2004-01-08 7:47 AM

I wouldn't say they are best for everyone. Go to the running store and try some different shoes on. Most stores will even let you try them out on a treadmill.

A Clydesdale is grenerally > 200lbs (190lbs in some races).

My buddies are dying with laughter that I could be a "clydesdale". I'm 6'3 usually 200 pounds, now 197.

Most of my friends are in the 5'11 235-260 range (lifter/linebacker types). I'm usually the "possession receiver" in backyard football, or the undersized power forward. Yeah ... I'm used to taking a beating.

So, when I hear it can get rough in the swim portion of the race, I was thrilled. Finally some contact where I am one of the bigger guys. Bring it on.

Are you automatically entered into the clyfdesdale division or what? I wasn't planning on entering it, since I figured it was for guys that are "easily" over 200.

No you are not automatically in the Clydesdale division, you have to enter into it. You would be suprised the guys who load up for weigh in at registration to race in the class.

Edited by Michael 2004-01-08 6:16 PM

I currently weigh 264. I tried the Brooks Beast, New Balance 990(?) and some Adidas shoe, the name escapes me now. In all of those shoes I was constantly battling shin splints and plantar fascitis. One of the guys at the local shoe store (Houston - Fleet Feet) told me to try the Asics Gel Cumulus 4EE. They are great. The shoes arent normally referred to as shoes for the heavier runner, but the shoes are great. The point is, it is important to just keep trying until you find the best shoe for you.

Shoe is by Sacouny and I didn't get the model. It is for the heavier runner but more flexible than the beast. The only concern I have is that it is according to a Sacouny rep designed for a flat foot, which I don't have. They have another shoe also coming out that is going to be around the hundred dollar mark that is like the Beast.

Find a good shop & find out what you need. I'm well over 320 and I over pronate. I wear NB 1021's which are motion control. They feel pretty good, but I don't have a lot of miles on them yet. There is a pretty good shop in York, and a really good shop in Frederick Md. (1/2 hr south of Gettysburg) Only two I know even remotely nearby.

William