Best running shoes for CAPS?

[beb]

Hello,

Just started the process and going to start CAPS next week. At orientation, they stressed to get a good running shoe and suggested that Nike had been giving many people shin splints, so I should look into other brands.

Do you guys have any recommendations? I only have a pair of Avia that I purchased a couple years back that work great for treadmill but Im not sure if Im getting the support I need on asphalt/track.

Thanks!

[JOEKILLA]

Five Fingers. You might need more than a week to get your feet used to them though.

[J_B]

Go to a running specific store....I go to Fleet Feet. They watch you walk and run. Then grab a few shoes from the back and you get to pick..They also watch you run in them as well.

The only "best running shoe" is the one that fits you and provides the support your feet need.

[beb]

Joe: Really? They told us not to get Vibrams...

J B: Thanks!

[Fundamentals]

Five Fingers. You might need more than a week to get your feet used to them though.

Joe: Really? They told us not to get Vibrams...

J B: Thanks!

Not a LEO, but I can vouch for vibrams. I have been doing my running / sprints training with them for three years now, and they really improve the ability of your feet and legs to run. I suspect they told you not to get vibrams, because the majority of your peers will not be able to adjust to them quick enough.

Get a regular pair of minimalist shoes to start, and maybe some vibrams (the Komodosports LS is a good starter one) for your use outside of CAPS to learn how to run as close to barefoot as possible. Start out slow, wearing them to walk at first, and then using them to run, getting more progressive each day. Your feet will stretch out, especially in the toes. Your feet will also become more musclular and vascular (the veins will get HUGE as they increase the blood flow to your feet). I personally found after wearing vibrams for so long, in addition to training actually barefoot, that I have a very hard time wearing regular shoes anymore. I don't need added foot support, as my feet are already the perfect machine to support my body. My running has improved in regular shoes, however, since learning how to truly run, using gravity as my friend.



I can only hope that when the time comes for me to enter LE, that they will have shoes with vibram soles that I am allowed to use.

[mixicus]

Go to a running shoe store such as Running Lab, Road Runner's Sports, Snails Pace, etc They should measure your foot, check your stride and foot strike, talk to you about needs (miles, terrain, injuries,..) then recommend a shoe. Actually they'll bring you multiple pairs to try that meet your criteria.

While you're there pick up multiple pairs of some decent socks. Make sure they are of an approved color for you academy.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

So, what is CAPS exactly?

[HeavyHitterPinoy415]

Skip the Vibrams and any other minimalist shoe for now. You don't have time to get used to them. If you choose, you can hit the minimalist route later. Hit up Roadrunner Sports (or other similar runner specific store) and buy a shoe they recommend based on their personalized evaluation of your feet and running style.

[TASK, LLC]

Great job in starting training with CAPS. If you stay with it, it will serve you well. But keep in mind, CAPS is just the starting point.

I would highly recommend that you do not go Five Fingers at this time. Your acclimation period will be too long and you may get injured if you rush it.

Go to a dedicated running store. Do not buy from a mixed store which tries to sell different kinds of shoes. They will sell you what they want you to buy. Form follows function.

I used New Balance shoes during my time as an instructor at the Academy and I still run in them. Try several styles and brands. Once you find the best shoe for you, buy several pairs. You want to rotate the shoes. You also do not want to have the manufacturer discontinue the style of show you are using.

Good insoles may also be helpful. Proper arch support is critical for the running you will be doing. Soft insoles do not provide the proper arch support which can cause serious problems.

As a last bit of advice, running problems may also be the result of poor core strength. I have trained many candidates who were struggling due to their core collapsing into improper posture or from their inability to maintain upright posture while running. Many candidated then end up hunched over or wasting energy in a side-to-side running motion.

Best of luck to you.

[<IXOYE><]

My Saucony's lasted me while I went through the academy. I purchased them at Snails Pace in Brea. Like these other guys said, dont get those vibram or five toes shoes for academy purposes. Go to a running shoe store and have them fit you with a nice pair of running shoes.

[BoJackUSMC]

Snails pace +1
I got myself a Mizuno wave runner from there. I love it.

[URBAN COMMANDO]

asics are great

[beb]

Bobby: CAPS = Candidate Assistance Program
It basically teaches you to pass the Academys physical portion. It is a mandatory part of the LAPD hiring process due to a large number of applicants failing at the academy.

Thanks guys, I went to Snails Pace and got fitted some New Balance 940. Wow, the right shoes make a big difference! They feel so comfy and my sore knees are already almost all gone in a couple days!

[1911su16b870]

New Balance 1200 series. Get two pairs and rotate each day.

[prc104]

New Balance or Nike, both will serve you well. But do not forget to get some good running socks also! I use Thorlo and they have good cushioning and keep my feet pretty dry.

You don't want to be running in regular sports socks as they will stay soggy and make your shoes stinky!

On another note, you might want to go a 1/2 size bigger, your feet will swell a little, especially in the beginning. But let the running shop decide.

If your not a runner you better start. LAPD loves to run their trainees!

Earn extra points if you can run and yell out a cadence during the run!!