Ooooh - found you!
Got directed here from the Diet thread as I've been bitching about stuff and they're probably bored of me already and they said you were the experts.
Has anybody got some recommendations for neutral (as they're going to have orthotics in them in the end), cushioned but not too cushioned, vaguely firm, deep heel cupped, men's running shoes that don't look frankly ridiculous on a fat, middle aged bird who would rather be anywhere than being seen to be exercising in public. And preferably for less than a week's wages? Plus suitable off the shelf Amazon orthotics to keep me going until I have the fancy schmancy customs?
Context: Psoriatic Arthritis particularly targeting entheses/tendons (right hip tendinosis exacerbated by slipping on water into a full side split on the rear leg - my entire thigh slammed down on the ground and something went POP, original hospital said 'it's your age, dear - have you considered losing some weight?'), SI joint dysfunction for 18 months afterwards, finally clicked loose about 3 months ago, frequent complainer of plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon inflammation, shinsplints, etc). Hypermobile/EDS III. And an MRI last week showing intermetatarsal bursitis. Or, in short, I'm a bloody wreck from at least the waist down. I'm fat, too.
My Podiatry appointment for custom orthotics is sometime in late April, assuming the Plague calms down a bit and my current Adidas 'those will do' aren't up to the job of actually going anywhere. I have absolutely no intention of moving faster than my current 18 minute mile in the immediate future, but the Podiatrist told me over the phone when he was giving me the good news that I haven't actually fractured any metatarsals from working for a living that, in the meantime, I should get some 'Proper Good Running Shoes' (his expertise is feet, not grammatically pleasing sentences, apparently).
As you can probably tell, I'd rather be in the gym. But until Plague fucks off, if I can't find something that helps, I'm stuck indoors with lacrosse balls, therabands and foam roller and continually decreasing base levels of fitness.
Now I've stopped grumbling, I'm open to the possibility of going back to running at some point in the future, but right now, even C25K would result in yet more damage. Hence the need for running shoes that will take orthotics. And I'm off to reading the rest of this thread....
(PS: I know I need to be seen in a proper running shop - but they aren't open and I hated my last pair of Brooks with a passion).
I initially went with a more neutral shoe (Adidas ultra boost) but they weren’t right for me. Then I went to a running shop to get fitted and they recommended me the Hoka Ones, they cost me just as much as the Adidas ones but were an even worse fit which is why I’m not so keen on spending lots on a 3rd pair
I’ll check out the ones you suggested though, thankyou!
hope your ok 
)
Happy to see a running thread on here!!