The Running Shoe Shop Experience: Having got as... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,088 members159,459 posts

The Running Shoe Shop Experience

Timeoff profile image
TimeoffGraduate
15 Replies

Having got as far as W7, I thought I'd better buy some proper running shoes. I did the whole thing: gait analysis, customised insole etc but it was a bit like going to the Apple store on your own without a teenager to translate. I was helped by a young man who wasn't used to middle aged running women by the look of it, so there was a lot of me laughing and being politely self-deprecating and him looking alternately confused and appalled. He was v helpful though & doing his best and I have to say & I'm unreasonably excited about wearing my new running shoes tomorrow! (And just for the sake of information, you have to take your shoes and socks off for the gait analysis thing - no issue, just thought it was useful to know!)

Written by
Timeoff profile image
Timeoff
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
15 Replies
DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate

I was lucky to have a mature man - phew! Hope the new shoes are good!

Timeoff profile image
TimeoffGraduate in reply toDiscoRunner

Thanks!

WalkiesToRuns profile image
WalkiesToRuns

I wasn’t this dedicated and just went to Sports Direct, but the man still thought I was a bit nuts I think!

I’d want you to know that I had to take off my socks... I wouldn’t want to further traumatise the assistant with half worn off nail varnish or anything 😂

Timeoff profile image
TimeoffGraduate in reply toWalkiesToRuns

Thanks!

I’d actually shaved my legs - not deliberately, coincidence, but glad I had!

How ridiculous is that!

Anyway mission accomplished.😎

WalkiesToRuns profile image
WalkiesToRuns in reply toTimeoff

Enjoy the new go faster shoes... mine helped me complete W5 R2!

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

I'm afraid some shop assistants haven't got a clue, maybe he was new!

wasn't Sports direct by any chance was it?

Many middle aged women & men buy running shoes, so really shouldn't be a problem!😉

Timeoff profile image
TimeoffGraduate in reply todavelinks

Oh it was just funny! And he was helpful, I have to say, just not blessed with lots of ‘people skills’!

JaoJao profile image
JaoJao

Where do people go for a gait analysis?

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply toJaoJao

I would recommend you go to a specialist running shop which offers more than one brand. I do not believe staff in Sports direct are sufficiently trained to do gait analysis. It involves them looking at your feet while walking and running to determine whether you need neutral or supportive running shoes. This can be done on a treadmill or running outside the shop. Some shops also video you running on the treadmill to show you what they see.

Jogunlikely profile image
JogunlikelyGraduate in reply toJaoJao

Hi

it might be worth putting your own post up asking for recommendations of shops in your area or ask runners in your area. Although the town i live in has a shop that does gait analysis i had mixed reviews about them, whereas the one i went to about 20 miles away came highly recommended from a number of sources.

i also went on a weekday as they are always busy at the weekend. this meant i didn't feel rushed to make my decision :)

Timeoff profile image
TimeoffGraduate in reply toJogunlikely

Yes indeed, re weekdays, I’d tried Sunday pm & they were busy.

Jogunlikely profile image
JogunlikelyGraduate

just a heads up that it is customary to post a pic of new shoes. Posts are normally titled "shoe porn" ;)

and no level of excitement is unreasonable when wearing said new shoes! Enjoy :)

WalkingWithLabradors profile image
WalkingWithLabradorsGraduate

I found a specialist running shoe shop for my analysis. He got me running up the high street outside to check each pair after the video of the gait analysis. He made me feel like a professional runner even though I explained I’d just nearly completed the C25K. I’d just wished I’d realised I needed to wear my sports bra whilst running in between Jo Public! 😂

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

This thread is useless without pics 😉 don't you realise how much we love shoe (running) porn!?

Yes, the experience can be interesting to say the least! Yep shoes and socks off, bunions observed and discussed (the horror!)

So please at least tell us what Brand, model and colour you ended up with! 😁

Do enjoy your new shoes. They really should make all the difference.

Timeoff profile image
TimeoffGraduate in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Right, OK, OK, pics to follow!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Running shoe "myths"

I am an old man - and a cynic. I am always suspicious of people who have vested interests in any...
Bazza1234 profile image
Graduate

Running Shoe Shop near Ipswich

Hi Guys Having seen my success with C25k, my wife is keen to start the programme as well (just as I...
Maysie1 profile image
Graduate

Warning...shoe porn!

Having finally run 5k for the first time, I thought I was overdue a running treat. I booked a gait...
Sax64 profile image
Graduate

On the subject of buying shoes..............!

Well, I had an interesting little visit to a shop this afternoon and thought it might be worth...

Shoe advice anyone

I am run one, week four and have been reading a lot about getting the right shoes. I’ve had no...
Tayrm profile image

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.