New shoes ... but unsure...

[OldSpeckledHen]

Soooo...Took the plunge and went to the most local running shop (read good things online)

They did a gait analysis of me walking in a pair of their trainers, she said I’m quite neutral?

Current trainers fitted about 4 year ago are for pronation. Can your running style change?

She then brought out 3 pairs for me to try, and suggested I walk round the shop in them (I would rather have hopped on the treadmill but am too woosy to say that- yes my fault I know!)

Settled on the final pair (Brooks) and I did run in them briefly, they felt ok (v light!)

I’m so freaking rubbish though, I told her I’m a size 9 (largest foot is 9, smallest foot is 7 due to childhood injury 😳) - my current trainers are a size 10 ... after leaving the shop I realised the trainers are a size 11!

All in all, I’m not wholly convinced... 🙈🙄🙊🙁

Got some AfterShokz in the sale though! Expensive day lol 😂

[Forest_Run_Beginner Graduate10]

I'm certainly no expert, far from it in fact, but running shoes aren't cheap so I'd say, if you aren't 100% sure (or at least 95%) then go back. They will be able to find you a pair which will be right for you but like you say, you need to tell them what you want and need, particularly with the extra difficulties of social distancing when trying them.

Don't be afraid to ask to hop back on the treadmill either, they are an investment and the most important part of your running kit so you need to make sure they are right for you.

Good luck and don't forget to post a picture of whichever ones you end up with 👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[dieOR5k Graduate10]

I agree. Not only are they an investment of ££, but an investment in your health. Need happy 🦶 to run.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Running gaits do change, so it’s possible you’re neutral. I’d have thought it would be difficult to tell how your feet land while running by having you walk on a treadmill, that’s very strange.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I agree with above, before you run in them go back to the shop. Ask to run on treadmill. You will not be the first, neither will you be the last, to return shoes. The store would rather keep your custom and get a good review than sell you something you aren’t happy with. Good luck 🤗

[sTrongFuse Graduate10]

I'm a big fan of Brooks. I'm on my second pair of Ghost 12s. The aftershokz should be a great investment though, I'm really impressed with mine.

[Madge50 Graduate10]

Yes, agree with all the above, I’m unsure as to how they’d know how you run when walking .....did they film it? And show you? 🤔, also as above, yes your gait can change, I started in stability shoes and now am neutral......

I’m really lucky have an excellent independent shop locally, which allows you to run on the treadmill and outside......and they film you and show you the alignment....

If it’s a reputable shop, you should be able to go back and get your questions sorted out

Hope you get it sorted!

Mx

Ps - i have aftershokz - love ‘em 👍

[OldSpeckledHen]

Thank You everyone for your advice xx

I felt embarrassed being there I think (that was my problem 😳 imposter syndrome)

Might see if I can get a day off midweek to go back, it was busy today (only 2 customers in store understandably- and there was a que outside) and I HATE making a fuss!

I’m such an arse!

[Forest_Run_Beginner Graduate10 in reply to OldSpeckledHen]

Don't worry about asking for what you want, you are a paying customer just like everyone else so you deserve to be happy with what you end up with. And you aren't an imposter nor a pain, like Grannyhugs says, they'd rather you walk away happy and recommend them to others.

You will love the Aftershokz though, they are fab.

I do wish you all the best with it and that you end up with a pair of shoes that will see you through many hundreds of miles of happy and comfortable running 😊🏃‍♀️👟🤞

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

Don’t keep them if you you’re not 100% sure.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Hi OSH, I agree with the others, don’t be afraid to take them back if you’re in any doubt whatsoever. Personally I’d go back anyway and ask to have a more thorough gait analysis if possible. “Quite neutral” while walking isn’t very definitive is it? 🤔

I’m a little biased as I had an incredibly detailed 90 minute gait analysis at a running lab (attached to an independent running shop) here in Bristol. The guy who did it is an elite runner (2hr30 marathon 😳) and a fully qualified podiatrist. I’m not saying you need to do that, but clearly running shoes aren’t cheap so it’s worth investing in a good pair enabling us to do what we love. 🥰

Don’t be an imposter. You aren’t one! All the very best of luck, and happy running!

[orangeguy Graduate10]

I think you certainly should go back to the shop if you have any doubts, shoes are too expensive and important not to get right. Some years ago I went to a running shop for shoes and gait analysis. I must have been in there well over an hour but did come out with a pair of Saucony's that were pretty much perfect. The great thing is once you know the brand and size that is right for you can search for the best deals of online and take advantage of discounts knowing that they will fit. Good luck, hope you get it sorted 😊

[Penguinita Graduate10]

I also got a neutral pair of brooks two sizes bigger than normal following a gait analysis at a running shop. I really wasn’t sure at first, they felt like boats but now I absolutely love them and they are my favourite running shoes! I know it isn’t the same, but could you wear them inside a bit before deciding whether to return them or not? If they don’t feel right even then, you will know they are not for you. Good luck finding your perfect shoe!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Was this a running shop? It doesn’t sound like the service that you should receive from someone trained in fitting running shoes. If you are at all unhappy with them you must go back and asked to be fitted by someone else. If they value their reputation they will do that.

Luckily, you have bought brooks so if the shop doesn’t do the right thing, you should go to the uk website and contact them as they offer a 90 day return even if you’ve worn them.

Good luck