Running shoes?

[Maturelady]

Do running shoes REALLY make a difference? I just use trainers so I would like some of you "experienced graduates" to tell me if running shoes really make a difference and what difference do they make?

[LMS2110 Graduate]

I started out in bog-standard trainers, and started to feel aches in ankles, knees and legs around week 3 or 4. So, on the advice of folk here, I went for gait analysis at a dedicated running shop. Discovered that I had one foot on which the arch had almost collapsed .... So my ankle was over compensating for wonky foot, then knee over-compensated for wonky ankle, and eventually my hip would over compensate ...and then the other leg would try to get the balance right too! Get the picture?

I was told that an insert could be made to adequately compensate for the dropped arch and support my foot completely. I was also told that my trainers were neither padded enough nor lightweight/flexible enough to continue the programme satisfactorily. I was able to try on several different styles/brands ... Probably a dozen different shoes! Have to say I was completely gobsmacked ... They really did feel different and amazing at the same time! They vary in price quite considerably, and quite often there are 'end of range', 'last season' styles available at reduced prices.

I settled on a pair of Brooks - lightweight, springy, very flexible, padded support in all the right places for me, and an airy, ventilated top for running comfort. I was also given loads of hints about lacing techniques which can help different feet and different styles of exercise. Mine were about middle of the Brooks price range. (Not cheap but worth every penny!)

I haven't ever regretted buying them, and would go further and say they have been the best investment ever for my new hobby of running! I have completed C25K with no further aches or pains, trained for a walking marathon with a mate (she did it, I just trained with her!) and recently walked most of the length of the Basingstoke Canal. Still running, still comfy in my fabulous shoes ... So, do they really make a difference? In my case an unequivocal YES!

[plodalong Graduate]

I agree with the previous blog. My running trainers are so comfortable and provide support in all the right places and definitely worth the investment . I couldn't believe how different they felt from my trainers when I first put them on . Definitely worth going to running shop if you have one in your area as they give you loads of advice and help you find the right shoes for you. Good luck

[runningwild Graduate]

I didn't think so at first and now I'm about to graduate after months of shin splints. I thought a gait analysis was something I didn't need and trainers were just a waste of money. I ran in some bog standard 'Asiscs' described as an entry level shoe which I thought were perfectly fine until I decided whether I was going to get into running properly.

For some people most trainers would be fine without having to get cushioned ones like mine or make sure they are specially for high arches which I have. Finally I went to my local running shop and had invaluable advice from a very patient man. Three quarters of an hour later I decided on the sixth pair! He said I'm glad you went for those they are most suitable for you. he didn't pressure me and even said you can get the latest model in the Adidas but these are the same thing, just last seasons and cheaper!

It was like going from a Lada to a Ferrari, no more problems, shin splints vanished. In fact I was so confident I went out in the ice and snow in February, thinking they would slip and didn't. Had a great run, skidded to a stop at the end of the run and pulled my quad! Too confident I suppose. Anyway due to graduate finally after nearly three months and hope this answers your question! Oh now I know what I'm looking for I got a pair in Tkmaxx for £15 instead of £70.

Good luck,

Susie

[Maturelady Graduate]

Aw thanks guys. This is very helpful because at the moment I have Rebok trainers and have no problem with them but I just wanted to ask if it would be worth me buying them if I decide running is definately for me. Thanks again.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

The *right* shoes do make a lot of difference. What the *right* shoes might be for each person is another matter. The first pair of shoes I had professionally fitted at a specialist running shop were the worst footwear I have run in by far (and that includes the walking boots I started in) Talk about pronation - my knees literally knocked together. I couldn't feel the ground under me (great insight into a relative's diabetic neuropathy) I ran three or four times in them just to be sure it wasn't just because they were different. Fortunately I could take them back covered in mud and swap them for another pair which are the best.

[Hidden]

I started out in a pair of old trainers but, after a few weeks, went to a dedicated running shop to be gait analysed. I was over-pronating and given corrective running shoes to try out. The Brooks Vapor 10 felt as though they'd been made for me and I increased my speed on the shop's treadmill by .7kph. When I tried the shoes on my next running session it felt as though I was running on air. Definitely worth the investment. Good luck in finding the right shoes and all the very best with your future runs.

[Hidden]

The simple answer is YES, they do make difference.

Not only do they help with general comfort, but they help you anatomically too. If you are not wearing the right footwear (and it doesn't have to be expensive) then you are throwing your body out of 'true'.

Pop along to a running shop, or even a branch of GO, and get a gait analysis. It doesn't commit you to buying their products, but it will show you what type of shoe you need. When you know, you can buy a last seasons model and see how it goes...

Good luck!

[Maturelady Graduate]

Aw thanks guys this is great advice.