Can anyone help with shoes?

[Goatskin]

I've not been running long and am currently using some trainers I already had, but as the runs are getting longer (and after an ankle injury) I feel I should invest in some proper running shoes. I over-pronate, particularly with my left foot, but am new to buying running shoes and don't want to be too naive when forking out. I'd be grateful if anyone would be able to offer any recommendations, or advice on what I should be looking for?

[Hidden]

I would strongly recommend that you visit a good running shop - the best two seem to be upandrunning and sweatshop.

There they will give you some very good professional advice & most of the staff there will be runners themselves (rather than the shop assistants you have in places like sports direct) & more importantly they will fully analyse your gait with slow-motion video. Plus you get to try on a variety of shoes and run in them on their treadmill.

word of warning though - be prepared to dig deep, these are more than just trainers, you are looking to get shoes which will help you run for longer & will help minimise the risk of injury & you're probably not going to get much change from £75 for a reasonable pair.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

There is a lot to be said for going to a specialist who will let you return shoes after you've tried them out for real. It's not a bargain if it isn't right for you.

[Goatskin]

I don't mind spending money on good shoes if they do what they should, but not sure how easy it'll be to tell if they're right for me. I'm happy running on my own, but i'm not so eager to have people watching my wobbly bits as they film me in slow-mo as I pant away! It is probably the best idea though, so will look into that. Thanks both for your responses!

[crox Graduate]

I think sweatshop still have a sale on. If not, do a parkrun and you should get a £15 voucher (my son did anyway) - don't stress about times, the volunteers don't mind his long it takes.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Don't worry about being filmed when having your gait checked, they really are only interested in the way you plant your feet and probably don't look at much above the knees. Its well worth getting checked out. Not sure where you hail from but you need to look for a Running shop as apposed to a Sports shop and one with a Treadmill set up. Enjoy your new shoes when you get them.

[Beads Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

This!

I was wearing a dress when I bought my shoes (I get the urge to do so sometimes), literally all they film is lower calves, ankles and feet, no wobbly bits.

[Mysticalmaid Graduate]

I went to an Up and Running, the running shoes were (I believe) around £85 for my requirements, but it changes according to stock and what you need. They were very helpful, and I have to say I am very happy with my running shoes. I have had them for a few months now and I'm very glad I bought them. My cheaper trainers were not great for my muscles. Once you have your gait analysed and you've tried a few shoes, next time you can buy the exact same shoe online for a bit cheaper

[Goatskin]

Ok, thanks all!

[Foylefiend Graduate]

Hi, couldn't agree more with all the great advice above. I did gait analysis at Up and Running in about week 3 and got some proper running shoes and within a couple of runs the aching in my knees was gone - and hasn't come back in the last year. Worth keeping in mind that you might end up paying a bit for your first pair but once you know what you need you can pick up some good Internet bargains - my second pair were half the price as I bought identical ones and they're now last years colours (obviously I'm dreadfully embarrassed about this but I'll cope ). Keep in mind though that different makes have different shapes, e.g. How high they come up at the back so if you find some that are right for you it might be good to stay with the same make. BTW I discussed on this forum before going for gait analysis as I was really worried I'd not be able to run far enough or fast enough, and others had had the same worry but it's not at all like that. Good luck shoe shopping

[ksed Graduate]

I was worried about getting on the running machine, thought i would look stupid! But the people couldnt have been nicer. They aren't interested in what you look like, they just want to help you choose the right shoes. If the shop is any good they will let you take the shoes back if you aren't happy with them and exchange them for another pair. I overpronate and have a pair of Brookes GTS, they cost £100.

Good Luck

[ju-ju- Graduate]

1.runningshop

2.gait analysis

3. Soooo important... Juicy Ju got f***** at10k.. Then luckily got sorted

4. Then tell us all how amazingly you are doing.. Seriously it's soooo worth it

5. Good luck

Juicyju

[ju-ju- Graduate]

1.runningshop

2.gait analysis

3. Soooo important... Juicy Ju got f***** at10k.. Then luckily got sorted

4. Then tell us all how amazingly you are doing.. Seriously it's soooo worth it

5. Good luck

Juicyju

[Downtwo]

I ran up and down the shop at Runners need in Pentonville Road London as I had trouble with the treadmill. But give it a go. Don't worry about how you look. After all you are going to be running round the park soon. As explained in another post about shoes I got a great pair of shoes. They were expensive but if you have persistent problems, shoes are the most important change you can make. Good luck and good running.

[roseabi]

Choose shoes that feel comfortable