Running shoes for beginner?

[SueB49]

Anyone able to recommend running shoes that are not overly expensive and suitable for a beginner or are standard Reebok trainers OK?

[ju-ju- Graduate]

If you are going to stick at this I would suggest going to a running shop and having proper gait analysis to get shoes ... Good luck on the programme...

[gypsydepp Graduate]

I agree with juicyju.

Many people wait too long to get 'decent' shoes and regret it later x

[danzargo Graduate in reply to gypsydepp]

Like me!

[Aprilia]

Congratulations! Good shoes are essential, and they normally do not come cheap. My first were Asics, and I bought them following the recommendations form their web page. For the distance, speed and frequency I had, it came out that some of the cheapest of their range were OK. I would also recommend to buy a half size up. Good luck!

[AnnieF Graduate]

I'd say it's not so much the make as making sure they are intended for running and not just any old cheap trainer. I got my first set from Amazon, I think they were Asics. It's a balance between paying out for gait analysis first off or seeing if you're fine with a random set you buy. I think you'll know quite quickly if they're not right and especially if you develop any problems, knee twinges, foot pain etc.

That said, I just changed shoes and the new ones are a dream. I didn't pay a fortune, I got them in the running shop sale. Either they are perfect for me or it's just that you really do need to change shoes every 6 months or so if you are running regularly. Good luck, be patient with yourself.

[hpelly]

I have a pair of Asics £30 at the moment from Sports Direct sportsdirect.com/asics-gel-.... I like them, but don't ever run more than 5K. I have never done gait analysis etc and have had no knee/hip/foot problems.

[fatcontroller]

I agree with comments below, I was running with old trainers and complaining of knee/hip pain, went to my local running shop had a gait check for free and came out with a rather expensive pair of Saucony trainers but amazingly comfortable and no more pain..... Good luck

[Jonny1 Graduate]

I made that mistake when I started running. As Juicyju says, get a gait analysis done and get a proper pair of running shoes. The make doesn't really matter, so much as the support in the correct place. Good luck on the program.

[danzargo Graduate in reply to Jonny1]

Hear hear!

[bliksem Graduate]

I'm with fatcontroller. Like most people I thought I was "normal" and was just going to find a "neutral" shoe bargain on the internet. Shoes in the running shops are all the latest models and I agree that the prices are generally high. However, a runnng shop gait anaylsis is quite detailed and the guy in the shop spotted some very subtle overpronation. I was surprised when he recommended the shoe he did. It's maybe just my body getting used to running more but I have no more pain in my knee or sole. A 10% Jog Scotland discount helped too.

[Nilzed in reply to bliksem]

10% jogscotland discount? Wish i had known about that! Oh well, next time!

Get some shoes, keep track of the miles you put on them, replace them when you hit the advised limit. It may seem expensive to replace shoes that dont look completely deystroyed, but not as expensive as the trouble wear and tear on your joints and feet will cause.

[Hidden]

Shoes are the only remotely expensive bit of kit, but if you buy last season's styles from the likes of Sports Direct, they can still be found pretty cheaply.

I would urge you to get a gait analysis done (free (and with no obligation) at most good running shops as well as Go Outdoors) and/or do the 'wet foot test' ~ look online for instructions.

I would thoroughly recommend paying attention to your rest days AND to warm-up walks and [very importantly] stretches following running.

Running is great; it is cheap; it can be done anywhere; it can be done at all times of year and in all weathers ~ and the support you will get on the C25K site is second to none.

Above all, enjoy your running, and keep us posted. We ARE interested.

[Hidden]

I will simply add to the good advice already given here - gait analysis and the correct shoes really are essential. Good luck with the programme. Best wishes.

[Legion Graduate]

I didn't have gait analysis before buying my first pair of running shoes, and they turned out to be the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I wore them all the time! They were a bargain from Amazon (about £25 I think). I did lots of research first to find out what sort of shoes would suit me, given that I suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, and that I'm a slight over-pronator (also discovered from online research). My running shoes are Brooks and they have a 'shoe advisor' tool on their website brooksrunning.co.uk/396100/... which helped me find the right shoes for me.

Yes, get gait analysis done if you can (you're not committed to buying the shoes you try) but if you can't (I have nowhere local to me) then research away. Once you know what you're looking for, try places like Amazon to see if there are any bargains. You don't have to spend a fortune buying direct from the manufacturer or a running shop.

[secretlemon Graduate]

I have nike lunar glide 5's because I kept getting bad ankles/knees/legs in my nike airs. I had a leg injury that seemed like it lasted forever because of the wrong shoes. I agree get an analysis

[P1glet1 Graduate]

I echo the comments above, go to a running shop and get the analysis done. Sweatshop etc do it for free, plus they have a 30 return option on shoes. It is still sale time, so it doesn't need to break the bank and not investing in decent shoes is a false economy

[tor41 Graduate]

juicyju is right, but if you don't want to wait suggest you do a wet foot test, there are three types, flat, arched and normal, then go to sports direct (their trainers have a tag saying which type they are) here are loads of good cheap trainers waiting for a run out...should last for about 500 miles (or 6 months) Happy running

[danzargo Graduate]

Essentially, JuicyJu speaks sense. ALways and forever. So if I were you, I'd do as she says - cos she's always bloomin' right!

[Hidden]

Don't take any risks with your feet!

It's an investment and you need the right shoes for running. Our feet are all different, so I suggest visiting a running shop who are specialists at advising on the correct shoe.

I bought Mizuno's Inspire, they are lightweight and wide, but so comfy.

Happy shopping.

[Nerdio Graduate]

I would agree, proper running shoes are not the same as trainers, and getting the right ones for you is important.

I bought some purpose made insoles from Sweatshop when I bought my shoes (Brooks Ravenna 4) which they said would last for ages. They didn't. They are 4 months old, and have gone soft. They were not supporting my arches, and I subsequently have had problems. I have just bought some orthotics from my physio, which feel really odd, as the level of support in my arch, right by my heel, is a lot more than I am used to. Haven't run with them as I am trying to sort my back out at the moment, but I am sure they will make a big difference.

I read somewhere that when you run the load on your feet/ankles/knees etc. goes up 3-fold. That's quite an increase in load.

[misswobble Graduate]

Another point to bear in mind is where you will be doing your running as there are two distinct types of shoes - road shoes or trail shoes.

Happy running

[Janglyshe Graduate]

I got New Balance shoes from Sports Direct and they were under £40. In sale some colours are £34-£37. They did gait analysis too.

[Hidden]

I ran in converses until half way through week 2 and bought a pair of £25 Karrimor running shoes in Sports Direct last weekend. The difference is enormous, but I imagine it would make even more of a difference to have had a gait test and taken advice. However the guy helping me in SD said the shoes I got are fine for up to 5k and I'm finding them really good. I do feel kind of propelled forward into each step of the run, with their cushioned soles and good support across the soles of my feet. The guys on here advising you to invest in correctly fitted shoes are definitely worth listening to, but we're all on different budgets, and my £25 shoes are working well for now. Good luck

[Lost_property Graduate]

Reading things like this make it harder to decide..

telegraph.co.uk/men/active/...