Need to buy running shoes to get started any recommendations? Not too expensive please

[Juski]

[crox Graduate]

That's tough, not really for anyone else to advise because everyone's feet are different, I'd get myself down to a running shop and ask for advice.

[fjdimarco1 Graduate]

You want to try

sportsdirect.com

get something very supportive, Nike do great ones but be sure to go for the more supportive rather than the natural feel ones to begin with. Once your technique gets better then you can graduate on to shoes with a more natural feel. Good luck!

[Juski in reply to fjdimarco1]

Thanks will have a look

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to fjdimarco1]

I reckon this is only valid for people who already run regularly who would then be needing to change their running style. If you are just starting you can do whatever you like. I bought minimalist from the start and then bought minimalist/lightweight trail shoes to cope better with the mud. I don't know that I would recommend them if you are restricted to running mainly on hard surfaces, but then I wouldn't recommend running mainly on hard surfaces if you can avoid it anyway.

When I've tried running in supposedly more supportive shoes my knees knocked together, I couldn't feel the ground properly and it was generally an unpleasant experience. Fortunately I could take them back to the shop (if you have to buy another pair of 'cheap' shoes because the first ones are no good and you can't return them after you've used them, you may end up spending more overall)

[Juski in reply to GoogleMe]

Thanks for that I am feeling a little confused right now is it maybe a good idea to pop into my local specialist see what they recommend then see if I can buy a cheaper version?

[Jaynew01]

Ok, have your gait anylysed at a running shop. Have this done regularly. Try on shoes at the shop for comfort etc. You can usually order them over the internet much more cheaply. However, sweatshop do a returns policy and if you're not happy you can return them. It's the only thing I never cut corners on. If you go to other larger and more general sports stores the guys working there aren't generally specialist but store assistants. You could end up with ill fitting shoes that don't suit your running style. My very first pair, years ago turned my toe nails black because I wasn't advised to go up a size to give room to your feet to swell when they are hot. You may pay more initially but once done you will have the advantage of purchasing online. I also bulk buy in online sales and can buy two for the price of one. Good luck.

[phill]

Hi I have been running over 30 years and am also a training coach - the last thing I would do is seek advice from a sports shop - the staff are trained to sell and have little or no idea re shoes. An aweful lot of hype has been writen re shoes most proven to be wrong. Research in USA and Uk recently shows absolutely no difference between expensive and cheap shoes. Your current weight could make a difference but so long as less than 12 stone a fair choice to start with if you do not have a very broad foot is Nike Dart - about £40 Sports Direct, - and you dont need the latest model either - (also in dark colours which is a help actually as you soon get them dirty) but if you can go to shop to try on dont be fooled by their sales technques nor their "machines" they sometimes use. Finally dont think that you will run better in "better" shoes - just not true. hope that helps - enjoy your running but take it easy and slow - running should be a life long pleasure be patient and remember that fast walking is also a very good exercise dont be afraid to mix running and fast walking.

[Juski in reply to phill]

Thank you so much this is a real help many thanks

[Mini13 Graduate]

Hi,

When I bought my first pair of shoes, I also (just like you) wanted a cheap pair of running shoes and went to sports Direct and bought one for £25. It was £35 reduced to £25. It was good, helped me to be a graduate. Then I knew I was hooked into running so I went to a Running Shop to buy my 2nd pair and in fact a 'proper' pair. There they check how you run and what type of feet you have etc etc and you can try few different shoes to see what is best for you, for your feet. I tried various different shoes and when I decided what to buy I thought the price was way too much for me, it was £120! I was sad that I could not buy it but after coming home empty handed I tried Amazon and bought the same pair for £60! My type of shoes may not fit you so the best thing is to go to a Running Shop and try the best one for you, don't just buy on line without trying that could be a mistake.. Good Luck!

[misswobble Graduate]

I bought two pairs from SD, one for the trail and one for the road. Both were cheap but have been fine. I feel though that my very cheap shoes are not cushioned enough for me (the road shoes that is) so I shall get some better quality ones when I can afford it. I must say that both pairs of the Karrimor cheapo shoes have been supremely comfy straight out of the box, and the insides of the shoes are so smooth so there is nothing to rub or chafe. For the money you can't complain, and they are absolutely fine for beginners who are not doing any serious distance running, which they aren't when just starting out.

Also, if you don't get on with running (for whatever reason) then you've not lost much if you only bought cheap Karrimors from SD

[ChrisL Graduate]

I bought my 1st pair of running shoes this week. I had done a run in old tennis shoes and hurt my ankle. I went to SweatShop (they have lots of outlets) and was hugely impressed. I told the guy my budget and he still treated me just like the fit young girl in front of me who spent well over £100. He spent a lot of time with me & did a full gait analysis on a treadmill with a slow motion camera. He told me I needed stability shoes rather than just cushioned shoes. He then went and fetched 3 suitable pairs in my price range and filmed me again in each pair and told me which he recommended. They were actually the cheapest pair and cost £46 reduced from £115 as they were last years model/colour or whatever. They are super-comfortable and I am very pleased with my limited investment.

I would definitely recommend getting your gait checked rather than taking pot-luck in SportsDirect and I found SweatShop to be superb...

[phill]

If anyone interested here is the summary article relating to research re expensive versus cheap shoes - scpod.org/foot-health/2013-...

[GoogleMe Graduate]

The key thing is comfort. The most expensive footwear I have run in was much worse than my walking boots. I have also run in my active sandals in warm weather and that was fine.

[misswobble Graduate]

What shoes did you get in the end then Chris?

[ChrisL Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Adidas Adistar Salvation 3 apparently MissWobble. Ridiculously long name isn't it?

[Natalie01 Graduate]

Hi, sweatshop often have last season's shoes on sale, around 50quid. But they do a free gait analysis which is very helpful and if you don't get on with the shoes you can take them back within 30 days, which i think is a pretty good deal. Good luck with finding the right pair.

[misswobble Graduate]

Look out for local runs as the running shops have stalls there where there will be shoe bargains to be had

[Juski]

Bought a pair of 30 quid karrimoors and couldn't be happier they are so comfy