Do I have to buy running shoes?

[pinkymoo]

I'm on a pretty tight budget and don't want to fork out for equipment I might only use a few times or don't actually need.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

For the amount of running involved in this programme , you may not need to purchase expensive running shoes. A lot depends on what running (if any) you have done before and whether you have any REAL problems with your feet. These days there is a LOT of discussion (and contention) regarding running shoes -- and the running shoes industry. Just do a search on minimalist running shoes and/or barefoot running!!! As I am a forefoot runner and do not run/jog on my heels, I have chosen to listen to the barefoot/minimalist running theorists and have only very lightweight (200gms) lightly padded shoes which I am finding great to run in. --and they were very inexpensive compared to many of the more highly engineered foot control type shoes ( which are more designed for heavy heel strikers) .

[sprynn Graduate]

There are two essential items if you are a woman - shoes that are adapted to your running style and a good sports bra for women. Good sports shops should have a range including some of the not so expensive ranges. Take advice in a few shops to get an idea. If you are going to keep on running, then the investment will be worth it.

[renette Graduate]

True: good running shoes are very important and if you shop around you will besurprise, not as expensive as you might think.

[bubbles654 Graduate]

You could just try a cheaper pair of running shoes first to see how you get on with running. I had a pair from sports direct in the sale they were reduced from £80 to £20 and I love them they also have good sports tops which are reasonable x good luck x

[Juski]

I have recently bought a pair of karrimoor running shoes from sports direct £30 I have to say they are great compared to my bog standard trainers I wore for my week 1 runs which gave me quite a bit of trouble. You really don't need expensive shoes to start. Good luck with your running.

[prettymingo Graduate in reply to Juski]

I LOVE my Karrimor's! Got mine for £25 in the sale. The sales assistant tried to flog me £100+ ones but backed off when he realised they didn't stock my size in any of them (I'm a size 2) He was most put out when it was obvious I wasn't just being a cheap-skate.

[Nerdio Graduate]

I had a 'cheap' pair of 'anonymous brand' running shoes. Well to be honest, they are trainers that look a bit flash. They were fine, just fine. However, I do have some posture/gait problems, and as my runs got longer I started to get problems. I felt the support the shoes gave me was dwindling. So, I bought some proper running shoes, and they have been great, really well worth it. That said, there are plenty of people round where I live who look like they run in trainers.

It depends upon you. They do make a difference, whether or not you need them depends on how you feel when you run. Watch out for persisting knee, ankle, hip, shin problems, these might be signs that your trainers are not giving you the support you need.. Listen to your body, and if in doubt get some advice.

One other thing, trainers won't last as long as running shoes, so there is a trade-off in terms of paying more for something that lasts longer, or buying a couple of pairs of trainers.

(BTW, I read somewhere that when you run your are putting up to 3.5 times your body weight through your foot - In my case, that is well over quarter of a ton! Some days my feet feel like that has really happened )

Happy running

[SJN2K Graduate]

+1 from me for Karrimoor shoes. I bought a pair from Sports Direct. I had been having some problems with pain in my knee when running but since having these I've had no problems at all so I would say that a pair of runners are a very worthwhile investment.

[Hidden]

About 40 years ago, when I was a student, I thought I would "jog" a bit. I did this in a pair of cheap school plimsolls. After about three days, I discovered that I had obviously pulled my Achilles tendon. The pain was appalling for a couple of weeks. Even when it stopped hurting all the time, for several months following it remained far too painful for me to run just a few steps to catch a bus and going up and down stairs was unpleasant. This was one of the reasons it took me several decades before I dared to try a running programme.

I would not dream of running even small distances without proper shoes now. I really do not want to go through that sort of pain again. It really was on par with giving birth to my daughters and with what I went through after a median sternotomy (chest cut open) a few years ago!

I made my first re-attempt to run ten years ago and kept going for about two years. Immediately I started, I bought some very decent running shoes. When these had done the recommended distance in running, I downgraded them to being everyday trainers. Ten years later, I am still wear them whenever I can be dressed casually, which is most of the time since I work from home. I would have probably spent far more on a series of cheap trainers for non-running everyday wear over that period.

Compared to the investment for many other hobbies, even if you pay for good shoes you are still paying very little in comparison.

[baronblaze]

The answer has to be no. If you have a pair of trainers that are comfortable then use those initially. If you do hopefully get into your running then invest in a pair of running shoes they do not have to be expensive. Running can be one of the cheapest sports/hobbies/pastimes. I upgraded to a pair of running shoes which cost about £100 which is when i started to get shin splints and other injuries - I've discarded them now and don't even wear them for everyday use. Remember a lot of the elite African runners did most of their running barefoot in their childhood.

[Sofachip]

Another possibility if finances are tight is gel shock absorbing insoles. Lidl have them in just now and some of the girls in my running groups swear by them. Plus always wear sports socks for added comfort. Good luck.

[moger Graduate]

bettercare.com or pro direct running both have sales on have a look mke sure you get the rigtht shoe

[Renka Graduate]

If you are doing C25k then for the first couple of weeks you are not actually running much - there's more walking than running TBH - so try it with your ordinary trainers. You'll get a taste of running and can then decide if you want to carry on or not. If you do carry on, you might want to get a pair of stronger shoes. I have a pair of Snowdonia walking shoes (they look like trainers and are light weight but have very sturdy soles) which are robust enough for my needs and give my feet the support they need. They cost £28 which I feel is more than enough for a 'casual' runner. If the day ever comes when I am doing regular 5k 'parkruns' and the like, I would consider upgrading but not at my level.

[Scarlett_K Graduate]

I just bought some running trainers which were half price at £50 - I didn't own any trainers or anything suitable for running in, though.

[BordersDad71]

I got to the end of week3 and my shins were hurting. A couple of friends who had done C25K advised me to get my running style analysed and get running shoes. I googled Running shops in Edinburgh, went down at lunch. They put you on a treadmill and film your running style, then you try different shoes to improve stability. My left ankle was bending in which was incredible to see. The shoes I got cost £100 which is a lot but not much more than a pair of Nikes from Sports Direct and I now they are right for my running style. It's only worth it if you intend to stick with the running though so ask that question first. Good luck

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I started C25K in my lightweight cheapo walking boots and no special clothing whatsoever. I didn't possess a pair of trainers of any description. I do now own and wear: socks (nothing fancy) sports bras, big support knickers (all M&S often bought in sales/special offer) and on the top of that I wear Sainsbury's cotton leggings and long sleeved fair trade t shirts which I wear anyway. I have also developed a bit of a weakness for buffs which are handy for keeping necks and heads warm, and a pair of gloves is one of the most critical bits of kit. I have bought 3 pairs of running shoes in the last 2 years - a lightweight pair that cost £40, a reward to myself for progressing with C25K (chosen on ethical grounds really but a stroke of luck as I don't think I could hack those big mattresses on the end of my legs), an expensive £80 trail pair fitted at a proper running shop (exchanged from a more expensive pair that didn't work out in practice - see the big mattress problem and a pair of Vivobarefoot trail marked down to £30. I alternate between the latter two so I am not having to put on wet shoes (I love a bog but not putting my feet into soggy shoes to start with).

But... but... but... I am able to restrict all my running to off road surfaces. Last Summer when it was hot I ran in my active sandals, and sometimes in cut off jeans although my calves turned out not to like the fresh air on them.

It could be well worth your while putting a request out on Freegle for the kit you need.

[YJB1 Graduate]

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes! You don't have to pay a lot but you could be risking injury if you run without proper running shoes. The people who have got away with it are probably lucky enough to have a very neutral running gait or are just very lucky full stop but it really is not worth the risk. If possible get your running gait tested too as not all shoes are built the same and you need the right pair for you otherwise you may as well not bother!

[Hidden]

Assuming that you are a lady, then there are two essentials [as previously pointed out]; a good sports bra and a pair of running shoes. The bra is FAR more important to a lady as the boob's tendons will NEVER return to their original length if they are stretched. I would say get a good running bra over a pair of shoes to start with. You can pick-up a half-decent pair of running shoes (last seasons) from many running shops or Sports Direct.

You will need to get some better ones as and when you start getting out more, but my Asics were about £20 and have done hundreds of miles and have some life left in them yet.

Good luck with the running, and keep us posted.

[Beek Graduate]

I was in exactly your position when I started out. I used some old fashioned plimsolls but soon moved on to some old badminton trainers I had. They were fine in the summer but I have since invested in some proper trail shoes and they do feel a lot safer. You need good support for your feet when you land each step and slippery conditions in winter can be tricky. Your footwear is probably the most important piece of kit. For ladies a good sports bra is also essential. Bravissimo had Shockabsorbers for £5 less that most places.

My son helped me out with birthday gift tokens for a local running shop, otherwise I would have been very limited as to what I could go for.

I hope you manage to find a way round it because there are so many benefits to this programme for you to look forward to, but nothing is worth risking getting injured for!

For clothing keep a look out on Aldi and Lidl web sites for their special purchases offers. They have themed weeks (eg running or cycling) and I saved a shed load of money on kit such as compression underwear, tops, gloves, buffs and a lightweight waterproof. It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg!

Good Luck!

[JenniRae]

I waited until week 3 to buy running trainers, as I didn't want to spend money at first in case I didn't carry it on. I spent £35 on some Nike running shoes and, although I've only been out twice in them, I can really feel a difference in my running and am so glad I made the investment. I got mine from a Nike outlet store to get them at a reduced price.

Good luck with the running

[Nickbarr Graduate]

My friend started running without proper shoes and has buggered up her back for life. I recommend going to a specialist shop, getting them to watch your gait and how you run and recommend you some shoes.

[Hidden]

Can only agree that properly analysed and fitted running shoes are necessary. I wouldn't be without mine. Best wishes and good luck with the programme.

[hevskii]

I completed the programme in knackered reebok classics which was fine for a maximum of 30 mins but when I got proper running shoes the difference was amazing! If you catch the running bug then get yourself some decent shoes; they will protect your knees and ankles

[moger Graduate]

sweatshop.com get a gaint test to c how you run otherwise knee probs ankles hip you can have these test for free good luck with your runs

[Zippy12345]

Hiya, nothing fancy, £15, tops. I'm a Physio and all this guff about pronation, supination and stability / neutral is all there to extract cash out of your wallet. Unless they have a Physio / Podiatry / Physiology qualification forget it. Take a look at the sole of your most comfy lace-ups. If they are worn slightly on the outside at the back and slightly on the inside (big toe) at the front, or roughly middle front and back, then for our distances you can wear anything comfy that ISN'T described as for pronation or supination. Buy your trainers and wear indoors as slippers for a week. Make sure they fit like any shoe and don't rub your Achilles. If you like them, run! Zippy

[ChrisL Graduate]

Something no one has touched on yet is that when you run your feet both swell up slightly and move in the shoe. If you do little more than a gentle jog your existing trainers may fit OK. If you run hard you may well find you get sore toes and even lose toe nails because there is not enough room at the toe. I take a 7 in normal shoes but was fitted into size 8.5 running shoes at SweatShop.