Running analysis - worth it or not?

[Sharonb9999]

I've been thinking of going to the sweat shop near me to get this done but nit sure what really happens and if it's worth it. I'm concerned that they'll try & flog me some mega expensive shoes that I can't afford. Any advice/tips would be gratefully received

[AncientMum Graduate]

Definitely worth it and Sweatshop are one of the very best places to get it done. They will make a pair of custom fit insoles for you that cost loads of money but they couldn't care less if you buy them or not. I didn't. They will, however, make sure that you're running in the correct shoes for your gait and, I think, they may have a sale on at the moment. If not, don't be embarrassed to ask if they have any of last seasons styles in your fit. If they do, they will be cheaper. Go for it, you won't regret it. (I don't work for Sweatshop btw, I just had very good service there)

[Sharonb9999 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

That's was I hoping to hear. I know I need to get some better shoes but I didn't want to feel pressured into spending big £'s. If I can get something decent in the sale that will suit me just fine. Thanks!

[c4ts Graduate]

I would recommend it, and although I did not go to Sweat Shop I understand that you do not have to buy anything. I bought a pair of trainers which I thought were fine in SD when I first set out on C25K, but ended up putting insoles in them quite early on which I then thought were great, until I began to really suffer with something not quite right around the heel / ankle and worried it was Achilles. Saw a sports physio who told me to get my gait analysed and a new pair of trainers.

I went to a sports shop recommended to me and the guy watched my running style both with my trainers on and off, and then we had out about 8 different pairs and brands of trainers. I could not tell the difference between the ones he choose but he told me which were the right ones. When I tried one of them against one of my old trainers the difference was amazing and I have been really really pleased with them since. They were about £75 but I believe worth the money, and by him trying the range of different trainers he knows what will and will not suit me in the future.

Hope this helps

[Sharonb9999 Graduate]

I did the same - got a cheap pair when I started C25K but now getting a bit of pain in my knees so I'm thinking that the time has come to get a better pair. There seem to be 100's of different styles so I want to make sure that I get the right ones for me.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

deffo...worth it to keep your legs and knees in one piece.....

[Hidden]

Definitely worth it. I went to Sweatshop and although they always make up the insoles for you there really is no obligation to buy them (although I did as the shoes they recommended were only £45). Having had a bad experience with another shop I thought the Sweatshop service was excellent and the assistant really listened to where I was with my running and also what I wanted to achieve in the future. The shoes have been great. Do it....

[Sharonb9999 Graduate]

Great reviews about Sweatshop! Glad I asked ☺

[Slookie Graduate]

If you do nothing else, do this! Let your SweatShopShoe magician have your budget when you go in to avoid the overspend worry and they will work within that. Don't be intimidated, they are so helpful and kind.

[Sharonb9999 Graduate in reply to Slookie]

This all sounds so positive. When I'm fitted up with my swanky new trainers & running like a teenager I'll post an update ☺

[Lovefood1984 Graduate]

Another vote for sweatshop, I usually end up feeling really bad saying no, but I said no to the insoles and didn't feel guilty at all! They were so nice and they really spend the time, think I was in the store almost 40mins but I'm sooooo glad I chose them to go to happy shoe supposing x

[Lovefood1984 Graduate in reply to Lovefood1984]

Darn autocorrect, that should read shopping!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Define 'can't afford'.... I did have to make two trips to Sweatshop as my first pair were a disaster and they swapped the muddy things no questions but on a per use and no injury and not tempted to be forever looking at new shoes basis, mine were worth it. I have pretty much decided I need to start saving up for a new pair and going back.

I did buy the insoles... but wear them in a normal pair of boots instead, not running shoes.

[Floe Graduate]

Went to Sweatshop months after I posted a similar question. Had the analysis was really interesting to see how I ran. I got a pair in the sales £45.00, (fluorescent pink!) didn't get the insole, don't remember him mentioning them. I decided on one run not to wear them as didn't want to get the muddy. What a mistake, I felt the difference.

Well worth it... Wish I'd done it earlier.

[helingmic]

This is the best post I've ever read about running shoes!