Running shoes - any suggestions?

[mcgurranhouse]

I am probably going to have to replace my current trainers very shortly.

Does anyone have any suggestions - budget isn't huge by the way...

[davelinks Graduate]

Bought a pair of new balance 680V2 a few months ago for £27 with shipping on Amazon, got them a size bigger and are excellent. Think they are up around £40 now.

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Thanks for this. I saw new balance advertised on sports direct but wasn't sure whether they were good or bad. would you recommend buying a size bigger?

[roseabi in reply to mcgurranhouse]

I have these and they are fine for me, maybe a little over-padded under my arches, but incredibly lightweight, and they didn't need any breaking in. They're a pretty garish colour but I don't care I'd suggest that a larger size might be better, although it depends to a certain extent on what socks you like. I've got 6.5s, which is definitely usually on the large side for me, and some of the folk who left reviews think that at least a half-size up is better. You can bounce around in them in your house to see if you like them, and return them if necessary - which is a bit of extra hassle I suppose, but not tooo much. I like buying online, and I wouldn't care to be pressurised by the gait analyses and other sales techniques used by the shops meself But as others have said below it might be as well for you to at least check some shoes out in a shop first, and if you're not so bothered by the hard sell then a gait analysis - why not?!

mandmdirect.com/01/details/...

NB: Some of the outer material is starting to flake off these ^ (and I haven't had them long), messy, but again I don't care!

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to roseabi]

Wow - they are bright aren't they!

[dagshar Graduate]

A lot of brands are great, but not everyone likes and gets on with the same type if shoes. I would suggest a visit to a running shop to try out different types/brands and get some advice. Maybe they have something in the sale and if not and you really can't afford them, then at least you know what fits.

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to dagshar]

Good idea Dagshar - thanks for this.

[davelinks Graduate]

Yes, best to go into a shop and get advice and try them, see what suits you.

But you can order them from Amazon try them, if you don't like them send them back or order another size, they are very good with this, flexible.

Brooks, new balance, Nike, Asic, as I said depends on what suits you and your pocket.

BTW I believe new balance are the only trainers made in UK..

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to davelinks]

AFAIK only their expensive 'lifestyle' trainers are UK made, not any of their running shoes.

That said, I've bought quite a few pairs of shoes from New Balance (they make everyday trainers big enough for my sons' huge feet) and you can get free p&p over a certain amount and free returns so you can try a few on. Not as good as Sweatshop's policy (if you buy in store) of course where you can return shoes you've run through mud in (and you never really know until you get outside and try them) I've been disappointed with my NB trails as they are coming apart

[davelinks Graduate]

I would avoid Karrimor shoes, mine had to go back after a few weeks as the sole fell off..

[Lost_property Graduate]

I bought some Puma FAAS 500 V4 last week off Amazon for £22.50

runrepeat.com/puma-faas-500

Ive never had any other running shoes to compare them too but im loving them so far. Lightweight, good support and comfortable, what more could be asked for?.

My partner likes the look and feel of them too and she ordered a pair.

[AdamB Graduate]

Shoes are a very individual thing. What's right for my foot could be totally wrong for yours. Some manufacturers use wider/narrower lasts than others and you will find that one manufacturer's 43 is a different size to another's. If you can possibly do it, get yourself to a running shop where they can do a gait analysis and give you sensible advice based upon the size and shape of your feet and your running style. Once you have a manufacturer and style that fits, then you can bargain shop on the internet for future pairs.

What might cost a few pounds more now (but won't necessarily) could save a fortune later in injury and physios costs having run in unsuitable (for you) footwear. For chains look at someone like Runners Need or Sweat Shop where the staff tend to know what they are talking about and where they have the gait analysis equipment. Avoid the likes of SD and the internet until you've had some advice.

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to AdamB]

Thank you for the sound advice.

[MarkyD Graduate]

Please do not buy on brand or colour. Good advice above: go to a running shop - a specialist - and get your gait analysed, explain your running surface(s) - trail, road, grass, sand - and your experience. C25k, 10km, HM, fell running. Do you land on toes, mid foot or heel? Over or underpronate or are you neutral?

I don't want to put you off, but some proper shoes now could save injury later. Proper running shops are likely to have something in your budget, even if it is last years model. You can tell the advisor your budget upfront, they will be familiar with this.

Pick a quieter time at the shop and expect to be there an hour. Go in your running clothes with your old trainers... The assistant may learn something from how they are wearing. Mention C25K - maybe you'll get a discount.

DONT LOOK AT THE RUNNING WATCHES 😃

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Noted - avoid the running watches - even if they are a great idea!

[rmnsuk Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

If you go to sweatshop, they may try to sell you insoles shaped to your feet. I bought them and like them but they are probably an expensive luxury for a beginner.

[Coddfish Graduate]

As others have said, please go to a proper running shop to find out what your body needs. And if you can afford the tiny difference in price, please buy from the shop that helped you rather than going home and ordering off the internet. We NEED proper running shops to stay in business, and they won't if everyone treats them as a try-on only service. I also agree you should tell them your budget, and tell them it doesn't need to be this year's shoe model. They usually have sale shoes. You won't be the only person they have seen with price constraints.

I'm not sure you can put a price on the physical problems that come from running in the wrong shoes anyway.

My own preference is my local specialist rather than a big chain, I couldn't believe the care they took (Alexandra Sports in Portsmouth, to give them a plug). A shop like this finds out what you do (surface, distance, frequency), looks at your feet and posture, looks at how you run, understands posture / gait issues you may have, understands any pain points you have. if you buy shoes and have problems with them, they will take them back and try something different, even if you have been out a few times. If you need insoles as well as shoes they will fit them. They don't look down on you for being old / fat / new runner or whatever. It's a very interesting process and it made a world of difference to my running / recovery after running.

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to Coddfish]

This sounds like a great idea and I agree with you about the smaller sports shops. I have come to the conclusion (having just returned from not one but two runs - don't ask) that it doesn't matter what you are wearing on your body if the footwear is wrong. Even if I have to spend a bit extra to get what I need it will be worth it.

[davelinks Graduate]

makeitbritish.co.uk/uk-manu...