Hi so I've just complete my W1R2 and all's been well except for my running shoes. I've had them for a couple of years now but it's only recently that I've noticed how uncomfortable the left shoe is. The insole really digs into the arch of my foot and so by the time I take them off that part of my foot really stings when I touch it.
Would it be better for me to invest in some new shows or is there a way that I can fix my left shoe?
Wrong person to ask - new shoes 
I got advice from a few people on here about this one and am hoping to get new shoes tonight. As you get into this programme you realise that what you have on your feet is more important than what you have on your body so - new shoes! Pink is my preference but comfy is a must
I would suggest having your gait analysis done to see what shoes would be best for you ? or seeing a podiatrist to get your feet checked out .I believe they can have inserts made to fit your feet to put into shoes etc
It may just be a question of your feet getting used to the impact of running, but
can you remove the insole and replace it with a different one ? Not the best option but a very temporary solution.
Ideally get new shoes - go to a specialized shop where you can have a gait analysis done - they will last one year or so, depending on how much running you will do...
If you get a proper pair of running shes be careful to use them only for running, they'll wear a bit more slowly, but especially they will not wear out in a way that may then affect your feet when you run.
Oh, and very well done for starting the program program!! x
I think Slow_Rob might have the right advice. If you have feet problems, new shoes aren't going to fix those. I know my brother used to have a lot of pain from running, and when he realised that fitness wasn't taking it away he went and got himself measured up. Turns out his one leg was shorter than the other, and that was the problem. A proper insert was made for him, and it goes into that shoe, and now he runs half marathons without pain.
If you were having problems with both feet, maybe the shoes would be the suspect, but since it's just one, maybe you have some small imbalance like my brother had that can be corrected. If so, you'll never look back.
If you have had them for 2 years and did not have gait analysis when you first got them, and intend to carry on with the progarmme and beyond, Get new shoes.
Thanks everyone for your help! I think that I'll go and get a gait analysis done and buy some new shoes soon. Does anyone know how much it would cost me overall to do both of these things? I'm a student and so I don't want to have to spend a lot of money.
Where are you running? I dutifully tootled off for gait analysis but as I was after trail running shoes not road running, it didn't particularly inform the choice of shoe. Many places seem to offer gait analysis free - although some may well be having to address the 'use the shop for the information and support, give the money to someone else online' problem by charging if you don't buy shoes.
It certainly sounds as though these shoes may be too old (what have you been doing with them since you bought them?) and not right for you. I started C25K in walking boots. Whilst it was a real treat (I felt like I was flying) when I did buy running shoes, the boots were actually OK for getting me started (I struggled but it wasn't my footwear)
Sometimes it is little things like how you lace them.
Don't forget student discounts might help - and money spent on shoes you actually use rather than having to buy more because they are not right is much better value. So places (eg Sweatshop) that offer an exchange on shoes they've fitted in the shop even after you've tried them out a few times for real in the mud may be worth it (they were for me!)
That said, how about asking on Freegle?
I run in my local rec so sometimes on path and sometimes on grass. I'm not too sure what type of shoes the one i have are or which type i need to wear. I've had the shoes since 2012 and since then I've only really used them last summer when I ran a couple of times a week for about a month before stopping.
Too be honest I didn't know that my shoes would be considered old. You can tell I'm new to this since I hadn't even realised you had to change running shoes so regularly.
It depends on the mileage, not on the actual "age" of the shoes if you have only used them a little bit you don't need to change them.
If you run 15km a week it would be about 1 year, but if you run 30km you may need to change them after 5 or 6 months!
So if you only used for a month you still have a lot on them, but if they hurt do get a gait analysis
(and keep in mind you may end up with shoes of which you do not like the look, your feet do not really care if the shoes you wear are good looking...)
thanks, glad to hear that i may still be able to salvage my shoes but I'll be sure get a gait analysis done first and then make a decision of what i should do next based on the results.
I could have written this post recently! ...I got rid of the shoes and now have some new Asics which feel like slippers! (Luckily they don't actually look like slippers!) So heres another vote for new shoes.
Thanks everyone again for your help and advice. I've just been back from getting a gait analysis done at sweatshop and I can say that I DEFINITELY need new trainers. The biggest reason being because the trainers I have now are a size too small lol.
Lidl are selling sport insoles this week. No idea if they are any good, but may be a cheap temporary measure.
Advice needed please! Paid £120 for new running shoes - but they feel as unsupportive as my old pair!
In need of some advice please!
NEW Running Shoes after Gait Analysis
New Running Shoes :-)
