So many shoes!?!?!?

[Gscale2000]

So ive been thinking about getting a pair of running shoes. I have a limited budget due to the kids soaking up most of my money. I have been running in a pair of old pumas i bought about 10 years ago so i think im due a pair. I don't have the time to go to a specialist store so just want a decent pair off the shelf. things to consider are 1) im heavy, 2)im a beginner and only on week 2 of c25k and 3) i haven't got a clue about running shoes. Any recommendations will be appreciated.

[davelinks Graduate]

Lidl's had some recently for £15

[dagshar Graduate]

If you can't get to a proper running shop, maybe you can get to a branch of sports direct or decathlon (they also do gait analysis, not to the same level as other shops but maybe better than nothing)?

[Hidden]

Hi G. Do you live near a retail outlet? In the Outlet village near me there is a sports shop that sells the most beautiful trainers at very reasonable prices, in fact they sell all sports wear. My friend bought a pair of cheap Nikes there and she runs half marathons, so they must be decent.

I must pay a visit soon, I'm getting all dewy eyed thinking of potential running gear...

[Hidden]

Sports Direct always have some bargains, and you can also find some reasonably priced shoes on Amazon.

[Gscale2000]

ha, Lidl sounded good. It was more to know the best for heavy guys.

[dagshar Graduate in reply to Gscale2000]

I think it would be best to try a few pairs in any case to make sure they feel ok and are a good fit for your feet.

[cFinn]

I got myself a pair of New Balance M450v3 Shoes out of Sports Direct for about £36 (currently £28) when i started c25k. I was a bigger bloke (6ft6 107.5kg, now 87kg) and they are fantastic, nice level of cushioning, light and very comfortable.

My wife bought a pair of the lidl ones last weekend and they seem decent for the money, although they didn't feel like they had much cushioning in the sole.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Although I wouldn't normally suggest it, you could get gait analysis done at a specialist shop, try on lots of pairs and then buy the ones you like best later online. Just don't be tempted to buy any online without trying that model on first -you wouldn't believe how different different models of shoe are! Good luck

[Tomas Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Awwww, and I was so liking you. Sniff, sniff.

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Oh Tomas don't hate me, I know we need to support out running shops. I only suggested it because he said he's heavy, very inexperienced, and short of cash due to kids. Sounded like a recipe for injury with the wrong shoes. Sometimes needs must. Am I forgiven??

[Tomas Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Who can ever be upset with you for any length of time AM? I know I can't. Your advice was very sensible and you're right about the mitigating circumstances. Sometimes we have to put practicalities before ideology.

(let's just hope the poor Indy shoe seller understands that when his kids go hungry, his wife has to cancel the bi-annual trip to Mallorca, the house gets repossessed, the car stops running as he can't afford petrol and the loan shark sends "the boys" around with lead pipes to collect the wig).

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Hahahahahahaha The law of unintended consequences strikes again! You've got me banged to rights, Guv'nor xxx

[misswobble Graduate]

If you can't get to a running shop you could do a wet foot test at the very least, which will show basically your foot type, eg high arch, flat foot or normal arch. It's not an exact science but better than nothing. Google "wet foot test" and all will be revealed. If you find you have flat feet though you'd probably need a proper running shop as flat feet need the right shoe. SD label their shoes up according to high arch,normal and flat so that does give you some help. I bought their Karrimor Tempo, which are cheap as chips but are lovely and comfy and come in a range of colours. You need to buy a running shoe which is a half size bigger than your normal shoes as your feet swell during running

The main branch of SD does have a gait analysis suite, as do some of their larger branches. Have a look online to narrow it down a bit and then you can go shopping

Let us know how it goes. By the way, dedicated running shops sell returned shoes and last years models at reduced prices so you could pop along and ask. They're runners so they understand

[Coddfish Graduate]

It might be worth waiting a few weeks to make sure you are going to stick with running. Despite the time and budget issues, you really do need to find out what sort of shoe you need, as the wrong sort will result in pain when your distances increase and may well lead to injuries. Misswobble is right about shoe specialists. Their sales / returned stock are your friend, as you don't need latest models, just do something that's right for your posture / gait.

I understand the temptation to get assessed in a specialist shop and then buy the cheapest you can find online. If you can possibly buy from the specialist - please do - we need these sorts of shops to stay in existence.

[sallyannie Graduate]

I have a lovely pair of Karrimors they are purple and blue and they are really comfortable, they were £29.99 from Sports Direct.

I'm also heavy (not as heavy as i was when i started) and i find the gel soles are really helpful.