Running gear

[rammsteinqueen]

Okay so I barely half way through the program but when I complete it I am going to buy myself a smart pair of running shoes and some loud tights - finally throw my tatty Asics in the bin! Anyone recommend some comfy shoes. BF told me to get down the running shop where they get you on a treadmill to see how you run etc I mean, is that really necessary?

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Opinion is divided on gait analysis. As you will probably find out. In my own circumstance I got my first pair of runners through gait analysis and had no problems then thought I knew best and went out on my own and bought a pair which I thought were running shoes only to find out they were not and they eventually hurt the joints In my feet through total lack of support. I went back to gait analysis and I must admit I haven't looked back. i have bought the same pair again in the sale 3/4 of the price knocked off so they will be here and ready when I need my next pair.

[Rignold in reply to Realfoodieclub]

I don't quite follow that: You had gait analysis and bought your first pair based on the recommendations for medial support, cushioning etc and then for your second pair of shoes decided to buy something the opposite?

And then had more gait analysis? Had your feet changed in the meanwhile?

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Rignold]

I got the first pair of shoes that were Addidas neutral and they were fine. I then went into a non sports shop and got a pair of Asics. I did not know that Asics do a fashion shoe that has no support even for a neutral runner. I thought they felt the same as my other shoes. When I went to runners need and took my trainers he said no wonder your feet are hurting these shoes are just for show not running. I then got my brooks and haven't looked back. So basically it was me trying to go for a cheaper shoes and thinking I knew what I was doing by feel alone. If that makes sense.

[Rignold in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Aha. Alles klar jetzt.

[Coddfish Graduate]

I do think it's necessary to go to a proper running shop for an assessment so that you are offered shoes that suit your gait and posture. It's not worth risking injury for the sake of a few quid. It will matter more as your distance and speed progress.

[Hidden]

IMO Yes, it really is necessary ! Shoes that you like the look of in the shop or on the internet may be totally wrong for your feet and the way you run. You might get lucky....but is it worth the risk ?

[dagshar Graduate]

Yes, yes, yes - if you want to carry on running and increasing speed and distance without doing any damage to yourself. Shoes may feel comfortable, but when you look at the video you may find that they are not quite right for your joints etc.

I have bought a pair of supposedly "racing" shoes on my own recently, but I have my own orthotics to wear with them anyway and also am only planning on using them only for speed work and 5k fast runs, but even so I will keep a close eye on how my legs are after I wear them. I used them for my park run last week, which was my fastest 5k ever and so far so good. I would not buy my main shoes without advice from a running shop though.

Go for the loud tights - I love coloured stuff and also have some very loud/neonish shoes!

[AdamB Graduate]

I'm yet another one who will tell you to get a gait analysis done. You don't know if you are a neutral runner or an over or under pronator i.e. you've a 2 in 3 chance of buying the wrong shoes which could cause you big problems in future (ok - I'm being a bit oversimplistic here, but I'm sure you get the message).

[Hidden]

Add me to the list recommending gait analysis, definitely the way to go to protect yourself from possible injury etc

[jaynekate]

Definitely necessary.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you are running offroad then you do not need to bother with gait analysis. I believe there is only one trail shoe made with support, all others are considered neutral. The logic being that your feet do not strike repetitively in the same manner on uneven surfaces, unlike road running.

[AvatheGardener Graduate]

Definitely. It's not just the gait analysis either- high or low arches, wide or narrow feet? A good running shoe shop will help you. Running relies on your feet not hurting!

[Rignold]

Absoluetly agree with the advice given: if you are planning on road running then get gait analysis done. It costs nothing and should get you the rigth type of shoes. There may be differences of opinion in the running wild as to whether supporting pronating feet is beneficial or not, but regardless of where one stands on that point, just buying any type of shoe at random is certianly not a good idea.

[RibbleLady Graduate]

Why are you waiting until you finish the programme? You are running now and need to know which shoes are best for you. I went after about week 5 and did the tread mill bit and was filmed on the iPad. All very interesting. I then tried on about 18 pairs of shoes, ran on the treadmill in most of them, and haven't looked back. I wasn't pushed into buying the most expensive and the young guy made a 50 year old new runner feel like she was ready to take on the world. I recommend the whole experience!

[rammsteinqueen Graduate]

Great, thanks everyone - I will get down and sort it out pronto

[misswobble Graduate]

If nothing else it helps narrow down the choice! That will save you hours!

I just got some loud running pants from Lidl. Cheap as chips. They have a milky way design on them - bright blue! Can't wait to wear em

[Theziggy Graduate]

I know that where I live no shops anywhere near do gait analysis. Makes it difficult.There is the wet foot and brown paper method though.