Choosing running shoes.

[Abby1983]

I just bought myself a new pair of trainers. The shop assistant was really knowledgeable and helpful. Apparently I have low arches and naturally stand on the outer part of my feet.

Was totally worth getting my feet properly assessed and matched with a good pair of running shoes rather than me just trying pairs on not knowing what would make a difference. Also, he gave me a tip about how to make them last years and years: get new inners every 6 months or so.

Now to see how they feel whilst running outdoors!

[Bananabanana3 Graduate]

They are groovy!

[Abby1983 Graduate]

I live in California. I didn't see any 'plain' looking trainers in the store! LOL None of my running outfit is what I would have typically chosen being a Brit. But living in CA, I get away with it!

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to Abby1983]

You should see mine - purple with bright pink laces - who cares - I love them!

[simonwilliamstutor Graduate]

Anyone know where to go in the UK to get your feet assessed?

[Hidden in reply to simonwilliamstutor]

All over the place Simon. Search for "gait analysis" and where you live on Google, and go get it done!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to simonwilliamstutor]

Look out for shops that have a return after use if not satisfied policy. No amount of fussing about in the shop, running on a treadmill etc will really tell you what your experience will be in the field, park, bog etc. My first pair, carefully fitted made my knees knock together! But I could go back and exchange them for a heavenly pair.

Also worth bearing in mind that gait analysis is supposed not to inform decision making if you are looking for trail running shoes (nor, I imagine, minimalist shoes - I like my running shoes to be both as I am a tarmac refusenik)

[kazzers Graduate]

I have exactly the same pair of trainers and exactly the same experience at the Up and Running shop. They were really knowledgeable and looked at my Gait on the running machine. Those trainers are my friend now Hope yours will be the same , (and the colour is really cool too ) Happy Running !!

[Abby1983 Graduate in reply to kazzers]

Thanks!

[Jaynew01]

Sweatshop or any independent running store.

[mcgurranhouse Graduate]

Nice shoes!

[Abby1983 Graduate in reply to mcgurranhouse]

Thanks!

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Sweatshop will do you a gait analysis - and they support parkrun!

[Jigglypuff_62 Graduate]

I had no idea what to buy when I bought my first proper running shoes about a month ago, so I went to my local specialist shop, Running World. The only assistant (mid-week) was not much older than my son and I thought "Uh-oh", but he really knew his stuff. I told him I'd just graduated from C25K, that I wasn't an experienced runner, where I was likely to be running, and he brought out several pairs of shoes he thought would be suitable, each lary-er than the last! I tried several pairs, but in fact the first I tried (Asics) were perfect (and the least lary - just bright blue and black). A great buy, made even better by my teenage son huffing "I can't believe it, my mother's got cooler trainers than I have!". If anyone's interested RW have stores in NW London, Herts & Essex. Enjoy your running Abby, your new shoes are fab!

[Abby1983 Graduate]

Thank you!

[Daddio1958]

Great looking shoes. I love my asics. I have a couple of pairs road and trail and both feel great

[Hidden]

Good for you. Will make your feet, knees and back happy.

[davelinks Graduate]

Nice shoes Abby,

Simon, I got mine assessed at sweatshop

[Jeleybelly Graduate]

Ooh, nice new shiny shoes 😀

Got mine fitted at sweatshop, great til I got to wk 8 then constant blisters so went back in, and they did change them for a different pair ?!?!

[givman]

hi there

yes running shoes are the most important part of a runners kit so it always pays to get proper advice. What i would say is check for wear every six months depending on how many miles you run in them.A good pair should last for at least 400 miles or so but check the heel for wear as running in worn out shoes can cause injury and or blisters!!

[Tomas Graduate]

Looking great, congratulations with the neat shoes!

[nhs2015 Graduate]

Very nice Abby and lovely colour. Happy colours.

[Abby1983 Graduate]