Hi all,
I've decided to have a go at the couch to 5k and I'm looking for a bit of advice in relation to running shoes. I'm about 6.2 and weigh 17 stone so I'd imagine I'd need something with a bit of cushioning. I'm 53 and I've never run in my life.
All suggestions gratfully received
Thanks in advance.
Well done for starting c25k, you won't regret it.
There are different shoes depending on your running style. If you go to a specialist running shop they will do a gait analysis and sell you the right type of shoe. But they will be expensive (about £100), so you probably want to be fairly sure you are going to keep it up before you buy.
You can do a half decent job by going to the main shoe internet sites (asics is an example I think) and they will show you how to find out your running style based on footprint. You can then look on the net for an appropriate shoe, and maybe go for last years model a lot cheaper. I went to TKMaxx and bought some brooks adrenaline GTS for about half the normal price, knowing they were the right type of shoe for me.
rmnsuk says it all really, but you will need to be aware that different manufacturers use different lasts for their shoes and the fit will consequently vary to a huge degree. Trying the shoes on and running in them, even if only round the shop, will give you a much better idea of what is comfortable for you.
I would recommend a gait analysis at a reputable specialist running shop, not a sports discount store.
Any old pair of trainers to start with, nothing special, as long as they're comfy & not tight. Don't worry too much about support as you start out
I started out in a pair of slip on sketchers for a few weeks into the plan,then got a pair of new balance running shoes for £25 off Amazon, they are easy to send back if not right for you.
Make sure you get them a size bigger than your normal shoe size, and with the support required for you, you'll have to determine if your foot rolls inwards (over pronates) or is flat etc.
If you need help then visit a Sports Direct shop or Sweatshop who can advise you on correct size & support, and in time, can put you on a machine to check your gait.
Good luck with the start, keep us posted.
While I agree with most of what you say Dave, I have never had anything but the vaguest sales pitch at Sports Direct, from non runners, certainly not the knowledgeable wisdom dispensed by an experienced running salesman at Runners Need. You pays yer money and takes yer choice.
Ian, I had some good help from a sales assistant at Sports Direct with the fit of my first shoes, otherwise wouldn't have mentioned them!
Some people have different experiences to others..
Thanks for the advice guys. I really appreciate you taking the time. I've made enquiries and it turns out that there's a fairly decent sports shop who do gait analysis quite close to where I live.
I think I'll go and have a word with them before before deciding. I've had a few knee mishaps in recent years and I want to get off on the right foot this time.
Cheers, and thanks again for the advice. I'll keep you posted.
This is a very good plan.
For your first pair, at least, a good gait analysis is highly advisable. Once you know the type of support etc that you need and you have one good, comfortable pair then future pairs can be picked up more cheaply based on the makes, sizes and styles that you are comfortable with. For a first pair you won't have this background so it's worth paying the premium for going to a specialist.
And well done on starting the course - you won't regret it!
Ugi
Cheers Ugi!
Shoes shoes shoes! 
goodie...
New shoes are a bit of a theme on here so if you do go and buy some the rule is you have to post a piccie!
Now then, if you have anything at all suitable my advice is get out there as soon as possible with as little procrastination as possible and have a go at W1R1. If you don't have anything fantastic then go to a good running shop as previously mentioned - proper kit is not cheap but is good for you! Use the podcasts, the app is flaky.
I'm 54, not previously a runner and a smidgen overweight ( 
) and totally connect with your concern for a bit of cushioning... I had my trusty Salomon trail shoes already for dog-walking across the great outdoors so I ran in those untill W5R3 was out of the way after which I awarded myself a trip to Up and Running, had my gait analysed and bought road running shoes - which I love!
Oh final word of advice- ignore Laura when she advises heel strike- not a good idea. Land on the balls of your feet to cushion you from the impact.
Happy times! Enjoy C25K it's a magic programme in so many ways
That's great advice rainshine, thank you for that. Especially in relation to the 'p' word. I'm the prince of procrastination!
Me too, usually
Actually I found that I woke up one morning, downloaded the app (awfully unreliable, go for the podcasts) and went out and did W1R1, as a spontaneous decision for various reasons which were bugging me.
I'm really glad I did that without looking at the rest of the programme or I might have scared myself- but with one outing under the belt I felt FANTASTIC despite being a beetroot faced gasping fish It does you the power of good mentally, as much as anything! you can do it!
I think you're right. I'm afraid to look beyond week one. If I look any further, I'll give up before I start. Might be best just to jump in and give it a lash.
Go for it! Then reward yourself with shoesies.
The utter liberating feeling as you start your first stumbling minute of running is fantastic- it's as much a mental as a physical journey...
Prince of Procrastination may yet change to Prancing Prince
'Prancing Prince' I like it! Thanks a mil for the encouragement. I do feel a little bit apprehensive about the whole thing, but strangely excited at the same time..... if that makes any sense.
Onwards and upwards!
You'll be just fine. Most of us were non-runners when we started. We know where you're coming from. Just keep it as slow as you can go, and take as long as you need with the program. And keep posting here - the support is amazing.
Thank you. I'm already amazed by the level support on the site and the response to my one little query. Very gratifying and a great encouragement to me.
Cheers!
F
Positive P's!!!!!!!! We play this game at Weightwatchers! LOL
If you are a heavier runner it's more important for you to get the right shoes. Get yourself off to the proper running shop, Sweat Shop or Runnersneed or whatever. Your feet will take a pounding so get the right shoes. They have last year's models which are cheaper. If you have to fork out for your shoes it will make you more likely to stick to it. I hope!
C25k is the best running programme. It's quite simply brilliant and has made runners of many hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of couch potatoes.
Get started asap. Just go nice and slow. That's the key!!!!
Thanks for that misswobble. Looking forward to getting stuck in.
I have had Asics for a couple of centuries. Reason: they have a wide feet size. Negative : I always get a hole where my big toes are. Also the netting does rip here and there. However, I bought some cheap New Balance trail shoes on special and they are the best. They have a wide feet size too but have the extra bonus that my toes have a lot of room. Sideways and up. Just different shape I suppose. Now if I wear my Asics I find they are tighter around my toes. This must be the reason why I always end up with a hole in the netting, doesn't matter how short my toe nails are. So from now on, it will be NB at a quarter of the price. Go NB....
Please don't run in any old shoe, I got shin splints in week 2 and cannot describe the agony...you really don't want to go there...I'd recommend going to a good shop and getting the gait analysis and buying your shoes from them. They deserve the sale, but if you are happy with your shoes, get the next pair from the internet. That's what I did anyway...
New Shoes!
New shoes, whole new experience! 
New shoes! 👟 
New shoes
