Shoe or not to shoe..

[IanD62]

got to w4r2 and just wondering whether to go from normal trainers to running shoes and if so what price range will I get the best value / benefit from. Don't know what w5 will bring yet😊

[heavyhorse Graduate]

I ,personally, would stick with what you are used to if you have done everything up to now with no pain or niggles. If you have any discomfort then get gait analysis done and get appropriate shoes before any niggles become more serious. After your longer run on wk 5 you will know better how your feet,knees, legs are feeling and if you think new shoes are needed.

[bulgarianlily Graduate]

I 'treated' myself to new shoes, £25 from sportsdirect, at the end of week three, plus some running clothing. It gave me a nice lift to look the part, and the shoes with gel inserts (another £9 I think) seemed to know how to run better than I did! But then I was running on grass and mud, so I bought trail shoes to help with that, and the extra grip gave me confidence.

[Celtprof Graduate]

I noticed the difference when I got a pair of running shoes. Just Sports Direct, Karrimor Run. I did really notice the difference but then again, if you don't feel you need them then don't waste the money.

[Bundoodle Graduate]

If you are comfortable there is no real need to get new shoes just yet. I would suggest you get your gait analysed at a Running store (Go Outdoors etc) to find out what shoes are best for you, then go bargain hunting. I have a pair of Asics that are perfect for me and, so far (W8R1 tomorrow) I have had no problems despite having Plantar Fasciitis. Re: Price range you can go from very reasonable up to WTF! Good luck.

[Hidden]

I didn't have gait analysis as I don't know anywhere local to go get it done. I went to Sports direct and the very helpful assistant steered me away from the expensive shoes. She told me as I would not be doing a lot of running ( 3 times a week is a lot for me ) cheap good fitting shoes with gel inserts would be enough. She explained that the more expensive shoes have more padding and the gel inserts replicate the extra padding. Hope this helps, good luck

[Theziggy Graduate]

Re Gait Analysis - my nearest place is Liverpool and I'm in Northern Ireland! There is another way to test whether you over or under pronate - upandrunning.co.uk/the-wet-...

[Bundoodle Graduate in reply to Theziggy]

Very interesting. Thanks for the info 👍

[nhs2015 Graduate]

I would go for running shoes. Always. Regardless of running or not. They are as comfortable as normal trainers with the added bonus of running. Price range is amazing. From cheap to outrageous priced. I have Asics (overpriced) and NB (very fair price). I prefer my NBs as they are more comfortable. A good deal is a deal you are happy with, so go for it, whatever makes you happy Ian.

[IanD62 Graduate]

Thank you for all the advice I used the water test and found I was normal and went for some adidas. Again tried s few pair and the difference was amazing just went for the best feel. Trying them on w4r3 tomorrow