Shoes

[RunningGeek]

I am currently running in my walking trainers & know that I need some proper shoes. I struggle to find footwear that fits as I have a very shallow foot & arch. Should I go to a specialist (can't afford pots of money) or will a high street shop be fine? Advice please.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Hi,

Before I got my 1st pair of running shoes, I went to all the specialist shops in my area without spending a single penny. I felt a bit guilty about it but being the cheeky type made it a bit easier I tried on loads of pairs, made copious notes so I could remember what they were like and then, after lots of faffing about (must have sent back about 4 pairs), eventually bought a pair from Amazon.

If you're on a budget, there tends to be 2 pieces of advice:

(1) try SportsDirect - they can advise in-store and their Karrimor range in particular won't break the bank ... OR ...

(2) try the specialist shops and ask for gait analysis (it works in *most* cases) - it should be free . Get some advice on the type of shoes that you need, try a load on, and then tell them you're still shopping around And then head towards the internet where the same shoes will be much cheaper Most popular online are SportShoes.com. StartFitness and of course the likes of Amazon.

Finally, don't be conned into thinking you need the latest model of a particular shoe. For example, an Ascis Gel Pulse 5 (from about 2-3 years ago) will be much cheaper (older model) than their latest Asics Gel Pulse 7.

Hope that helps, good luck!

John

[marco83 in reply to John_W]

once you found your shoes (I am a Saucony cushioned neutral addicted, different heel to toe drop - 0 to 8 mm) and you know your number, you can go on sportsshoes.com but I would get my first pair in a specialist running shop (more expensive but it is your first pair and shoes are your only protection from the impact with the ground!)

I find pretty good deals there, especially on sales and old models

good luck!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to marco83]

cor, they're cheap! Thanks, I've book marked them for future purchases!

[marco83 in reply to Curlygurly2]

Yep I have been buying shoes there for 4 years now, once you know what you want it is a good source.

1 final piece of advice for when you will increase your mileage: It is good to have 2 pair of shoes and alternate them, they last longer, and if you go for 2 different drops (8 and 4 mm) they help changing the muscles you use running... (but I didn't do it untl last year when I prepared my first marathon

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to marco83]

I have a weird lump, a deformity on one foot, it's never bothered me until I bought running shoes! The area around the laces presses and hurts like mad! I found some shoes that work for me, Mizuno Waves, and got 3 pairs! I'm just happy to be able to run at all! My style is £40 on your link, that's pretty good!

[neuropsycsci Graduate]

Yes, I would definitely advise going to a specialist. I have flat feet which have already given me a bunion on one side (I'm 25!) and so having proper support is really important for us to avoid injuries. Good running shoes don't have to be hundreds of pounds either - I got mine for £70. Find a shop that will price match online offers. Make sure to get a proper gait analysis as well. There is no charge for this and if you're really worried about money you can say you'll think about the shoes they recommend and find them online for cheap! I was in a similar position to you but am so so glad I spent a bit of extra time and money to get very good shoes - they make your runs really comfortable and prevent injury that will delay your progress later on (and make you think you're bad at running when you're not!) hope that helps

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

..what John said really! Very good advise🙂! Good luck - when you have the right pair, it's the beginning of a love affair, really. My trusty Asics are now in need of replacing and I am pretty heartbroken💔 ...we have been through so much together...no other Asics running shoe will be quite the same etc etc. Ok, I'm hamming it up a bit now, but you get the picture!😀

[RunningGeek Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

[davelinks Graduate]

Go to a running shop such as Sweatshop, Decathlon or intersport or any good running shop, and have a video gait analysis carried out, sounds like you overpronate and maybe need a motion control shoe, but best to ask the experts. Your not obliged to buy anything, so then you could shop around for best price. My wife did that and went into a sportsdirect.com shop where we were left alone to try the shoes, they have a plate you stand on which tells you what arch you have and advises what shoe's are suitable for you, then try them and make sure they're comfy. She got her shoes half the price of what she could have paid in the first place...😊

[RunningGeek Graduate]

Thanks everyone. Need to go shopping

[Irish-John Graduate]

Not shoes but something that has kept me out of a wheelchair, and works for all kinds foot shapes and problems. I have absolutely no financial or 'discount' links with them, been a customer since 1992 and the freedom to walk (and now run) and wear ANY kind of footwear is incredible.

Check them out, nothing to lose as they are 100% legitimate and honour their guarantees. luxis.com/ProductDetails.as...

Again - I have absolutely NO connection with them other than being an extremely grateful customer, please don't think I am some kind of 'spammer'

[TheHack Graduate]

Decathlon did my gait analysis. Their shoes are inexpensive but fab. I got a pair to suit for only £35 .

[poppypug Graduate]

Yes , a thumbs up from me for Decathlon too. Lovely , patient , knowledgeable sales staff, well worth a visit xxx

[RunningGeek Graduate]

Strangely, have been to Decathlon this morning & come away with some inexpensive but comfortable shoes after a conversation with one of their staff who runs. Will test tomorrow!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

If you go to a proper sports shop, most of them will give a 28 day return period - I returned 3 pairs last year. That saved me an enormous amount of money....I'd recommend getting the first pair from a good shop, then go online for subsequent pairs.

[AndyIoW Graduate]

I actually used a local shop (Love Running) near to my home for my first proper running shoes ( Saucony £55 end of line ). I did try a few pairs but the lady who served me was willing to let me try a few different pairs on. Some did not 'feel' right but the pair I selected felt good and comfortable.

Probably the best thing that I did as from that day I have been doing the C25K and graduated. When my next pair is required I will go again as they have been helpful, even when going back to ask what I thought were silly questions.

[RunaroundSue]

I went to Up and Running yesterday and asked about gait analysis. They were not very helpful, told me the Aldi shoes I was wearing looked ok and said all I could do was try on shoes until I found some I liked. A bit disappointing because their web page suggested I would have had more help.

In fact, I am happy with my cheap Aldi running shoes. I saw them just as I was thinking of starting C5K and thought they would do to get me started, I didn't want to spend too much if I wasn't going to stick at it. They were so comfy that I bought another pair. Even if I stopped running they are good trainers.

Moving on, now in week 7, I wanted to check that my shoes were adequate and not causing any problems to knees and hips.

So, having made the trip into Manchester I found Intersport. They did not offer gait analysis but were really helpful, discussed my feet -slightly flat, said I could try various shoes but then suggested I try some gel insoles as my current shoes are ok. Apparently my smile grew wider as I found them really comfortable.!

We discussed Park Runs as I have already registered and I was given 10% discount as I had my barcode with me (even though I haven't done a Park Run yet!)

So expecting to spend a lot of money, it cost me £25.

Off we skipped for a tapas lunch ☺

Enough of this, time to go out and try them. I did wear them home from the shop. I plan to take it slowly because apparently they will mould to my feet after a few runs.

I will report back later.

[RunaroundSue in reply to RunaroundSue]

very happy with them. I cannot say why exactly but they are very comfortable. I will be getting another pair for my other running shoes and another pair for my hiking boots, which are a size larger as I double-sock in boots