Trainers

[Scarey]

Hi, I have only just started the C25K, did day 2 yesterday, my trainers are not particularly comfortable, anyone got any reccomendations on a decent pair? :o)

[mooning Graduate]

Not easy to do as everyone has personal preferences and different types of feet / running style. There is nothing quite like going down to a running shop and getting your gait analysed and getting that first proper pair of running trainers. Though once you get your gait analysed, don't feel forced into buying from them if you can't afford it, etc. Get their advice and then go have a browse online after trying some on in the shop. Best of luck.

[Scarey in reply to mooning]

Thank you both for informative replies, really good idea ref going to an shop and getting measured, I never actually thought of that!, was just going to get a pair online 😊

[davelinks Graduate]

You need to have enough room in the shoe, as the foot expands when running so you may need a half to one size bigger than you usual shoe size, there should be about a thumbs width of space from the end of your longest toe which is usually the big toe to the end of the shoe toe box and you need the correct width as well, mind you don't get them too big though with heel slipping up & down and foot moving about, so really best to get an expert fitting in a good running shop. The staff should let you try some pairs on and then have a walk around the shop to try for comfort, but don't feel obliged to buy any at the time.. also have decent running socks as well..😊

[Skywatcher Graduate in reply to davelinks]

I'll second the recommendation for decent socks. I did most of the program wearing pairs of old "sports" socks I had knocking about and they seemed adequate. Last weekend i picked up some proper running socks from Decathlon and WOW, these things are so nice to wear and feel silky smooth on the tootsies....I love 'em.

[misswobble Graduate]

When I started C25k I bought a pair of Karrimor Tempo from Sportsdirect (recommendation from sales chap) a half size bigger. I did try them on. They are cheap as chips but just fine. They do a road and a trail version.

Also inexpensive are the Aldi, Lidl ones etc. The Lidl ones looked beautiful.

I'm not saying they might be the best running shoes out there but if you're pressed for cash they are fine for C25k

I only had gait analysis once I was running regularly and knew I was going to continue. I still bought a last year's model though as they're so much cheaper. Ask to see them if they don't offer any

[davelinks Graduate]

I have a pair of Karrimor tempo trail shoe's, very good.

My wife bought a pair of Karrimor tempo3 control from Sportsdirect instore about 5 months ago at half price £35 loves them!

Sportsdirect don't offer running gait analysis on a treadmill but do have a special electronic sensor plate you stand on which works out what arches you have, and which shoes are best for your type of foot arch. She had a proper gait analysis done at Intersport, but there is also Sweatshop, or maybe Decathlon.. run and become, up and running..

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Shoes - our favourite subject! I haven't had much money recently so when I started, I just bought two pairs of trainers from Sports Direct - each cost around £30! One pair of trail running shoes, the others for hard surface running. They felt comfortable and they have worked for me, I have graduated and run 2 x 5k and 1 x 10k a week. Always tempted to buy a new pair but the ones I have are great, don't want to risk getting used to new ones. Running socks by the way are amazing, i wear them all the time, soft and padded in all the right places

[misswobble Graduate]

Our Sportsdirect has a gait analysis suite! I doubt they all have though as some of the stores are not much bigger than cupboards

[CarolStr Graduate]

Intersport (my local store were really helpful, also did gait analysis) give 10% off if you take your Park Run barcode in. All you need to do is register for your local Park Run online - you don't need to give the date you will do your first run.

Definitely worth getting your first pair fitted for all the reasons given above. I ended up with a pair of Hoka Challenger trail shoes in a size 7 which fit perfectly - yet I'm a shoe size 6. Love them

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Don't be brand led. All the major manufacturers make great shoes but they may not suit you. The sizing and width vary with manufacturer and the variety of padding to support different shapes of feet and running action means the options can be totally bewildering, so I second the recommendation to get professional advice.

I also started out with Karrimor Tempo trail shoes, which are a good choice as starter shoes, but you will be unlikely to get good unbiased advice at Sports Direct; the staff training is severely limited and most stores do not do not have gait analysis, which can reveal many unexpected things about your running style.

I currently have three pairs of shoes on the go.....all bought when prices were good....2x trail shoes and one road pair, which I alternate, like misswobble, which avoids problems associated with moving on in one go from the support of one particular pair to another.

I would recommend gait analysis, even if you then buy shoes elsewhere, simply to learsn a bit more about your running action.

[mfamilias Graduate]

I started off with a pair of sale-price Kiprun SDs (Décathlon brand). 35 euros, and they did me fine until my toes blasted a hole through the uppers. They were followed by another pair of Kipruns, designed for a longer distance (MD, I think) and once I'd destroyed those I fninally took the plunge and invested in some Asics. Kiddo, my 16 year-old, swears by his Brooks, but he only got those once I was sure he was hooked.