Over half way... and really not sure how :-) Any footwear guidance would be appreciated

[robaspleyg]

Finished week five with the ominous 20 minutes of running today whcih stepping up from a max of eight minutes in one block of time tbh I really thought would defeat me.

I haven't yet bought specialist running footwear (I am using some Merrel trainer style shoes now). However I have a weak left ankle with varicose veins that look like a permanent bruising and generally pretty flat feet. To date I have run on a local rec or in the woods what advice do people have on foottwear please? (not too expensive )

[orchards Graduate]

It's a good idea to go to a shop that will do a gait analysis (you run briefly on a treadmill and they produce a video which shows what your feet and ankles are doing. They will be able to recommend suitable shoes based on that. It depends a bit what the ground in the woods is like and whether you intend running over more uneven ground but chances are you will be ok with ordinary running shoes as opposed to those with more tread. I have 2 pairs - one New Balance for running on roads, parks etc (I think they were about £40 but may have been on offer) and some Asics which have have more tread as I do quite a bit on more difficult going. I found having proper shoes made a big difference wherever I am running.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

If you are going to stick to off road running (and there are many merits in doing so), trail shoes are the way to go and you don't need gait analysis for those as it doesn't inform the decision.

Shoes are very, very individual things. I really like a minimalist shoe... I have got some New Balance Cascadias for running longer distances on actual trails (ie harder surfaces as opposed to woodland paths) which are a bit beefier but otherwise I stick with minimalist trail running shoes.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done for completing week 5!

It's impossible for us to advise 'virtually' about shoes. You should ideally go to a good running shop and get your foot structure and 'gait' analysed to determine the right kind of shoe. It's important because it helps minimise injury. You don't have to buy them there - once you know what you need there are bargains to be had.

Oh, and it's traditional to post a photo of your shoes on here!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I know you say not too expensive however investing in decent shoes with gait analysis will mean you don't fork out hundreds of pounds of physio!! I can't stress enough how much of a difference proper shoes make particularly if you know you have a weakness that could lead to injury. 😎

[Davoda Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

I agree! You only have one pair of feet 😉

I have always believed you should look after your feet, buy cheap clothes if you like, but don't scrimp on your feet.

A weak ankle needs support, so make sure you make that your priority.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

All of the above advice is good. Well fitting shoes that support you in the way you need to be supported will make all the difference. A specialist shop should provide reliable advice, but I must say that Sports Direct does not train it's staff to provide that advice although this shoes are reasonable value. As GM says,if you are running off road then trail shoes are the best thing and they are not support shoes, so do not require gait analysis. Trail shoes should not be used for sustained running on road.

[misswobble Graduate]

Merrells are pretty good ☺

Your ankles do strengthen as you keep running. just go very steadily

Trails are softer than the road. Forest floors even more forgiving. Trail shoes take many forms so I would do some thorough googling to help narrow down the search before hitting the shops. I would be deffo trying them on. if you get them from a proper running store they will take them back if you don't get on with them

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I recommend Decathlon. I had a free gait analysis there and they have a good range of shoes at different prices, whereas the local running shop charged for the gait analysis and all the shoes were over £100. It took a while to find an assistant in Decathlon but once I did she was really helpful.