Shoes?!

[kt08]

Hi, am total newbie and never run before so no idea about kit. Any recommendations for running shoes? Thanks

[Rignold]

For your first few weeks any trainers will do. As and when you decide to progres to 'proper' running shoes, go to a running shop and they will do gait analysis and advise you what kind of shoe will suit in terms of support. Tell them your budget and they will be able to point you in the right direction. If you buy last season's style they need not be expensive.

[50NotOut Graduate]

If you want to invest in a good set of trainers, my advice is to go to a proper sports shop which will do a gait analysis. (Basically, you run on a treadmill and they analyse if you turn your feet in or out.) They will then recommend a particular type of trainer that is suited to (supporting) your foot.

It can work out pricy as although the analysis is free, you may find the shoes themselves are more expensive than if you shopped around the sales or bought from an online seller.

However, it is a good investment in your own health (and will help prevent injures). You will only need the gait analysis once, because once you know your preferred shoe style, you can shop around for bargains next time.

Just to say, I just used my old trainers for the early weeks of the programme while I was still not doing any serious street pounding, and when I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to keep it up long-term. I bought shiny new ones a bit later on.

(Edit: or, what he said! )

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The best shoes are the ones that are comfortable, fit well and give the necessary support for your running style and the surface you run on. We are all different and the range of shoes available can be bewildering so competent professional advice is essential. I have bought shoes from Sports Direct but I am afraid I have always known more about the product than the sales staff, who I can guarantee will recommend Karrimor, their own brand. Best to go to a specialist running shop.

If you are running off road then trail shoes give greater grip but are not support shoes, so you do not need gait analysis to find the best for you. I have had two pairs of Karrimor trail shoes, which are cheap, comfortable but not particularly durable or good quality. For road running get the best you can afford and don't be brand led........get shoes that fit both your feet and budget.

Someone else's recommendation may be totally inappropriate for you.

[seven9zero in reply to IannodaTruffe]

The Karrimor run clothing is great for starting out, the shoes aren't so good.

[kt08]

Great, thanks to all of you for good advice, will trot down to local very good independent sports shop - not sure if they do gait analysis (which I've only just realised even exists!) but they can probably give good advice. Many thanks.