Help! What trainers??

[Lstace]

Hi all, I have just downloaded the couch to 5k app and am about to start week one...eek!!

I just wondered what trainers to get?! Can anyone recommend brands for beginners as I don't want to pay too much too soon!!!

Thanks guys!

Lisa 😀

[Rignold]

for the first few weeks just wear whatcha got. Until you reach W5 or so you dont need to worry about your footwear. At that point go to a good sportsshop and ask their advice. Get gait analysis - most running shops offer this free.

But for now. Dont worry about it.

[Lstace in reply to Rignold]

Thank you! I'm getting a bit overwhelmed with how many different types and styles there are!

[MarkyD Graduate]

Do as Rig says. Don't let the choice of gear put you off. You don't need running shoes for another month. Once you are committed, then invest in a decent pair. But the running store should want to see you running (either on a treadmill or outdoors) so no point going till you can run for 5 minutes.

[Lstace in reply to MarkyD]

Thank you, yes I do need to make sure I can make it through the first run on Tuesday before I get carried away!!

[misswobble Graduate]

Karrimor Tempo £25. Get at least a half size bigger. Go and try them on in Sportsdirect or Sweatshop

Good luck!

[Lstace in reply to misswobble]

I was looking at karrimor but wasn't sure if they are good, so thank you so much, I'm hoping to get a pair tomorrow with the aim to start Week 1 on Tuesday!

[MarkyD Graduate in reply to Lstace]

Buy them from Sportsdirect or Sweatshop (both part of the same corporation) if you are happy with a zero-hour contracted workforce getting paid less than the minimum wage, not getting paid whilst they queue up for a mandatory security screen before and after work and one of the highest ambulance-attendance rates in the country (as staff are too frightened to call in sick. Staff in the warehouse of Sweatshop (how appropriate) have been known to give birth whilst at work).

Sorry. I believe that conditions are improving in Shirebrook.

cityam.com/261814/mps-quiz-...

[Lstace in reply to MarkyD]

😔

[KimLoulou Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

I bought some new leggings from sweatshop not realising they were part of sports direct. Wouldn't have done so if I had known

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to KimLoulou]

They weren't... but they are now. They used to have an excellent returns policy (from which I benefitted) and that all changed, so there are lots of reasons to avoid them.

They also own Field + Trek which caught me out last year.

[misswobble Graduate]

I got these to start with as they were cheap. They are good though! I really liked them. Still do! I bought the trail version too as well as the road ones as I really liked them.

You might need something more specific as you start to run further and longer etc, but to get you away for the programme I think they'd be fine.

Always try shoes on though! They have to feel right for you

[Lstace in reply to misswobble]

Yes I plan to go into my local sports direct tomorrow so hopefully they will have a few to try on 😀😀

[Gabby08 Graduate]

Once you've figured out what you're after, go to sportsshoes.com. They have past season stuff at hugely discounted prices. It's even better if, like me, you have small feet so can wear kids' sizes. I love my Asics gt 1000 5s and they only cost £25. They were recommended by a running shop who wanted to charge me £115 for a pair. Maybe I'll invest in something more expensive one day but at the moment, these will do just fine!

[Lstace in reply to Gabby08]

Oh wow that's such a great saving! Thank you! I keep looking at really expensive trainers but I just want comfort and support at a good price to get me on my way!!

[Gabby08 Graduate in reply to Lstace]

I agree - I was torn between investing in something for longer term or going for cheap and cheerful but I honestly didn't know whether I'd stick with it. I didn't want to spend a fortune only to find it wasn't for me. This was my compromise and I'm over the moon with them, so much so that I'm tempted to buy another pair in a different colour!

[Rignold in reply to Gabby08]

Aargh!!! I paid full price for those!

[Gabby08 Graduate in reply to Rignold]

Sorry! I felt a bit guilty not buying them from the running shop but £90 is not to be sniffed at!

[TiredOldMan Graduate]

Just in case you're not built like a racing snake ..... apparently most running shoes are only suitable for persons under 75kg. Porkers like me require a bit of extra padding 😬

Good luck with Week 1.

[Lstace in reply to TiredOldMan]

Thank you 😂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are not me, nor are you anybody else on this forum. You are YOU, with your feet, your running style and your body shape and weight. The best shoes for you are ones that fit well and support your running style. This is best established by having a gait analysis done at a reputable running shop ( I can't include Sports Direct in that category because the staff training is appalling).

As Rigs says, if you have some old trainers, use those for the first few weeks. I agree with MissW that karrimor Tempo are comfortable ( I have had two pairs of the trail version) but they are not well made and do not last as well as more expensive shoes.

Sizes and widths vary by manufacturer, so a recommendation by even the most experienced runner based on their choice may not be relevant to you. It is bewildering, but you are doing this for long term, surely, so make a wise choice.

[Hidden]

I checked my foot width at Sports Direct and then picked out the cheapest pair. Mizumo brand and they have been sooo comfy. No injuries, no sore feet. In week 5 now. Will treat myself to something super as a graduation present. £24.99 and sorted. Seems this is a primarily golf brand but this is thier running style. A bit loud but I love them. Oh and several pairs of running socks.

Welcome xx

[Wizziewood]

Hi, I got mine at the local Asics factory outlet. Gait analysis and very helpful staff. I didn't want to know the price when I tried them on in case it swayed my decision so was surprised when they only cost £39.95. I also tried on some Gore Tex waterproof ones which were £59.95, I might think about those at some point because I often get wet feet running off road.

Good luck and Happy Running!

[KimLoulou Graduate]

I just wore some I already had. As long as supportive will be ok i think.

[Katypotato Graduate]

I got a pair of adidas cloud foam running shoes at my local outlet store only £23 so comfortable like you I didn't want to spend a fortune when I'm just getting started

[misswobble Graduate]

Mizuno make golf shoes and running shoes. Loads here use Mizuno, me included

Good luck 😃with them

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I didn't own a pair of trainers at all, so I started in lightweight walking boots.

I was pushing 90kgs at the time but when I decided to treat myself to running shoes (which came *after* sports bra and *after* firm control knickers) I ended up with minimalist shoes simply because at the time I was looking for something which had slightly better ethics (although I got them from Amazon, so...) The worst running footwear I have ever had was also the most expensive, fitted by an attentive member of staff, himself a runner, at Sweatshop, post gait analysis. Out in the real world, my knees knocked together when I ran they were that bad (it was pre-Sports Direct takeover so I was able to return them for exchange, still muddy)

No running shoe is even ideal for all surfaces and situations for the same runner, let alone the variation between individuals pointed out by IannodaTruffe .

I try to view running as a skill I have not an outfit I have, so I have run in Keen active sandals, and Vivobarefoot walking boots and it has been fine. Thin non-running shoe soles are a bit too grim though.