Running shoes?

Hi

I am looking for any suggestions and advice on which running shoes have worked for a newbie

Any guidance would be appreciated

Thanks

Paul

[Tomas Graduate]

I prefer the ones with laces, but I know some people would rather have hickies.

Sorry. That was tongue in cheek, but also serious.

The best advice is to go to a good sports store, have a gait analysis performed and let the knowledgeable sales assistant guide you towards a selection of shoes that work for you.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

As Tomas says above! Google Independent Running stores in your area, dont use the large chains as many do not provide gait analysis.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As above.

The gait analysis will show your running gait and make sure that, if you need them, you have shoes that support your footstrike and push off appropriately. The wrong shoes can be a costly mistake.

Don't be guided by random recommendation, only that of the gait analysis operative.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

The ones you have at home already and can put on and go... I started in light walking boots and they were a long way from the worst running footwear I've used (which, genuinely coincidentally, was the most expensive and professionally fitted) I do not however recommend you use them if you have trainers.

Sometimes we fall into what works for us, plus people will be running on different surfaces and have different budgets, let alone the business of gait, wide feet and so on.

[dindy Graduate]

I stared off with an old pair of trainers that you could not even bend.They were like planks of wood but I thought a trainer is a trainer so good enough for running. Every time my heel contacted the ground it hurt and I was generally struggling.

I went to Sports Direct with no real idea what to buy but the assistant took me straight to Karrimor trainers and talked them up. Went home and done some research on karrimor trainers and generally they do not have a good reputation although some people find them fine to train in.

Decided to go to a shop called Run where I live and he done a gait test 1st then recommended a pair of Brooks trainers. They were expensive but I bite the bullet & purchased them.My training/running changed for the better from the word go. No more heel hurting and good cushioning made running a lot easier.

As others have pointed, out seek out a store to get your (normally free) gait tested (google for info) as you could spend a lot of money and the trainer does not suit you. Even though you have your gait tested it does not mean you need to spend a lot on trainers,just the correct ones.Perfectly good cheap trainers out there for newbies.

[davelinks Graduate]

When I first started I used a pair of Sketcher leather slip-on shoes for a week or so then did a simple wet foot gait analysis to tell if I had low or high arches, but I had a good Idea anyway.

First pair of proper running shoes I got from the internet, a size and a half bigger than my normal shoe size, which served me well through the rest of c25k and for the next 18 months beyond.

Would strongly advise gait analysis & fitting at a reputable running shop which I had done with my next pair..

[Richard7 Graduate in reply to davelinks]

I too started off in Sketcher every day shoes. They had a good sole and I used them for 3 weeks at which point I realised I wasn’t going to stop running and a pair of running shoes were needed.

I went to Sports Direct and saw the Karrimore along with an automated foot tester which basically did the same thing as the wet foot test. Decided against them and got some Decathlon branded ones. Next pair I will spend a bit more on and do it properly.

[Fishypieface Graduate]

I did my own wet foot gait analysis following guidance on Sport Shoes website then bought some Asics from them which are just wonderful. Light and feel like nothing on my feet

[Atownee]

After seeking advice, I went to my local independent running shop and had the gait analysis. I was so glad I did, the shop owner, as an experienced runner, was so knowledgeable and recommends that you should buy running shoes at least one size above your normal shoe size. Something I would never have considered. I ended up going 1.5 above & ended up with a pair of Asics. They were a bit more expensive than I expected to pay and I could have probably got them a few quid cheaper online, but one of the best purchases I have ever made! Like running on clouds and no more ankle/ heel niggles since! Well worth the money!

[nurseljh Graduate]

I swear by my Asics Nimbus 19s. I have heel spurs which cause great pain normally. with these shoes, no problems at all! they're pricey. could try a slightly older model.

[DBlou]

Hi, I’ve been running in a pair of £30 Reebok trainers. Light and supportive and have served me well so far (on wk7) However I have no intention of stopping running now so will want a trainer that is right for me going forward. I have searched independent running stores and one near me don’t believe in gait analysis because it’s usually done on a treadmill, and if you run outside, say on tarmac this will be pointless. This therefore confused me! Maybe some advice from other runners on here is needed, but I think it’s personal choice x

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to DBlou]

I had "natural" gait analysis done in Run and Become in London - as I run mostly on tarmac, they had me run outside the shop! And watched me as I did so to determine if there was any pronating.

[davelinks Graduate]

My wife used a pair of £14.99 neutral Lidl trainers throughout c25k which served her well, but they seemed to go off afterwards when she started getting blisters, went to Sportsdirect and bought a pair of neutral Karrimor tempo3 running shoes after using the automated gait analysis plate in store, for half price in the sale, she loves them..

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Oh ..Thank you all the great couch to 5K members (and any others from other communities.

Lots for me to think about, the gait analysis is something I will have done

Ill keep you posted!

Regards

Paul