Of course it’s possible to pay that much but I think a lot will depend on your sales assistant. I went to my local DW sports and the gait analysis was free. I explained to the assistant that I was a (very) new runner and that I wasn’t bothered about brand names, or even colour, and he was brilliant. Told me the ones they had to sell suitable for me starting from £40 up to £120... in fact, if anything, he told me once I got above a certain level I was purely paying for the name.
Mine are New Balance (NB) ones, £46, and are perfect for me so far (and that’s W2-W8 of the program, so approx 20 runs)
I think it’s like the adage: you do get what you pay for... up to a point. Good luck!🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
When I purchased my first pair of quality shoes they were the single most expensive item of footwear or clothing that I have ever bought.
They came after a gait analysis which I described in healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... When it came to replacing these shoes I bought the updated model online at half price............£120 shoes for £59 just because this year's model had been released.
I have also had two pairs of Karrimor trail shoes from Sports Direct. These are okay but not as well made or as durable as better quality shoes. If you are running offroad then they are certainly an option, but if you purchase their road shoes how will you know, without a gait analysis, that the shoes are appropriate for your running style.
I would advise biting the bullet and getting the gait analysis done. You are not obliged to buy recommended shoes, but it may show that you require specific support, which if not provided can actually cause problems.
Yes I think I’ll go for the analysis and keep in mind how much I’m prepared to pay, then just come out with nothing if there’s nothing to suit my budget.
My first pair of shoes, Brooks, were £68 in the sale.... just an older colour so sale stock. From an independent running shop following a gait analysis.
I would say tell the shop assistant you have a small budget, ask if they have any sale stock, take it from there.
I paid £85 for my asics after gait analysis and i have to say they are the most comfy trainers ive ever had. Ive had them 2 years now and theyre still going strong. Though i only started running recently (im in week 5) i used them for walking previously.
I’ve been wearing a pair of Skechers which I find 100% comfy that I also bought for walking! I know they’re not good for running but they’ve been fine so far. Only thing is a get quite painful knees for the day after I’ve finished running, so I hope decent shoes might help with that.
Just had a quick read nd it seems people recommend strengthening your qiads by doing squats to help and minimising heel strike. I hate squats myself they really do make my thighs burn lol
The cost is in the quality. But it depends what you want them for. 20-30 minutes running 2-3 times per week - there are plenty of decent trainers at a mid-price range.
I am about to buy my 4th pair of Asics Gel Pulse - I'm training for the London Marathon and I'm running about 40 miles (65km) each week. They are costing me £49 from SportsShoes.com StartFitness.co.uk and Amazon are very good too. And many swear by the Karimor shoes (about £40) from SportsDirect. Apart from a special purchase (treat) for a pair of Hoka OneOne's I have yet to spend more than £60.
For your 1st pair of shoes, there's no need to spend more than that.
In which case, I'd suggest just a cheapish but comfortable pair of neutral running shoes. You have a large choice. Try many pairs on, have a go on the in-store treadmill and have fun! But... gait analysis is always interesting ... I wouldn;'t rule it out completely.
Hi Seasidepanda, I certainly think it would be worth getting gait analysis to check that you don't have overpronation. I am sure that I have seen somewhere on here that that is the group of people who need adapted shoes. If you have a more neutral gait then I think that you have more flexibility for buying shoes. I had gait analysis and I do overpronate. Since I bought suitable shoes my knees have been comfortable, but they weren't before I got them. 😄
I had free gait analysis done but decided I wasn’t willing to pay £120 for a pair of trainers. I did buy a buff from the running shop though as I felt guilty not buying anything. Then I found last season’s version of the same shoes for £25 at sportsshoes.com - and bought two pairs so I could rotate them. Unless you’re a gazillionaire, I’d shop around...
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StartFitness.co.uk and Amazon are very good too. And many swear by the Karimor shoes (about £40) from SportsDirect. Apart from a special purchase (treat) for a pair of Hoka OneOne's I have yet to spend more than £60.
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