I beginning to feel a little uneasy about joining the running community.
My problem is the continual banging on about "the right shoes". There are a lot of people here who seem to be a bit precious when it comes to shoes.
We are continually being advised by the health professional to get out and do some exercise. But it seems running is only for those who can afford £100 plus for a pair of (what are basically) plimsolls and a lot of other kit besides.
Now a word to the wise. Not everyone can afford that kind of investment on a new venture.
So come on people. Prove me wrong. Tell me where you can get a decent pair of running shoes for less than, say, £30. Something everyone can afford.
And by the way. I am fortunate to be able to afford £100+ for shoes. But I refuse to pay that much on the basis that actually, I may decide that running isn't for me.
I don't think folk mean to sound precious - but many are speaking from experience.
I started C25K in a rubbish pair of 'leisure' shoes with zips on the front 😂. By Wk3 one of them had broken so, like you, at that point not entirely certain I was even going to finish I bought a pair an Adidas runners from Sports Direct for about £35. They were so much better than my previous shoes and got me through the programme quite happily. Hoeever about 2 months after graduating when I started running longer distances more often I started getting nagging pains in my left knee and right hip and unable to get a physio appointment without joining a waiting list - thought I would go for a gait analysis as others had posted about it being useful. If I'm honest I was sceptical but was impressed by the knowledge shown and was clearly able to see for myself that my feet rolled inwards when I ran and that it was especily bad on my left side. I bought a pair of asics to support my feet and help correct the over probation and since then have seen knee and hip pain disappear. The shoes cost £120 (I've since seen them online for £100) - but I'd have paid £60 for an initial consultation with a physio. Interestingly a friend recently had a similar appointment and the physio did a gait analysis and recommended inserts for her running shoes which cost about £25 - so not much difference.
Please don't feel despondent- no one is saying you have to have a gait analysis (I sure loads of folk don't) or spend more on shoes than you want - it's much more important to focus on enjoying the running and benefits it brings - however a decent pair of shoes will help you to avoid injury and breaks in your running journey.
Great post! Speaking personally, having a gait analysis and investing in "proper" shoes resolved my knee and hip pain from the first wearing. I don't think its being precious..... more like getting the right tool to do the job 😊
When I wanted to start the programme, my daughter who has run a marathon and other runs insisted that I had my gait analysed before I bought a pair of shoes, as she is experienced. I went to Runner Needs where I met the best shop assistant ever. I asked if he had the ones he recommended in the sale . They didn't in the shop but he suggested going on line and he gave me several makes to look for. I actually got them from another company online cheaper, about £50. I haven't had any problems since. I also recommend getting running socks. I have double layer ones and I've never had blisters. You can't concentrate on your running if you're in pain. Good luck.
There are plenty of not so expensive shoes which would be suitable for people to "test the water" of C25K for several weeks - maybe to even complete the programme. eg sportsdirect.com/running/ru... C25k is meant to be done slowly - the running done is slow and easy and good running form is much more important than the shoes. RUN QUIETLY!!!!
Hi Seaspice, of course most of us, if not all started in trainers we already had, or were cheap and cheerful...
We are responding with hindsight to lots of people asking for advice about knee pain, niggles etc...
I was fine, but my husband got knee pain in Week 3, was overpronating, which was proved to be causing the pain, and corrective shoes fitted after gait analysis sorted this out. There are many, many people who over the years I have been visiting this forum who have experienced the same thing...
We do try to help with proper advice, and quite often suggest if there seems to be an issue with shoes, that after gait analysis its possible to search online for a cheaper option of the correct shoe, or to get an older style... carrying on running without proper support, if you need it, is not really an option and will result in injury.
I do think ' proper' running shoes are expensive, but they are light, comfortable, supportive, and good quality. They last ages...
Running is a free activity, if you need proper support its worth investing in shoes that are right for you. Its an impact sport after all.
My first shoes were from SportsDirect £35. They were actually my size not a size bigger which is what I really needed, as my toes would go numb. After graduating in Nov 2015, I got new shoes fitted, yes they were over £100, but I'm still using them now and they are fine...they are my only pair... I only need a neutral shoe so could have kept going with the karrimors in a bigger size maybe..but the difference in feel is very noticeable.
Just wanted to explain why we recommend thinking about proper running shoes to people with knee problems..
I do hope you see we mean well, and would only suggest a gait analysis if there seemed to be an issue..😊xxx
Challenge accepted (sorry I just wanted to quote How I Met Your Mother there), I'm sure there are people on here are wondering why I hadn't already chimed in on your earlier post about running shoes and know EXACTLY what I'm about to say Well wouldn't want to disappoint: decathlon.co.uk/C-605169-ru... > plenty in that list under £30. They will say in the description how LONG in terms of times you expect to be running in a week and if for roads or trails. They're not pretending to be for epic runners, but it's C25K, we're not epic... yet.
If you look in my user icon, you'll see the women's version which I completed C25K with (billed as for up to an hour 3 times a week, road and path). They cost me £34.99 (before you quibble that £4.99, they were reduced right after that to £16.99 for months!!) . My feet are still happily attached to my body. Of course if I had had obvious pains, then I'd have revisited that.
My logic was same as yours, I didn't know that it would stick, but I wasn't about to damage my feet with unsuitable for purpose stuff. With the rate of product innovation, my brain says the technology in a place like Decathlon's shoes, is cheap because it's what was in the super duper brands 10 years ago, just like the top of the range laptop you buy today, will be next year's mid-range in terms of specs.
If you want not precious and cheap, I'm yer woman Oh and just thank your lucky stars you don't have to shell out on a sports bra, that's an unavoidable eye-watering expense! #walletstilltramatised #actuallyhubby'swalletbecausethemothsinminewentyou'rehavingalaugh
The price of a decent sports bra though! I found my perfect fit years ago and trawl eBay constantly for any offers, still cost more than my trainers though
I've put on so much weight because I couldn't exercise for a year - the only thing that fits me is my shoes! This flipping unseasonal weather doesn't help - all my summer clothes are packed away! 😂😂
I went to decathlon for gait analysis and got shoes there for around £60. I’ve had them for 18 months or so and they are still going strong and are really comfy. A worthwhile investment I think.
My own personal experience is that it's worth paying for shoes specifically for running (as opposed to leisure trainers), but I've found £35 running shoes from the likes of sports direct or decathlon are fine. Both will do a gait analysis if you want it. I've never bothered myself and have instead just gone for shoes that felt light and comfortable. I graduated from c25k 3 years ago and have done much running since including a marathon. Possibly I'm lucky but I've heard of folks that have had problems even after having had a gait analysis and buying expensive shoes, only to find it resolved with a different pair of shoes.
I think my running trainers cost about £30 from Decathlon and I’ve never had any problems with them at all. Leggings were about £5 from sports Direct and I just wear any vest top (probably from Primark) with one of my maternity sports bras (again probably Primark) so I guess I’m a bit of a cheap skate 😬 My running jacket was a gift for Mother’s Day but I don’t think it cost the earth.
I always feel comfortable and have never had any leg/foot issues 🤷♀️
IF you can afford expensive shoes but choose not to, why the post? Why is it bothering you what others do? How many items of clothing do you have with a "name" on them when an unbranded product does exactly the same? (Of course for this you may say none, but I guess that as "I am fortunate to be able to afford £100+ for shoes" then you WILL have some!)
As for your comment that "for a pair of (what are basically) plimsolls" I would love to see you run 5K in a pair of plimsolls or today's equivalent, Converse fashion shoes. (Bet you have some!) You would damage yourself. Yes you can buy cheap trainers. Yes they "will do" and for some that is true, but they will never be right for all. I am 67 and have just taken up running. I want to protect myself as far as possible from injury. So I have proper running shoes and insoles that cost around £150. The difference they have made is remarkable.
In all walks of life people value different things. As you are able to afford £100+ for shoes, I would guess you don't drive a Dacia or any one of the lower priced cars. Why not? They do the job! Thing is, we all spend our money on what we want. We chose to spend some on running shoes, gait analysis and special insoles, no doubt you spend yours on other things. Horses for courses.. I don't think there is any likelihood of people thinking running is not for them just because of a different spend level..
Actually Converse is one of the oldest sports shoe manufacturer in existence. They have been around since 1908, making basketball shoes since 1917 and are the shoe of choice for many pro skaters, weightlifters, basetball players and other athletes.
But the "Converse" fashion shoes are absolutely no good for running! I have a pair and if I tried to do any running over trying to catch a bus, I would end up with injuries. They may be big in the States for sport, but the imports we get here are fashion shoes.
I'm fairly new to running and started off In normal trainers not knowing about overpronation. Started the c25k got to about week 3 and could not continue through pain in joints enough it stopped me for about 5 weeks. Through advice I went for a gait analysis. The difference is unbelievable, I don't like the costs much and I try to keep an eye out for the sales but if you need the trainer due to a problem they are a god send.
If your gait is normal you probably don’t need expensive shoes or insoles. I’m a long distance walker (and now a runner too!) and I’ve never spent more than £50 on either running shoes or walking boots. I buy in the sales, and from cheaper places. The tricky thing you have to work out is whether or not your gait is normal. One way to do this is to look at an old pair of shoes you’ve used regularly and check the heels. Are they worn down evenly on both sides? If so, you’ve probably got a normal gait.
This is not a good way to analyse gait. In fact it's a bad way. How you land and wear a shoes has no correlation to the dynamic motion of your ankle rolling in which is generally what your trying to correct with running shoes. I wear my heels on one side but i'm largely neutral with a small flick that doesn't really need correction.
You pay £100+ for shoes because you choose to, that's all there is to it. There is no need whatsoever. Gait Analysis is generally free and all it will likely do it put you in one of three camps with regards to your choices. Then you exercise your freedoms and rights to go buy exactly what you choose to. My first Mizuno were £35 because they were a few seasons old and I still have them 3 years later.
I read an article interviewing the CEO of Brooks, an american company that sells most of their shoes through running shops and the gait analysis process, they pretty much admitted that their shoes were ugly and only got sold through that mechanism which they were trying to change as they recognised that times were changing and the younger generation are looking to more fashion oriented decisions, but also that technology has changed with running shoes now being more about how comfortable they are rather than the support system. There is a huge focus now on foams as there previously was on gels and this is all about being comfy.
Gait analysis is a pseudo science, it is performed generally by people with less than a weeks training. It doesn't mean they will make a wrong call, but they often do. You are better seeing a qualified podiatrist if you want accurate advice, and if you have real issues then orthotics may help. Generally though any "running shoe" is better than a poor fashion trainer or a knackered old gym shoe, so often people get gait analysis and think a miracle has occured when they wear there £125 shoes.
It is good and right to be questioning of your purchases, but as to not joining a sports community becaus ethey spend on expensive gear lol, try cycling or tennis or skiing or golf, my favourite yachting and you will see nearly all sports get spendy hehe
Maybe take up dominoes, but you'll spend a fortune on pork scratchings.. you have been warned!!
p.s.
It is worth noting that there is no proven reduction in injury for runners who have chosen shoes recommended by gait analysis. There is a proven reduction in injury for runners who have chosen shoes that they find comfortable.
Saragiotto, BT et al.: ‘What Do Recreational Runners Think About Risk Factors For Running Injuries? (2014)
"3 Reasons a Gait Analysis at a Running Store May Not Help You Find the Right Shoe"
That's interesting- I've had gait analysis twice now & I think I was ripped off the second time - my husband definitely thinks so! I was debating whether it's worth having next time i need new trainers. I will read the article. Thanks for the info.
I got some Asics gel something or other off Amazon, they were less than £50.00, although I noticed yesterday that they are now between £75 and £100, in less than 3 months!!!
I wasn't precious, but felt that the least I could do was spend what was necessary to prevent injuries.
I didn't get gait analysis as I don't think at the beginning my gait was established, next pair though I certainly would.
Trainers, runners, sneakers aside. The programme is still a relatively low outlay for something that can have such a positive impact on physical and mental health.
I ran weeks 1-7 in a pair of £20 Everlast trainers which are perfectly fine. I succumbed to pressure from my running husband that I should have a lighter pair. I still revert when muddy!
I hate buying shoes (following years of having problems from 11 yrs of size 8 feet very unusual for a girl in the 60's) so never possess more than 4 or five pairs including walking boot and slippers) I tried a pair of soft deck shoes first run definitley not good, then some leather lace ups better but a bit small , nothing locally in and 8 so bought a pair on ebay for 2.99 used a couple of times , they are great and doing the job . No you dont have to spend its up to you
Wouldn't you be better just buying mens runners? They are pretty asexual anyways with the difference being more about colour. If your an 8 you'd probably need a 9 in a runner.
I said 9 as what happens typically is you get blisters on the ends of your toes when you start to run further as your toes expand and hit the end of the shoe. So ideally you need to go up a size. It took me a while to get my head around bigger shoes.
Don't get hung up on the number! I resented getting 5.5 for my petit 4.5 but having seen some pics of runners toes gone bad I'd wear 13 if they told me too! 😲🤣
@ Millsie-J , Didn't know that was the case with proper running shoes, somehow I thought there might be an actual physiological reason with them to genderise (new word). Woohoo, because a) I have wide feet b) I have a pathological loathing of pink*, so that gives me some more options!
*For myself. I have no problem with the rest of y'all being festooned in pink
pinkaardvark has a good suggestion there - I've always worn a men's in fashion/leisure trainers. To the point that I know my US men's size, yet have NO CLUE what my US women's size is!
Talk to older Vets - it's interesting to me that in three different countries, three different kits, I've heard veterans remark "Those damn boots *"!?'*ed up my knees/feet/legs".
I think it's like Backs. You "feel" like your Back is fine and lift heavy things any old way untill one day all that cumulative damage manifests with a vengence.
No, damage was there way before, and a huge part of my belief that I could never run
I wasn't even sure I would be able to complete week four! But running ANY distance was such a blast - I was kind and generous to myself and bought the shoes. Not only did they make a difference in comfort and safety - it motivated me to start believing I was actually going to give the programme my genuine best effort.
Ten miles continously is my goal this year I think I can do it
There pricing is a bit evil, in that I don't think they ever sold many at £170 and it's more a mechanism of false discounting. But some of the karrimor stuff is very good. All my running clothes tend to be karrimor with just the odd bit of reebok etc. Decathlons own brand stuff is very good also and I think the dutch company behind them is less evil than that nasty man that runs SD.
Best idea is to go to a flash running shop, pay for gait analysis (about a tenner), try on lots of their trainers to find two or three good ones, jot down the details then scour the internet for better prices.
When all those small shops are lost we won’t be able to pop in to get the gait analysis and expert advice and then pop onto the internet for a bargain. Oh well 😔
I think the first pair should be bought in the shop after the GA. But after that it’s an unnecessary luxury unfortunately. I’m assuming gait doesn’t change.
Sorry I'm late to the party. Gait does change - or mine has, at least. My first 4 GAs told me I over-pronated, so suggested comfy shoes to correct. Recently I had been having hip and feet problems. My latest GA said that my gait is now neutral, and in neutral shoes my problems have gone away
If it's Irish-John you're replying to (this thing never threads properly) I think he meant go to the indie because they will be honest with the price, rather suggesting he would then skewer them by buying it online... If your reply wasn't to Irish-John then just ignore me!
Fair dues. Yeah, it's like when you're in a bookshop and everyone around is Googling the book in their hand, a small part of me dies. Not that I'm a saint in that regard, but I try, or I feel guilty when I haven't tried!
I would second about Decathlon and happily wore their running shoes for the first couple of years after buying shoes in the sale. I progressed onto more expensive shoes when I started doing HM's as I needed more support after about 10km. Sports direct has good shoes for running and if you get their special offers you can pick up an amazing bargain. we never try to intimidate on here only advise and are often pointing people in the right direction for getting their new running shoes according to their own budget, but on the same point we will always join in with the joy of new runners no matter what the cost is and I have never seen anyone be derided for their choice of trainer nor would I ever allow it to happen because of some perceived view of good and bad runners in respect of price.
Perhaps the "continual banging on about the right shoes" is an indication that there is something in it? It's all been said in the above postings so I won't add to it but i'm "precious" enough to want to take care of my feet, knees, ankles etc so I buy good quality shoes at sale prices. Be interested to know if you've changed your mind now you've read all the comments!
I realise I never answered your question. Where can you buy a running show that's good for less than £30. As I don't know your shoe size or sex(albeit your free to wear whatever) it's hard for me to answer but there are plenty to choose from even at that budget and top brand names ie a pair of mens asics gel runners sportsshoes.com/product/asi... £25.99
We discussed it at length just last week. Cheap as chips. We also discussed Aldi. I am always banging on about cheapo Karrimor Tempo from SD. Cheapo but goodo. In fact I think I used those very words today!
I posted up a pic a a load of gear I bought from Lidl a few weeks back. Roseabi bought some Lidl run shoes, so she can give you the run-down on those. They look really good, and I have said so often!
I also posted a pic of me in my cheapo Aldi gear on here the other day. The Lidl and Aldi gear is TOP! Love the stuff as everyone here knows. Proud to wear it.
My Aldi merino top is my fave bit of running gear. Anywhere else it would cost loads.
Start Fitness in the north east and online do big name brands from previous seasons at a fraction of the price. They just had 40% off all Brooks too. 👍😁
I started my C25K journey with a pair of old trainers I got for a fiver on eBay. They were really thin soled and basically fell apart. I also used to suffer with shin splints when I ran and these shoes didn’t help at all. I then bought some Adidas running shoes and they’re the best things I’ve ever had!! They still look brand new and feel so comfy when I run. I think getting a pair of better quality shoes might be the more expensive option but I feel they’re the better option for sure!
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Well wouldn't want to disappoint: 
Of course if I had had obvious pains, then I'd have revisited that. 
Oh and just thank your lucky stars you don't have to shell out on a sports bra, that's an unavoidable eye-watering expense! 
and you will see nearly all sports get spendy hehe
Proper Grown-up Shoes!
The right shoes - don't be a fool!!
So I braved the scary running shop
Advice on shoes?
