Running Shoes

[Jen98]

So, I've just started C25k today and my running shoes aren't the best (they're what you expect from 5 pound shoes from Amazon). I want to get my gait checked and get proper running shoes sorted - my question is, what shops do you suggest I go to, that can get me good quality shoes whilst not being too harsh on the pocket?

[AnnieW55]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

There's some useful information in the link above.

Welcome to the forum. Hope you have a great time doing the programme.

Here's another useful link too

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Jen98 in reply to AnnieW55]

Thanks! Although I can't find any prices on the website of my nearest specialist shops - what's the average I should expect?

[AnnieW55 in reply to Jen98]

They vary so much. I would say the main thing is to find out what type you need and go from there. It is entirely possible that your £5 shoes are right for you. £60-£80 should get you a good pair but so could £35. There's lots over £100.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Jen98]

To add to the links that AnnieW has given you, this may be helpful too healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Decide on your budget and tell the sales staff. Get the best you can afford.

[Sortyourlife]

I got mine from a ASICS outlet (Cheshire oaks) and I think they were around £30 (should’ve been £60+)

I love them so much, they’re so comfy and tend to keep the pains away from my feet and legs. Although at the time I still felt that around £30 was a lot to spend, I then weighed up the fact that people will have bought them for the original price and the fact that they should’ve been that much also made me think they must be good quality trainers.

There were plenty of other shops there I could’ve got some from too - new balance, Adidas, Nike, just to name a few.

See if there’s an outlet shop near by, you might be able to find a bargain 😄

[oldwheezer69 Graduate]

I bought New Balance recently and they cost £107 with a gait analysis but they literally tried about 20 pairs on me and no others were right... These have transformed my running and feel amazing. Regardless of how much you want to spend its worth having a gait analysis done first x

[jolinnitt]

I’m an overweight 48 year old mother of 3, I looked into lots of shoe types to prevent pronation, my balance is poor so went for new balance as recommended on a few sites, cheapest was on Amazon, just a tip, new balance you have to go a whole size up, I paid £66 but so worth it, should’ve been £110. Have not looked back 21lbs lighter, week 7 run 3 completed today, not a niggle, worried about what to do after I’ve finished!!

[Rua8 Graduate]

Get gait analysis done and figure out what shoes suit you. Then check out how much those shoes cost online if they are too expensive in the shop. Some shops may charge about £20 for the gait analysis if you don’t buy shoes with them, but they will make you aware of this charge in advance.

[Ang33333 Graduate]

If you are lucky you will have good feet and you won't have to spend a fortune. My awful feet need support and sadly that costs more. But I love them and have no pains now. Money well spent!!!

[koalalover82]

Best get gait analysis done. M and M direct has great running shoes (ASICS / new balance / Adidas) quite heavily discounted. They tell you if they are neutral, motion control or stability! I do say once you know what your gait is and which trainers you fancy, go to RunRepeat.com it has great reviews of trainers to make a more informed choice. I had my gait analysis done a couple of times before so I’m a bit more confident with buying shoes online without trying on but first pair for you I’d still say spend the money.

[MarkyD Graduate]

Your informed approach is excellent. So many folks don't have their gait checked when purchasing their first set of running shoes.

BUT... I think that you may be getting ahead of yourself. For the first few weeks, C25K is more about walking that running. W1 is short, 1 minute running intervals, and W2 is 90 second intervals. So you'll be walking more than running. Probably your existing shoes will be OK.

When you go to the running shop for gait analysis, they're going to ask you to run on a treadmill whilst they video you running, or will get you to run outside whilst videoing you (or possibly a trained advisor will do it by eye with no video). So you're going to be expected to run whilst at the shop, and so you may want to be confident with your running before going for gait analysis. Also, the shop is likely to ask about your running - how far, what surfaces, the frequency that you run. And so you may want to have run for a few weeks before that first visit.

Be honest with the shop. Tell them your budget for the running shoes. Running shoes tend to be new every year, and so there will always be last year's model at a significant discount, or a less popular colour-way with money off. An independent running shop is going to recognise that you are a potential good customer for the next 10 years, and will go out of their way to keep you satisfied. It's tempting to go for gait analysis, identify the model and brand, and then buy them online. IF you can, please don't do this. We all need those independent shops to stay in business.

Anyway, sorry for my long ramble. Welcome to the group. Take your rest days, post often, and let us all know how you get along. And it is compulsory to post a photo of your new shoes once you get them

[Jen98 in reply to MarkyD]

Thanks! I'm not going to be able to get my shoe sorted for a few weeks anyway, so thought I'd preemptively get the info before I go! And I much prefer going to buy shoes in person

[Rua8 Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

I would like to say MarkyD , in case you think my post above an indication of my shopping mode(!), I totally agree about independent shops, and bought my own shoes where I got the gait analysis done. I only suggested online shopping because Jen was saying low budget. My shoes cost £120 so defo not low budget, and that was one of the more reasonably priced overpronation options!

[mrrun Graduate]

Price and brands are irrelevant, what makes the difference is how the shoes fit. Gait analysis guys should be able to recommend (Google your best local).

How much? No idea. Depends on what your feet are like, what support they need, what shoes are available. This is not about money, the right shoe will help you run without strain and will help avoid injuries. An injury could cost more than a pair of very expensive shoes, put it that way.

I got a few pairs, with Asics being the favourite (but not the most expensive) at £90. Mind you, my first choice were much more expensive but they simply didn't fit my feet, and that's what counts. Choose wisely!

[Jen98 in reply to mrrun]

Unfortunately price is a factor. I'm on a student budget.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

You’re looking at £120 for gait analysis and shoes. I got Nike downshifters until got to 10k as wanted to make sure I liked running.

[Claireednet]

I got my running trainers from sports direct for £40 really helpful staff...good luck! X

[Dexy5 Graduate]

If you’ve got a local independent running shop you are likely to get good personal service. You will definitely need to spend more than £5 but tell them if you are on a budget.

[Jen98]

Thanks all! I'll be getting a gait analysis done in a few weeks and see what I can get on my budget (maybe even haggle with the shop!)

[sallenson Graduate]

Check Hidden 's last post - put up today. She went to a branch of Runner's Need and they did a search online for less expensive last year's stock. So even the "specialists" can work out less expensive than you think.

Gait analysis will be free wherever you go. No obligation to buy. But make sure the one's you select (whether getting them there or searching the internet) are really really comfy...