Running shoes help! : Hi all. I have bought... - Couch to 5K

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Running shoes help!

14 Replies

Hi all. I have bought these running shoes from the children's area at sportsdirect when I started C25K. I didn't do gait analysis as I wasn't sure if I was going to stick with running. I have bought these karrimor ones and the only ones they had in my size (3)...I believe them to be neutral ones, but as I have been running since May, the soles suggest I am overpronating? I don't want to buy now as they are fairly new, and I am happy with them. But I don't know if this overpronation is also causing my left calf scar hurt when I run? Another thing I have heard about getting the trainers half size more or even a size bigger? I haven't had any issues with my size. The longest run has been 5k, so I don't know if that becomes an issue with longer runs which I want to do them in the future? What do you think? Shall I wait until those wear out more or do I buy ones right for my feet and do a proper gait analysis? Christmas present list!!! 😂😂😂 I attach photo.... this where you can see the wear....

Thank you

PS. For some reason I cannot attach more photos?

14 Replies
GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

I would go and get gait analysis, you don't _have_ to buy now. Personally I would be more concerned about the size, if your toes don't have enough room to fully stretch forward that could well be creating discomfort elsewhere.

Take those with you, in fact wear them and just see. If they say they're good then you know you're ok 👍🏻😁

You can only have one photo on the post, some people create a collage and then upload that 👍🏻

in reply to GoGo_JoJo

Thank you that's a good idea!!! 😀

Cath400 profile image
Cath400Graduate

I went and did gait analysis and found I also needed extra support in my shoes. Yes the running shoes I ended up with were expensive, but they got rid of most of my calf problems. I am normally a UK size 4 (rugby boots and trainers Size 5) but ended up with a size 6 which really surprised me, but are the comfiest things I've ever worn as give my feet room to sell a bit when hot, and room for the toes to spread properly.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

I can't see any significant wear in the photo (you can only post one image per post)

I have had several pairs of Karrimor running shoes, but have come to the conclusion that they are a false economy. Poor construction and durability means that they will probably not last as long as other makes. I have also never been served by a Sports Direct employee who was a runner and their training is minimal.

If you go to a specialist running shop you will get specialist service from knowledgeable staff. Many shops do not charge for gait analysis.

This post healthunlocked.com/couchto5... contains my thoughts on buying shoes and also a link to another post about gait analysis.

After you have been running a while you will probably have several pairs of shoes, so your old ones don't need to be discarded simply because you have bought more.

GoGo_JoJo has made some good points.

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Well obviously the outer heel is wearing fastest. That tells me 2 things: you are landing on your heel, and your ankle is rolling out in your gait.

If you are not suffering with running niggles then you are probably OK. Swapping out the inners for something that gives appropriate support could help (but with ankle rolling out you’ll need less arch support, not more).

As for the heel-landing, you’ll want to take a shorter stride. This will help you land over and above your foot, with the contact starting on the mid-foot. Watch some Japanese slow running videos to learn the technique.

90% of folks who receive advice in Sports Direct end up being recommended Karrimor branded shoes. That brand is owned by Sports Direct and the assistant will earn maximum commission. They are selling cheap, budget shoes based on the old Karrimor reputation from 30 years ago, with the quality concerns that Tim highlighted. This is why we recommend your local, independent running shop.

in reply to MarkyD

Thank you all. It is funny you said that... I FINALLY GOT THE GAIT ANALYSIS DONE. That was today. The guy said I hit the heels harder but he didn't say anything about ankles or anything else. I went to runners need in Exeter, and he couldn't get of rid of me fast enough. The only thing he said I needed cushioned trainers and he gave me the adrenaline 19 to try that's all. So I am not getting back there as I didn't feel I had the expertise needed. True I wasn't going to buy one today. I just wanted to try more options but no... Oh well I will have to find out myself then! Thank you

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate in reply to

Well, that sounds rubbish compared to both the experiences I’ve had. 🤔😧 The best was at a shop near Winchester, so no use to you. But I was there nearly an hour, he explained everything he was looking at & why & how it mattered. Then he brought out 2 pairs of shoes, both of which were immediately comfortable & he discussed the virtues/drawbacks of each while I tried them & made up my mind (with more pictures on the treadmill video). So still keep looking!

Maybe someone from the Exeter area can recommend a good place to go.

Good luck.

SillyWalker profile image
SillyWalker in reply to

That’s a shame about runners need. I’ve always used sweatshop for running shoes in the past especially when I had a set budget. The staff were always super helpful but they closed a load of stores so not sure if you’ll find one now. Try another running/sports store but don’t feel pressured into buying anything if it doesn’t feel right.

cazz0208 profile image
cazz0208Graduate in reply to

That’s such a shame as I got brilliant service in the same shop, the lady spent ages getting the right shoes for me and if you mention parkrun or Tri-hards you get 15% discount

UnbalancedLibra profile image
UnbalancedLibra

Half a size or full size more is to give your feet breathing space as they swell a bit when doing long distance running. Personally I paid £100 for some supposedly great runners but they just gave me every after pain going so I purchased some Scholl active sport insoles , whipped out the old insoles in my every day trainer and inserted the Scholl insoles and they've been a revelation!

in reply to UnbalancedLibra

This is what intend to do. I tried the brooks adrenaline 19 recommended and yes it was more supported but to be honest I wasn't jumping for joy either. I can't buy trainers that cost the earth.

Skeg profile image
SkegGraduate

I'm obviously new to running and not an expert but have been under NHS consultant Poderists, one in and one out of main hospital. Informed I was starting running. Showed them my soles from brisk walking which were far worse than yours. No problem was the response. Had insoles from NHS and one pair from Slazenger. I got Nike light from SD for as you say might not be running for that long. Follow up apointment after heel injection sometime back due in about 1 month so I see what they say about gait etc. I've had no problem to talk of. I repeat new to running and no expert.

Kevtrev profile image
Kevtrev

I’ve been to runners need in Manchester and very helpful and they made sure I was happy with my choice which I’m neutral so I have brooks ghost 11 comfort hell yes and they even price matched on the web for me and I would go again. You say you don’t want to spend a fortune on trainers mine cost me £97.00 should of been £120 it’s cheaper than having to see a physiotherapist down the line which is expensive and then getting the trainers after rehab think about it that way just some friendly advice 😉 happy running

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

I know in some running shops the sales staff do seem in a rush, but it's your feet and legs that matter so take your time to get the shoes that are right for you, but in the Runners Need I went to in Orpington the sales staff were fine and I got an upgraded version of my previous runners to Brooks Glycerine 16 and at a web price match of £79 down from £130, so a good saving there.. Always look after your feet, I have to go up 2 sizes with Brooks as they come up small, from 9 in casual everyday shoes to 11 in the Brooks!

There should always be about a thumbs width of space from the longest toe (usually the big toe) to the end of the shoe..

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