Since I joined this forum, going on for 7 weeks ago, I've seen lots of posts of people proudly showing pictures of or talking about their brand new running shoes. Brooks, NB, Saucony, Sketchers and even a brand I've never heard of before.
In all this time, I dont recall anybody mentioning Nike. Why is that? Is it because the brands more associated with running are genuinely better made? Are Nike more expensive because of the name? Or are they simply out of favour with runners?
I've got to be honest, I'm now struggling to see the difference between a £75 pair and a £150 pair. It all feels a bit smoke and mirrors and, being a Yorkshireman, I want to get value for money
What are your thoughts peeps?
Mig
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RunningMigster
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have mentioned on here b4 that i have lots of pairs,all comfy that i could walk in all day BUT only 2 pairs i can run in. both new balance and budget. i have some nikes but feel `flat` in them.
i have never had gait done but know what feels right and have bought bigger size than what i usually take. also look for heel and toes height off the ground (roll? )of the trainer.
cant bring myself to part with over £60 for a pair of shoes haha
We just have the shoes that if we are lucky enough, are right for us, I feel.
Mine are Adidas... all four pairs... so, not a top of the range..not a top brand; but they are absolutely perfect for my running, well made and comfortable.
In the world of dress shoes, I believe they are very casual, but you might get away with them with a suit in a casual setting, and they IMO fit with jeans depending on how elegant they are. Monks come in a number of styles, some of (lilpeepmerch.net/product-ca... which are much clunkier/more relaxed than others.
Perhaps I'm not qualified to comment on the single vs. double strap debate, but I believe double is slightly more casual simply because the more information you add to a shoe, the more casual it becomes in general.
I have Under Armour trainers that cost like £25! Not had gait analysis done but these feel comfy 🤷🏻♀️ have looked at buying more expensive trainers designed for running but then I figure why bother until I need a new pair! Maybe I just got lucky with these but to be honest I didn’t want to shell out loads on trainers if I wasn’t going to stick with running. Anyway, not sure about Nike’s but they do have 30% off at the moment 😉
To a point it really depends on how you run and what range the shop carries if you have gait analysis done.
I am totally open to any brand, I chose the Asics I have purely because they felt really comfortable when I was running in them.
I completed the program twice in a pair of Skechers on a treadmill (I still use the same pair today if I'm running on a treadmill), I ran outside a couple of times in Orlando in another pair of Skechers.
Would I say my next pair of outdoor running shoes has to be Asics, definitely not, I'm open to seeing what other brands are available through-out the price range.
As long as I feel comfortable in them and I feel they are right for me then I'll get those, the wrong shoe can really cost you in terms of your running.
Find a local running shop that does gait analysis, not a chain like Sports Direct and go and have that done, they will tell you what type of runner you are and should be able to help you find a pair for your running style and budget.
I was running in a pair of New Balance running shoes when I first started. As the runs got longer after week 6 or 7 I started to get very uncomfortable pins and needles in my feet half way through the run. I got a gait analysis done and found out that I had over pronation and required stability shoes. I tried on many different makes in the shop and went for Brooks. I’m half way through my 3rd pair now.
My running shoes are only for running. They last for about 800 kilometres which is a year for me. I don’t mind paying 120-140 for running shoes as they get me through a full year of running injury free. I do all my running outdoors all year round and do parkrun most weekends. So I am not paying any gym membership and running is free. I look upon good running shoes as an investment.
My husband has run for years, and always runs in Asics so that was what I went for first. When I then got injured, my physio said the first problem was the shoes weren’t right for my feet, partly not enough support, and partly too small - they’re a half size bigger than I usually wear! So the running shop advised Brooks Adrenaline in a full size bigger, or some NB - they just didn’t feel right. But as soon as I put the Brooks on - like running on clouds! Perfect. For me. Just as Asics are perfect for my husband 🤷🏼♀️ The full size bigger was a surprise, but basically I think different ones are right for different people. Advice in the running shop was priceless though. Sorry for the essay! Have fun looking 😁
I didn't have a gait analysis when I first started C25k and went for Nikes . I bought my usual size but they just didn't suit me - toe nails persistently turning black ..... I went for a gait analysis at Run4it and was advised to try Brooks . I also went up a couple of sizes !! Going from a size 3 to a 5 made my feet look enormous when I looked down !! I was wary to begin with but was told I could return them after a couple of trial runs if not happy. Almost a year later I'm so glad I went for the gait analysis and advice - my Brooks are perfect for my feet . It makes all the difference to your enjoyment of running if what you have on your feet is comfortable and does the job irrespective of brand and price.
I started out running in my Nike shoes I wear for badminton. After about week 5 ,I realised a) I was going to ruin them and not be allowed on the court with them and b) they just weren't up to the task. They are designed to twist sideways to allow for quick changes of direction and as soon as it rained, they had no traction on the pavement. To put it bluntly, I felt unsafe.
I trundle off to Runnersneed, where I promptly had a heart attack over the prices. I spoke to a really lovely bloke, explaining that my ambition is a parkrun, not a marathon. He didn't laugh me out of the shop, but went through everything I needed to look for in a running shoe and sent me across the road to Sports Direct where I paid £50 for a pair of Karrimores. They have seen me through and I'm quite happy with them.
As a result of their excellent service, I now go into Runnersneed regularly. If and when I need a new pair of running shoes, I might even treat myself ...
I've got to the end of week 6 in a basic pair of Sketchers Go Run. They have been brilliant. Very comfy and really good cushioning underfoot. I guess I just figured that by this stage, I'd need something a bit better. Truth is, I'm not convinced i do.
Many years ago (25 ish) i did work in a 'proper' sports shop. I figured technology would have changed quite significantly since then and I'd be really out of touch. From what I'm hearing and seeing though, little has changed.
I mentioned Nike in particular as I saw they had a new range of Pegasus trainers which are 'water repellent' I wondered if that might worth an idea for when the snow hits. It was only then that it dawned on me that nobody talks about their new Nike running shoes.
So thanks all. I think for the moment, I'm going to stick with what I've got. In fact, I'll be slipping them on shortly to do my next run.
Have a really great day everybody and a very Happy Thanksgiving to all my running friends across the pond.
It's a fair question but Nike do many running shoes as well as their sell to the kids trainers. When I originally started I got a gait analysis done at Decathlon, which turned out to be a mistake as the young lady didn't even video me running just had a look and recommended their most expensive Asics shoes they had, which turned out to be a neutral shoe and as the distances got longer I started to struggle many with calf pain.
I finally went to 'Runners Needs' a few weeks ago to have a second gait analysis where they showed me the video and the over pronation that was causing me all the problems. I tried on over 10 different makes of stability shoes as I also have wide feet, bunions and flat feet which included a pair of Nike, Brooks wide fit and Asics. I ended up in a size 12 (1 1/2 sizes bigger than my shoes) Asics Gel Kayano 26's as they were the best fit and had gel in the forefoot as well as the rear which suited my running style. They weren't cheap but the guy in the shop was nice enough to point out that they price match so a quick google before the till would be a good idea.
Unfortunately to get decent running shoes to match you is not cheap and needs a gait analysis, I would make sure you get the analysis done with the shoes you are going to buy as well to see the difference in your running.
What you get for the money is a shoe that totally suits you together with better build quality and the top science on the best way to reduce the risk of injury.
It also forces you to keep running every time you see that wad of cash sitting on the floor that you told the other half was essential for you to continue.
Its amazing what a difference a bit of good service can make. I was so grateful that Runnersneed took me seriously, they will definitely be getting my custom again.
I completed all the runs of C25K with £14 trainers from my local shoe shop, it was when I was considering to start running at parkruns I went to a specialist sports shop which recommended the running shoes (Brooks Ghost 11 Glycerin) that I now have after a gait analysis. They recommended for running a shoe size larger than my normal shoe size, running shoe size 8, normal shoes, size 7.
I am not sure why Nike shoes are not worn by most runners here, perhaps they are more expensive than the price I paid for mine.
Each foot to its own shoe. Due to my injuries l decided not to hold back and go for the best for me. Gait guys threw it all out and went for some stuff that was in £250 range but no Nike and none of it fit me either. Many a shoe later we found perfect Asics for £110 and for the past three years I've had no foot/knee injury.. Tried under £100s as well but my feet didn't like them.
I started in a pair of Adidas that I already had but was having bad knee pain, gait analysis showed I'm an over pronator and I tried lots of brands before settling on a pair of Nike Structure - fortunately on sale at £75, I love them and have had no knee pain since. So I appear to be a rare Nike fan on here!
Went to our local runners shop for gait analysis and as a newbie took their advice. Tried on several pairs and chose NB. I love them and it’s like running in slippers.
Can’t remember what I paid but it was less than £100.
Before I started C25K and well before I'd found this forum, the only advice I'd been given was to 'get a proper pair of running shoes' (but no-one said what sort!) So, being a bloke I googled (other search engines are available) something like 'what's the best pair of running shoes for a beginner?' which led me to various websites offering advice and based on that bought on-line a pair of Asics (gel 6 I think) shoes for £47.00 I bought size 9½ as that is my usual shoe size (generally trainers I've bought only came in full sizes, so my squash shoes have always been size 9) and decided that these would only used for running and nothing else. I love them, they seem really light and comfortable, plus they were an additional incentive for me to push on with C25K (I can't give up now, I've invested nearly £50 in shoes!), but what suite me may not suit you. Before I joined this forum I'd never heard of gait analysis (and when I first did I assumed it meant me deciding if I could go beyond the end of our driveway to do a run before I double-checked the spelling!)
I never buy the 'latest' model of any shoe - the previous year's is always much cheaper and therefore I've rarely spent more than £70 . Outlet (online and in-store), online are much cheaper - but don't dismiss the value and service found in specialist running shops.
Great thread 👍 I've seen lots of good online reviews about Nike but you're right, nothing on here. Didn't Nike provide Eliud Kipchong his shoes for his sub 2hr marathon? If so, they can't be all that bad .
My current shoes are £15 from Decathlon. Been great up to now but with the extra miles I'm now doing and my goals for the new year, I'm definitely in the market for an upgrade but don't want to spend more than £50.
My friend at work only ever wears Lidl Offers shoes but yesterday I spotted him in a pair of ASICS. I asked him why. He said they were a present but can notice the difference in how good they feel and so much more comfortable (he's not a runner, just his everyday trainers) which made me think there is going to be some value in splashing out a little. What I really want to do is find a £100+ pair on some super duper black Friday deal.
I run in Nikes👍. Had them since wk 4 which is about 9 months now. Like running on air with a good bounce. They were also very pretty in pink although a tad dirty now! They offered me 3 different pairs after gait analysis, he seemed to know his stuff and not pushy. I’d recommend them but I do think it’s very personal and good to try a bunch on, test on treadmill if in doubt 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️
I'm a Nike fan! Found a model that suited me and stuck with it. I've had 3 pairs of Lunarglide 8, picked up the last two pairs new off ebay as I knew I didn't need to try them on. Agree with the comment about buying last years model as much cheaper. Mine have taken me all the way to a sub-2hr half marathon without a single blister or injury.
Go with what suits your feet, running style and budget and don't worry about the brand.
I did the first five weeks of C25K in my walking shoes and wearing knee supports 😂. Then when I realised I might actually finish the programme I followed the advice on here and went for a gait analysis at Tempo in Eastbourne. The shop owner was brilliant. I came away with Brooks 11, cost about £110, so not cheap but the advice was invaluable. Tempo also offer a reward card so you get discounts on future purchases. Not used knee supports since and I’m still running in them well over a year later. I only ever use them for running. My thinking was the shoes are the most important part of the kit. Everything else can be bought cheaper in Decathlon or Sports Direct.
Find what type of runner you are, there's simple tests online if you can't make a running store yet, find recommended shoe, search online for previous years model of said shoe. I ended up with mine less than half the normal price.
As for Nike, I did my first 3 or 4 months of running in a pair of all white Prestos that I had in cupboard and had bought mostly for fashion reasons. There was nothing wrong with them but my ASICS cumulus certainly feel better to run in and I've had less pain with them, which as runners is what we want right? To run and not get injured.
We're considered very North Yorkshire in Middlesbrough but we still like a bargain 🤣👍🏻
Hi RunningMigster! I run in Nike Reacts. Personally I will always go for Nike - they fit me like a glove, and the ones I use at the moment just work for me. But I agree, it’s confusing! I’d wait a little bit and go to the shops to see what’s on offer, there may be deals to be had, and you won’t need to send them back if they aren’t right. 😀
It is the only company you dress in, all year long, even during intervals of inclement weather. Bad weather, sleet, or snow….you happen to be sporting your Birks just like a champion. <a href="welcome2solutions.com/forum...
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