Best running shoes to avoid back pain

[Never-too-old-run]

Good morning, fellow runners! Can anyone recommend good running shoes to avoid back pain?

I changed to Fresh Foam trainers last time I bought a pair and these have been fairly good but I'm now looking to replace them and wondered what other people wear.

Grateful for any advice before I splurge. Like everything else at the moment, the price of trainers seems to have rocketed as far as I can see online 🙀

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate]

Try going to a specialist running shop, they can probably advise better than us even if the shoes cost a few quid more you can consider it a saving on physio bills

[Never-too-old-run Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thanks, yes let's go. I'm off to Norwich tomorrow. Will drop into the trainers shop there 👍

[Cmoi Graduate]

I'm going to be very boring and say that the best shoes are the ones that suit you Never-too-old-run !

I agree with Yesletsgo - if you can, visit a specialist running shop and get a gait analysis. There's more info here: healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

This FAQ post gives more general advice about choosing shoes : healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Of course, it might also be that your current shoes are perfect for you, but they're simply worn out.

Happy choosing, happy shopping, happy running!

[Never-too-old-run Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Thanks for the link Cmoi. I'll take a look before I splash the cash 👍

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Happy Running. I will echo the specialist running shop advice. I am lucky to have a local independent shop, which is better than the running section of a big brand shop.

They allow us to run outside to try shoes out, and offer a loyalty discount. Tell them if you have a budget and they may have some older models in your size that suit you. It is the most important purchase you make as a runner and if the best shoe for you is £130, think of it has an investment in your future health.

[Never-too-old-run Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Yes. The ones I was considering are well over £100. Not sure we have a specialist running shop round here but I'll do some research 👍and I agree about the investment. Thanks for your reply 😀

[Allthegearnoidea Graduate in reply to Never-too-old-run]

You mentioned Norwich - there’s an excellent specialist running shop in Taverham that do gait analysis and great service. Can’t remember the name but they have a website if you Google Taverham running?

[Never-too-old-run Graduate in reply to Allthegearnoidea]

Thanks for the tip, Allthegearnoidea! I'll certainly give it a go. The good news is that Taverham appears to be on our side of Norwich so sounds definitely like a trip worth making 👍

[John_W Graduate]

I'm curious ... how have you determined that shoes prevent or cause any back pain that you may have had previously?

[Never-too-old-run Graduate in reply to John_W]

Hi John_W. I started running in my ordinary trainers and after every session I got discomfort in my lower back (which also happens to me after long periods of walking around all day in flats). I switched to running shoes with foam cushioning and all I know is that the discomfort in my back has completely gone. Surely it must be the foam that softens the blow, so to speak? I initially asked what shoes other runners would recommend but I suppose, on a site like this, it would be tantamount to advertising to mention specific brands? I'm going to follow up Allthegearnoidea's recommendation and go to a specialist running shop. See what they say 👍

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

I’m another “visit a run shop” for help person. Once you know which ones suit, it’s easier to buy a new pair that are similar. I have several versions of the ASICS GT-2000 which really suit my feet and style of running. Recently I had a great time when a Brooks representative visited a local run shop and I got to run around the block and on a treadmill in all sorts of different shoes. The ones I ended up with weren’t on my shortlist when I first arrived but they are brilliant and I’m so glad of the expertise of someone else to help me choose them. She even gave me a cookie!

Sometimes newer runners feel a bit intimidated at the thought of going into a running shop because that’s where “proper runners” go. That’s certainly how I felt. The good news is that the running community is really friendly and I’ve always had good experiences with sales assistants.

The links Cmoi has signposted you to are great. There was a really interesting podcast on whether it’s worth paying more for running shoes or not. A fun listen.

bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0016xvb

[Never-too-old-run Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks for your reply, MissUnderstanding. I've already followed up Cmoi's recommendations and will also try out this place in Taverham that Allthegearnoidea has recommended. Thanks for the podcast too. I'll give it a listen. As a lapsed graduate, I'm now back up to Week 7 Run 2 and hoping to enter my first ever Park Run soon so I'm looking to treat myself to some serious kit for the occasion! 😀

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate in reply to Never-too-old-run]

That sounds like a brilliant plan! We love shoes here-post a pic of yours when you find the right ones! Good luck ❤️