second hand?

[Trevdp]

I do my running at the gym on a treadmill for various reasons. I’ve signed up to the park run thing and my local one is mostly on grass. This may seem a bit vain lol but the shoes I take to the gym are pristine and I’ve had them for a year or so. I really don’t want to run across fields etc and get them all muddy. Anyway, I was browsing Vinted and the thought came to me of second hand running shoes to use on the park run. A fraction of the price of another new pair as well. What’s your thoughts on someone else’s shoes for running ? Would they be ‘moulded’ to the previous owners feet, gait or whatever. Could it have an adverse affect on my feet, joints etc or ( my thinking ) it’s only 5k once a week so will that really matter ? Interested in your thoughts.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

What have you got to lose? I’d happily buy and wear second hand shoes. In fact, I’m about to list my trail shoes because they’re just a bit too small and I’ve used them outdoors so can’t get a refund. Only worn a few times. I’d look always for ones that don’t show too much wear around the heel cushion or sole grips.

Good luck with finding a pair!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Most often running shoes will be listed for sale because they've not suited the owner, so will have been relatively lightly used.

I am a big fan of having more than one pair, and regardless of desire to keep a pair pristine, what is ideal for the treadmill is likely not ideal for grass or other outdoor surface anyway, so it sounds like a good plan.

[Mind you, I'm someone who doesn't really feel she's had a proper run if she's not brought back half a peat bog in her laces...]

[Trevdp Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

That’s a good point about treadmill/grass shoe, never considered that ! Thanks

[Cmoi Graduate]

I've happily bought shoes on Vinted  Trevdp . I'd check condition really carefully though and not get lured into buying worn or unsuitable shoes just because they're cheap, which always tempts me.

Also, if you'll be running on grass, I'd strongly recommend you look at trail shoes, and read a few reviews before buying. Trail shoes are not all the same: some are more suited to softer surfaces such as grass and mud, others to rockier, more technical trails.

As for it’s only 5k once a week so will that really matter ? I'd say it most definitely matters. My worst fall wasn't during a technical trail marathon, but on an easy path I know really well, maybe 1.5k into a run from home. Lack of concentration and complacency about the fact I was wearing road not trail shoes resulted in a face-plant and injuries that messed up my running for months.

If you're not used to running outside, I'd also give that a try, as well as testing out any new shoes, rather than doing parkrun for the first time in new shoes.

[Over60sRunner Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Trevdp I absolutely agree with Cmoi to have a couple of practice runs on grass/road, it's completely different to the treadmill. I am also largely a treadmill runner and was gobsmacked at the difference between "spring loaded" running on the the mill and road running 😱

In answer to your question, I would also agree that there's nowt wrong with a pair of preloved running shoes as long as they are in good condition. I have a preloved pair for the occasional road run or ParkRun and my "shiny" ones for the treadmill which I won't even wear for the walk from the car to the gym!

[Trevdp Graduate in reply to Over60sRunner]

Hey over60s ( we should start a club 😂), thanks for the comment. I did c2 about 10 or more years ago purely road running but I agree it’ll be a shock when I do my first non treadmill run ! I’m the same with my treadmill shoes, they go from the changing room to the gym and back haha. Actually my profile pic 👆🏻are my shoes and after nearly a year they still look like that, hahaha

[Trevdp Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Hi Cmoi, thanks for the reply. I’ve seen trail shoes but never considered them, they’ll definitely be worth considering when the wetter colder weather comes around. Btw, hope you’ve recovered from your face first dive !!

[Leotigris Graduate]

I think second hand might be a viable option. My concerns would be that I would need to try them on first before any money changed hands, to be certain that they fit and are comfortable.