I live in a very rural location, very small country roads, muddy and wet and lots of fields and footpaths - my run routes are a real mix of terrain. My trainers are approaching end of life and I am starting to think about replacing them.
What should I be looking for? Does an off road shoe offer enough support on hard surfaces? I really don't think a pure road shoe would stand up to the off road conditions.
Any other options I have not considered?
I do most of my running in fields. Where there are paths they are flat mud, hard when dry. I went to a local running shop for a gait analysis (highly recommended) and they recommended several different shoes based on the results.One of the questions was 'where do you run?' Based on what I told them the shoes were all road shoes and these have worked very well for the last couple of years. I've run in mud, beaches, roads and snow without problems so my advice would be to ask an expert who knows the local are and the conditions you'll be running in.
Good luck and remember to post a pic here when you get your new shoes 😁
Thank yoy for that - I had all but discounted road shoes. I need to find my local running shop...
Can I ask where you got your gait analysis done? Was it a national or local shop? I went into our local Nike store recently, but I was put off from speaking with anyone as soon as I stepped foot inside. Thanks
I googled 'gait analysis near me'. The nearest place was Runners Edge in Southend on Sea, who were great (if you live anywhere near there). They offer online gait analysis too for £15 runners-edge.co.uk/
It's a local shop not a chain and I first went there shortly after completing C25K and injuring myself because my 10 year old trainers had finally given up the ghost. They were really helpful and put me at my ease, no small thing given I'm a short chubby 60 something year old who at the time had severe imposter syndrome.
Also, they didn't try and force me to buy the most expensive option but steered me towards the best fit which was actually the cheapest pair. They come across as enthusiasts who really know their stuff and I'm sure many independent stores will be the same.
Like you, when I tried to buy shoes at the Nike store I felt a bit out of place, the emphasis seemed to be on fashion. Pity as some of the shoes in the sale looked great.
I had this dilemma too, as I have very mixed road / off-road routes. In the end I figured I needed most protection (i.e. cushioning) for the road parts. As a 56 yr old, it's the shock on my knees that I'm most worried about. I actually did a bit of research into the best 'bang for your buck' road running shoes and ended up with some New Balance. Not crazy money - about £60. I'm very happy with them, and they are definitely sturdy enough for off-road. I also figured that during summer, the off-road bit will be so dry that it's like running on concrete anyway. They are so comfortable that I wear them for dog-walking too now. Main thing is to avoid anything fashionable - go for function and comfort!
Thanks for all the replies and guidance, some really useful suggestions in there!
My advice FWIW is to go to a shop that sells running shoes (not sportsdirect!), ask for advice and have gait analysis done. It might cost a little more but is much better than buying something that doesn't work for you and getting injured. Being injured can be so more costly than spending the right amount on shoes. Trust me, keeping injury free should be your priority.
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