Running shoes

[Blueowl1867]

Hi do running shoes really help and if so can anyone recommend any budget ones.thanks

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Having good shoes does make a difference when you’re running, especially as you build up the distance, This is such a personal thing that it’s not really possible to know what will suit you, I’d visit a running shop and tell them your budget. Sometimes last year’s models will be on sale! That’s my usual tactic.

“Sliced Bread” podcast on BBC sounds did a great episode on running shoes. You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot.

Happy shopping!

[Blueowl1867 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you

[Cmoi Graduate]

I agree that a specialist running shop would be the best place to advise you.

If that's really not an option, I find that Decathlon own brand running shoes (Kalenji, Kiprun, Evadict) can offer very good value for money, and some are currently on offer.

I'd suggest you do your research beforehand and try on any shoes you're thinking of buying, as you might need to size up, and need to be sure the fit suits you.

Enjoy choosing!

[Blueowl1867 in reply to Cmoi]

Thanks for your help

[RunforMum Graduate]

The other thing about going to a running shop is that they'll likely have a treadmill with a camera to do gait analysis... there wasn't any charge for this in my case and I found this hugely helpful as I then knew what kind of support I needed. Also, the member of staff explained how I needed slightly bigger than my usual trainers to give space for my toes as they go forward in the shoe when foot lands.

[Gthants in reply to RunforMum]

Decathlon would not have this type of machine. There's a Runners World (? or something like that!) near me and it has the gait machine. It's not free, but I think if you buy from them the cost comes off your purchase. They are more expensive but have frequent sales and knowledgeable staff.

[Blueowl1867]

Hi thanks.would decathlon be classed as a running shop.cheers

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Blueowl1867]

Despite my recommendation for their shoes, in all honesty no, I wouldn't class Decathlon as a running shop. Their staff, unlike those in specialist shops, aren't necessarily trained to advise people on running.

I live in France, in a very rural area, so can't help with UK running shop suggestions. Googling "specialist running shop near me" might give you some ideas.

All that said, for C25K and some months afterwards, I wore New Balance trainers that I'd had for years, then a Decathlon sale pair. They were fine for me when starting out.

Hope you find shoes to suit you!

[Freecloud Graduate]

I have plenty of running shoes ranging from everyday runners to carbon plated race shoes. The cheapest pair I are Asics Gel Excite, I find them perfectly adequate for everyday running and use them quite a bit. The best place to look for them would be at the Asics outlet store.

[Blueowl1867 in reply to Freecloud]

👍

[nowster Graduate]

Have you done any running before?

If you have any comfy trainers which don't have really thick soles (eg. some Sketchers) you could use them for the initial runs. Running on stilts is very hard.

Sometimes running trainers come into the middle aisles of Aldi and Lidl. You could try those.

If you're an absolute beginner don't be talked into really expensive shoes by specialist shoe shops. Your gait will probably change a little over the first year.

When sizing, look for a shoe with plenty of room for your toes to splay when you put your weight on them, perhaps sizing up a half size on your usual fitting. Your toes should not be anywhere near touching the end of the shoes when you stand in them. If you don't do that you're going to be crushing your toes with every running stride.

You certainly don't need racing shoes with carbon fibre plates in the shoes unless you're training for the Olympics.

(Full disclosure: I wear very minimalist shoes. The soles are never more than 5mm thick with no wedge at the heel. They have separated toes too. Not for everyone. As one forum member can vouch for, I have also run 5km totally barefoot.)

[Blueowl1867 in reply to nowster]

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[MisterJawaid]

Hi, I have paid from £30 up to £110 for shoes. The cheapest were some Adidas that I stumbled across in TK Maxx, and the dearest a pair of Brooks from Up and Running. The staff at Up and Running In Leeds were great, checking my gait and recommending shoes based on my budget. However, of the shoes that I’ve bought in my nearly 4 years back running I’d say the £30 Adidas are the ones I liked best… they just felt right! Get out there, try some on, they don’t necessarily have to be big names or prices, they have to feel right for you and the type of running you do. Enjoy your running!

[Blueowl1867 in reply to MisterJawaid]

👍

[Katnap Graduate]

When/ if you mooch around some shops to try on running shoes check out the 'runners knot'. This is where you use additional lace eyelets that make the shoes hold on to your ankle. When I first went around trying on shoes I kept dismissing pairs because they slipped/ moved too much at the ankle!.

🐱 Katnap 🐱