Some help with buying running shoes....

[TheMagicalPixie]

So I went into my local Up and Running today, and they recommended I get the SAUCONY Pro Grid Ride 4. When I went in originally a couple of weeks ago to get an idea of how much an entry level shoe would cost me they said about £65 and showed me a couple of examples so that was how much it was going to be in my mind. These ones turned out to be £90, which I baulked at a bit, as I don't have a job atm. I decided to go away and think about it and see how much I could find them for online. Having looked online I'm now a bit confused because there also seems to be the Guide 4, which is a lot cheaper, but I don't understand the difference?!

I run on footways, I overpronate a bit.

Can anyone help explain it to me?! :s

Or is it worth going into a another running shop to see what they recommend?

Thanks

[ezmee]

I cant help but before you buy online, I would probably go to another running shop. That way, you get a second opinion with no commitment. A second opinion never hurts......I prob wouldnt buy the Guide 4 if they havent been recommended to you.

I went for gait analysis and I overpronate on my right foot and run on paths and roads. I was sold a pair of Asics gel running shoes for 65 quid. Which I was quite pleased with. And I noticed the shop sold Saucony as well - and that was Up and Running in Milton Keynes. Go to another shop - I would. I think it will put your mind at rest

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

They shouldn't be recommending a specific shoe to you. After checking your gait in your own shoe (or a neutral shoe if you don't have your own), you should then be given a selection of shoes to try, all different brands and will ultimately be different prices (sweatshop don't tell you a price until you've picked one you like to ensure you go with fit and feel rather than price).

I'd go with what ezmee said and go elsewhere first or go back and speak to someone else, the service you've experienced is rubbish

[ezmee in reply to Anonymous36]

Yes thats what my Up and Running did to me - they gave me three or four to try on and amazingly I picked the cheapest one ( without knowing it though cos it felt the best

[TheMagicalPixie Graduate]

Thanks guys.

I did think it was a bit odd cus they didn't have a lot in my size so the ones he was going to get me to try they didn't have so I tried these ones,ran up and down outside a little (he didn't put me on the treadmill and film me running cus I've never been on one before!) He watched me running in them and said they were fine but didn't offer me any more to try. They felt fine,but then I don't know what they're supposed to feel like! :s

Think I'll go to a different running shop and see how I get on there....

[ezmee]

Hi yes I didnt know the price although I kept asking she deflected the question hehe He sounds as if he just wanted a sale. You know you overpronate on your right (same as me) so go somewhere else and see what they say. Let us know how you get on and I hope you get better service than at the last place!

[ezmee]

Ooh and make sure you on at least three pairs - then you will know how they are supposed to feel! I wsant sure with the first pair which were New Balance - I actually said I think they should feel more supportive cos I could feel the floor.. Out came the Asics and my feet were in love. She even said wear them in the house this evening for 30 mins and if you forget you have feet they are perfect...if not bring them back. Thats the sort of service you want!

And I did almost forget I had feet thats the comfort and support you want. Youll know when you try them on and dont let anyone else tell you theyre fine - you will know.

Ill stop rambling now sorry just want you to get shoes you are happy with

[TheMagicalPixie Graduate]

Yea, the service you got sounds a lot better - I'll try somewhere else I think.

Thanks for the advice, I'll let you know how I get on.

[Anonymous36 Graduate]

I also over pronate on the right.

You need to go on the treadmill with every pair so your gait is checked. Just because you over pronate in a pair of neutrals doesn't mean you will be fine in a pair for over pronaters. A shoe can alter your gait and thus cause injury

[smokeysalmon02 Graduate]

I don't really know much about shoe prices as when I got mine it was a shop clearance sale. However I got Asics Gels (which my sporty friend recommends highly) and the difference is amazing. It's so important to have the right shows- I can't stress that enough!!!!!!

Hope you find what you're looking for

[TheMagicalPixie Graduate]

These Asics Gels seem very popular on here!

Yep, I'll definitely be shopping around later in the week when I have some more time!

[Smiffy]

I over pronate and I use a pair of neutral trainers as I find that stability trainers actually cause me issues with my knee. I had a gait analysis at sweatshop and spent over an hour going through different shoes and running on their treadmill whilst being videoed. The guy there was really helpful and suggested that if I am happy with a neutral shoe and don't get any issues then go with it, he did suggest the there are exercises to help correct over pronation and maybe I should give them a try. That's what I am intending to do.