Probably a really basic question...

[Madriz]

I was given some new running trainers and my husband was told to buy them 1 size bigger than my usual size, is that correct? I'd never heard that before, but I guess I've never run before...!

Thanks for any help you can give me. Nicola

[shelleymcb Graduate]

good advice when I started this I bought trainers in my usual size as I was a bit conscious about the size of my feet anyway. shorter runs were ok but once you start running for longer than 20 mins you find that your feet may swell up a bit. mine did & I lost 2 toenails. didnt hurt at all. they just went black & fell. so yes, get trainers at least a half size bigger than your normal shoe size. I did & havent lost any toenails since

good luck with the rest of the plan. shelley x

[shelleymcb Graduate in reply to shelleymcb]

& if you havent invested in running socks, then I would definately recommend them aswell.

[Madriz Graduate in reply to shelleymcb]

Great advice, thanks a lot Shelley. I'll also get some running socks, don't want any toenails falling off if I can help it!!

[gdeann Graduate in reply to shelleymcb]

Spot on Shelley! We had a salesperson tell us that when people are complaining about their trainers, she will ask about what kind of socks they wear. They need to suck away moisture, unlike cotton socks which hold moisture and cause blisters. Kinda gross, but since we are now wearing running socks, we are amazed how drenched they are when we come back from a run. When we were fitted for shoes, the sales person said move up a half to a whole size...leaving a thumbs length between the toe and shoe...about 1"? I hope he has fun picking out new trainers!!!! Gayle

[Madriz Graduate in reply to gdeann]

Thanks Gayle, I've just bought some Nike Performance socks to try out and they're quite thick so that together with the bigger size shoes should be ok, it certainly feels comfortable! Thanks again! Nicola

[GoogleMe Graduate]

It perhaps makes most sense to say "allow for your feet to swell" You could probably run into painful problems from having shoes (and socks) too big as well as too small. So someone who is only just a size perhaps shouldn't be going up a whole size. (As I understand it many women have to have court shoes or pumps very snug or they don't stay on, so going by that size might indeed lead to problems) Sizes aren't consistent between brands anyway, so it is really a case of trying them on (preferably during the afternoon when your feet are bigger). I really appreciated the Sweatshop guarantee which enabled me to run several times in a pair of shoes, take them back muddy and still have an exchange.

You'll find some of us don't bother with special socks - some don't run with socks at all (I don't get on without them unfortunately) What I do love is elastic locking laces, which are not expensive to swap for the originals

[Madriz Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Thanks for the advice! The Sweatshop guarantee sounds great, don't get anything like that in Spain unfortunately...! Well I've gone for the bigger size and they feel ok for now.. Tomorrow after my next run I'll know a bit more

Thanks! Nicola

[totalbeginner Graduate]

i didnt get my shoes a size bigger but i did go into a specialist runnign shop for advice, there is room in my shoe for my foot at the top but i bought size 7 which i usually wear. i bought some basic running socks from sports direct which are comfy

[Norni Graduate]

I was advised to go up at least half a size and was very grateful for what has proven to be good advice.

[redfacewoman Graduate]

That's interesting I thought my sports shop bint was having a laugh when she told me that my little but fat feet size 5.5 feet need a size 7 clown shoes but brought them and they are very comfortable along with my Swizzo socks, every time I run I laugh at theses massive shoes but you know what I have never had any foot problems .... Quick touch wood so perhaps the sports bint needs a lot more respect SORRY !