What's on your feet?

[Bike_and_Run]

I know, I know, another "what shoes should I buy?" post. I know the answer is that I need to pop into a local running shop and they'll do gait analysis etc, and that is something I'm trying to arrange.

But in the mean time I'm hunting through all the online advice and the black Friday deals in the hope I can pick up a bargain (my budget is around £50) but what I'm really struggling to understand is how do I know they're suitable for the distance I'm doing?

My current shoes are from decathlon, Kalenji Run Cushions, and only cost £15. They were advertised as suitable for beginners running up to 5k a couple times a week. Brilliant for C25K and they've been good, no complaints.

But now I'm halfway through B210K and looking into next year doing a few half marathons and building my runs up to cover about 25k/week I feel I need to upgrade.

So I'd love to know what your wearing and how much running you do in them each week? And if you've spotted any super black Friday deals please let me know. 70% off £150 shoes would be amazing (if they're in my size) 🤣

Thanks 👍

[johnm12 Half Marathon]

Saucony Ever runs for me. No big selection angst either. Went back to my local running shop, fast feet at bishops stortford, said my last pair were worn out, I wanted something good but not too expensive. Told the owner what running I was doing. He took a look at my old pair, confirmed they were worn but nothing to indicate a gait issue. He then rummaged about in the back of the shop, with me saying helpful things like.... Last years model would be fine etc. He emerged and announced.... "These should be perfect for you." I bought them and they are!

[misswobble Marathon]

If you have any local races coming up there is often a shoes stall. I’ve bought a pair of Saucony peregrines and a pair of Altras at knock-down prices, and you get to try them on You don’t need to be taking part. Anyone can buy 🙂

A trip to your local run shop is a good idea Lots of folks wear kalenji. They seem very popular

[Bike_and_Run Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Most of my running apparel is Kalenji. It's my bank managers favourite brand!🤣

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Bike_and_Run]

I’ve got tights, capri’s, a gilet, erm oh and their soft flasks which are good. The leggings are top! Loads of pockets too

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I can't help you. I want to get new ones but have struggled with all three pairs I've tried (Nike, Brooks & Saucony) so keep putting off spending on another pair in case I'm disappointed all over again. Going to have to bite the bullet soon, but my biggest criteria is going to be 'can I have a refund if they don't work out for me?' 😂

[Bike_and_Run Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

ASICS are advertising a 90 day trial of their gear if you join their free membership scheme. I haven't quite worked out the catch yet, but I'm seeing that as a brilliant way to get a brand new pair of trainers every three months.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Bike_and_Run]

Asics are too narrow for me. Brooks will also do a 90 day refund on their shoes ... I returned two pairs and there was no issue at all.

[Lordi Marathon]

Asics have a good range from cheap (€50) to not so cheap (€150+) I`ve got a €50 pair with retrofitted ice-studs (Exhalt) a 1200 km pair still going strong (Gel Pulse 8) and my current Race shoes Gel Nimbus (800 km). Big toe box, never had a single blister, very hardwearing soles. Asics do shoes for neutral and over/under pronators etc. Each pair feel exactly the same on my feet despite the price difference but the more expensive ones have the best cushioning etc.

Edit - p.s. And I always buy last year`s model/technology at 50% off (Mo Farah I ain`t).

[Bike_and_Run Half Marathon in reply to Lordi]

Haha, I'm like you, last year's model (or even the year before) is more than adequate for my needs. Don't get me wrong, I'd love the all singing all dancing latest model, but I'm not sure my feet are really going to notice the difference yet my bank manager certainly will 🤣

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Bike_and_Run]

My first shoes were from Sportsdirect. I got Karrimor Tempo trail shoes. I liked em so much that I got the road version as well.

Get to a run shop then you can try on loads. There are so many brands

I don’t do asics or Adidas as they’re too narrow in the forefoot for me quite a few brands are, which is odd when folks’ Feet are getting wider

Good hunting 👍😃

[Lordi Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Wow misswobble ! And I thought I had feet like a duck!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Lordi]

I'm a 5.5 in a running shoe and my feet aren't wide except for across my toes. I've got the clown shoes (Altra's) but even they give me blisters

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Lordi]

Talking of Asics, l took mine to Helsinki a few weeks ago (you from there?) but ended up not running at all. Instead l looked in disbelief at my son swimming comfortably in the harbour's open pool at 7C outside before going into the sauna. Now THAT thing l cannot do, lol.

[Lordi Marathon in reply to mrrun]

Yes, that harbour pool complex is cool. The heated pool is a hoot in winter floating in 27 degrees and watching the ferries crunching through the sea ice. allasseapool.fi/en/

Glad you enjoyed Helsinki!

[mrrun Ultramarathon in reply to Lordi]

You certainly know how to price your beer! 😉

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My Slippers! Have you seen the weather forecast Seriously though iI run mostly off road so use Salomon Speedcross 4's for the road and wearing to the bar (is that Heresy?) I'm running Nike's somethings picked up at a shopping outlet centre.

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Brooks Aduro 6 ! for me all the way. I have two pairs at the moment and the price was quite reasonable £100 each pair.

They are comfy ,never let me down. So that mine. By the way Brooks have got reasonable discounts at the moment ,so have a look🤗

[mrrun Ultramarathon]

I always go to a specialist shop. Inappropriate shoes lead to injury and internet wouldn't have a clue about what you need. I always wear Asics, the current one should have lasted 1200km but it's only now, after 1600km (year and a few months) that l can see some more serious wear issues. They cost around £110.

[alisonx]

I highly recommend new balance - they were my second pair of run shoes and have got me doing regular 10k's - they have a lot of space in the toe box and last really well. Adidas are also great - if you can get a bargain.

Reebok do some award winning running shoes (not personally tried) and they have a 40% discount code on their web site so take a peek 👀

I have not had a gait analysis done ever, and not had a need to try it...currently own a pair of brooks, new balance, Adidas and asics (all for different things lol) and have no issues in any of them. Happy shopping

[Macmac Marathon]

I love my New Balance Fresh Foam 1080s. Nice wide toe box, comfortable out the box, good stability and lightweight. I’ve never had any blisters and use them for fast 5ks right up to marathon distance. I’ve had a few pairs of these now, and rotate them. They wear incredibly well so I’ve still got my oldest pair that should probably be chucked but the upper is still like new, so I use them for walking, and the freshest pair for running on road. Oh, and they retail around £130 but I’ve always got last years model for about half that.

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Ive had it band issues with it knee. I read a low drop can help so swapped to Hokas and the pain has gone! I’ve got gaviota 2s as they’re stability. They’re about £110 but I just bought gaviota 1 in the Black Friday sale for £78 👍🏽