Trainers!

[Seasidepanda]

So I’ve read all the stuff about how it’s importajt to have good trainers, get gait analysis etc etc.

I’d told myself I’ll get proper ones after pay day, when I’ll be week 6 so doing some proper running and be committed to it totally.

I investigated shops to go to and was discussing it with my husband. He was horrified when I said they’d probably cost £100 or more.

So my question is, is it essential that I do that and spend that much, or would I be ok just going to sports direct and spending half that amount??

I’d appreciate Some honest opinions please, thanks!

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate]

Of course it’s possible to pay that much but I think a lot will depend on your sales assistant. I went to my local DW sports and the gait analysis was free. I explained to the assistant that I was a (very) new runner and that I wasn’t bothered about brand names, or even colour, and he was brilliant. Told me the ones they had to sell suitable for me starting from £40 up to £120... in fact, if anything, he told me once I got above a certain level I was purely paying for the name.

Mine are New Balance (NB) ones, £46, and are perfect for me so far (and that’s W2-W8 of the program, so approx 20 runs)

I think it’s like the adage: you do get what you pay for... up to a point. Good luck!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Liz x

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to Lillybeth30mins]

Ah that’s good to hear. Didn’t know there even were ‘decent’ running shoes around as cheap as that!

The shop I’ve been recommended is Up and Running. No idea if they are likely to stock budget options!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Seasidepanda]

I got mine at Up and Running Horsham. Mike is fantastic. Really knows his stuff.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

When I purchased my first pair of quality shoes they were the single most expensive item of footwear or clothing that I have ever bought.

They came after a gait analysis which I described in healthunlocked.com/couchto5.... When it came to replacing these shoes I bought the updated model online at half price............£120 shoes for £59 just because this year's model had been released.

I have also had two pairs of Karrimor trail shoes from Sports Direct. These are okay but not as well made or as durable as better quality shoes. If you are running offroad then they are certainly an option, but if you purchase their road shoes how will you know, without a gait analysis, that the shoes are appropriate for your running style.

I would advise biting the bullet and getting the gait analysis done. You are not obliged to buy recommended shoes, but it may show that you require specific support, which if not provided can actually cause problems.

The FAQ shoes post healthunlocked.com/couchto5... covers this further.

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes I think I’ll go for the analysis and keep in mind how much I’m prepared to pay, then just come out with nothing if there’s nothing to suit my budget.

Thanks!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

My first pair of shoes, Brooks, were £68 in the sale.... just an older colour so sale stock. From an independent running shop following a gait analysis.

I would say tell the shop assistant you have a small budget, ask if they have any sale stock, take it from there.

Good luck.

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

That sounds good, hopefully I’ll get lucky like that!

[Lowrie1986]

I paid £85 for my asics after gait analysis and i have to say they are the most comfy trainers ive ever had. Ive had them 2 years now and theyre still going strong. Though i only started running recently (im in week 5) i used them for walking previously.

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to Lowrie1986]

I’ve been wearing a pair of Skechers which I find 100% comfy that I also bought for walking! I know they’re not good for running but they’ve been fine so far. Only thing is a get quite painful knees for the day after I’ve finished running, so I hope decent shoes might help with that.

Thanks for your reply

[Lowrie1986 in reply to Seasidepanda]

Yes trainers may help to absorb some of the shock. Have you tried any knee supports too?

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to Lowrie1986]

No because they are completely fine when I run, it’s just when I’m home again- they feel kind of stiff!

[Lowrie1986 in reply to Seasidepanda]

Just had a quick read nd it seems people recommend strengthening your qiads by doing squats to help and minimising heel strike. I hate squats myself they really do make my thighs burn lol

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to Lowrie1986]

I’ve recently taken up Pilates and realise that my legs are totally weak and rubbish, so that may well explain it!!

Thanks for that, I shall have to try it!

[Whatsapp Graduate]

The cost is in the quality. But it depends what you want them for. 20-30 minutes running 2-3 times per week - there are plenty of decent trainers at a mid-price range.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

I am about to buy my 4th pair of Asics Gel Pulse - I'm training for the London Marathon and I'm running about 40 miles (65km) each week. They are costing me £49 from SportsShoes.com StartFitness.co.uk and Amazon are very good too. And many swear by the Karimor shoes (about £40) from SportsDirect. Apart from a special purchase (treat) for a pair of Hoka OneOne's I have yet to spend more than £60.

For your 1st pair of shoes, there's no need to spend more than that.

Good luck!

John

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to John_W]

So do you not think gaitcanalysis is necessary?

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Seasidepanda]

I think it's worth getting it done, yes. But have you experienced any discomfort so far during or after your runs?

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to John_W]

Just stuff achey knees immediately afterwards, gone by the next day. Totally fine during...with cheap Skechers!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

In which case, I'd suggest just a cheapish but comfortable pair of neutral running shoes. You have a large choice. Try many pairs on, have a go on the in-store treadmill and have fun! But... gait analysis is always interesting ... I wouldn;'t rule it out completely.

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to John_W]

Ah my husband will be pleased!!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hi Seasidepanda, I certainly think it would be worth getting gait analysis to check that you don't have overpronation. I am sure that I have seen somewhere on here that that is the group of people who need adapted shoes. If you have a more neutral gait then I think that you have more flexibility for buying shoes. I had gait analysis and I do overpronate. Since I bought suitable shoes my knees have been comfortable, but they weren't before I got them. 😄

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

That sounds interesting...thank you

[Gabby08 Graduate]

I had free gait analysis done but decided I wasn’t willing to pay £120 for a pair of trainers. I did buy a buff from the running shop though as I felt guilty not buying anything. Then I found last season’s version of the same shoes for £25 at sportsshoes.com - and bought two pairs so I could rotate them. Unless you’re a gazillionaire, I’d shop around...

[Seasidepanda Graduate in reply to Gabby08]

I’ve just seen about the wet paper test and think I’ll just get some from sport shoes.com...I’m never going to run marathons!!

[Gabby08 Graduate in reply to Seasidepanda]

Yeah, I said that too. Nine months later, I’m wondering if I might be about to change my mind...!

[WHICHYPOOHS]

I bought ASICS GEL NIMBUS and they are amazing. I would pay £150 for these time and again.