Hello, I have just started running and I just have some Primark workout trainers but they feel very flimsy. What are some good running shoes?
I run in fields and canal paths mostly, sometimes the grass is damp in the mornings. My feet are also quite wide, thank you all 
If you are looking to buy running shoes then you would be best advised to visit a dedicated local running shop and have a gait analysis, then they can recommend the best shoes for you. What is a good shoe for someone else may be completely unsuitable for you .
I’ve found Brooks Ghosts great for my wide feet, but as Instructor57 says gait analysis is the way to go. You really don’t want to be forking out good money on the wrong shoes!!
Go onto a site like SportsShoes.com or StartFitness.co.uk, have a look at the running shoes and that will give you some idea of the popular brands to consider.
But ... don't think you have to spend a lot of money - it just isn't necessary at this stage. You'll be able to get perfectly good shoes for around £50.
Always go for, at the very minimum, a half size bigger than your normal day shoes - make sure you have lots of room around your toes - this is important and you'll thank us later.
Go for comfort, not style.
I wish someone had given me this advice some years ago. My big toe hurts when with one of my pairs of running shoes.
That's a shame. I was told this advice in a specialist running shop when trying to buy my 1st pair of running shoes. Always, always go for 1 size up.
Do you run on roads at all?
The surfaces you’ve describe I’d favour “trail shoes”. The main choices we have are road shoes and trail shoes. There are some hybrids around but they’re not common.
There’s no law which says you can’t run on roads with trail shoes or on trails with road shoes, but trail shoes will wear out a lot quicker on asphalt roads and, depending on the severity and unevenness of the off-road surfaces, road shoes may not offer the extra protection and grip your feet need over trails.
Then, trail shoes are nearly always made “gait neutral” so no added value in having a gait analysis done if you run in trails.
However, you have a wide foot so a trip to the shop for a proper measure up and fitting makes sense. While there, book a gait analysis, why not?
Good brands are designed with a roomy toe box; the one size larger rule isn’t always accurate, especially if you’re already going the nearest size up in everyday shoes to accommodate wider feet. A rule of thumb is literally a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the front inside edge of the shoe’s toe box, while standing up, in your usual running socks and with cool feet.
In short, a trip to a running specialist shop sounds best. You will be offered shoes around the £100 - £140 mark, I bet. Google first to see what they keep in stock. Top brands are Asics, Saucony, Brooks, Nike, Hoka, New balance…lots to choose from.
If you opt to shop online, make sure they have a decent returns process. Brooks shoes expressly market a 90 days, run all you like in them and return if unhappy, no quibble, no further charge, guarantee - I’d be surprised if the other brands didn’t offer the same but that for me is the minimum online sales bench mark.
Sorry, it’s a long reply.
Almost forgot! You mentioned wet grass. You can get shoes with added goretex lining - usually noted as GTX in the name. Wet feet become an issue if you tend to suffer blisters or when running longer distances. I don’t go for it myself.
Hi Daniel, I have Brooks GTX, they for me have been brilliant, good support and comfort and no blisters from day one. I suffered with plantar fasciitis and coincidence maybe, but I no longer suffer it. I, as you do, recommended brooks to my friend and she's had nothing but problems, blisters, doesn't feel supported. So, it's best you try. My other favourite trainer, which I completely wore out were Nike flyknit.
As a recent "graduate" I would also say go to a running shop and have a gait analysis completed. This avoids any injuries, strains and pain trust me! Paying £100 or so for a pair of shoes seems a lot, but when you are using them 3 times a week, its not & to be pain free is priceless! Good luck x
Hi Dani I started C25K in the second lockdown with very old trainers so about 4 weeks in, in desperation I went on the Brooks website and did their questionnaire about which shoes were right for me. Their recommendation was spot on. I loved the shoes they recommended and found my knees and ankles were much better once I had them. I’m sure a gait analysis in a shop would be even better, but maybe go on their site beforehand so you have an idea of what you might need?
Good luck 😉
Wow thanks everyone, lots of helpful advice I am so grateful for all your replies
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