The right footwear?

TheGoktor

My partner and I are about to embark on the C25K thing but I have never been into running, or jogging, or anyhing like that, even when I was slim, so I have no idea which kind of trainers to buy. I don't even own *any* type of trainers, unless you count several pairs of Converse basketball boots!

Since I am 50-odd pounds overweight, and probably the most unfit person I know, I want to make sure I don't injure myself when jogging. I'm guessing it'll be less of an issue to begin with as there won't be much jogging happening, but in a few weeks' time, I don't want to be just starting to get fitter, only to injure an ankle or something!

So do I go for those ugly, chunky-soled trainers (sorry but aesthetically, I find trainers to be horrendous!), or something else? I'm guessing these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kangaroos-Womens-Vulc-Sequin-9ASX1288W/dp/B00359FADA/ref=amb_link_76471865_2?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0EWAMA4X18DHQZ0VY8KJ&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=137792667&pf_rd_i=121751031

Are probably not suitable, right? :laugh:

I'll be running in the park - if that makes any difference - is there any advantage to running on grass, as opposed to the pathway?

Oh, and I'm in the UK, so any links or suggestions probably won't be of much use to me if they are American brands/shops!

Thanks in advance! :bigsmile:

kelsue35

new balance are very good shoes. hope that helps

Juliebean_1027

I LOVE my Asics. Try these: http://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ASI1126/asics-lady-gt~2150-running-shoes/ They look similar to the pair that I bought. They were a little expensive but worth every single penny that I spent!

TheGoktor

new balance are very good shoes. hope that helps

Thanks - I've never heard of them, but I suspect that Google is about to become my new best friend! :bigsmile:

LorinaLynn

I do love those shoes!

A lot of people will tell you that the best way is to go to a dedicated running store and get fitted for shoes. And that's probably the best thing to do.

But I'm chronically cheap, so I just browse the stores for something on sale that feels good. Athletic shoes are usually grouped by their function: running, cross training, walking, toning in the stores. If not, it should say on the box if they're for running. I haven't found any brand that I like more than others. I have Reebok, New Balance, FILA, Asics, Nike... and they all seem about the same to me.

For me, the best investment I made was in good socks. Look for ones that are moisture wicking (sweaty feet are more prone to blisters) with thick cushioned soles. It really makes a difference.

TheGoktor

I LOVE my Asics. Try these: http://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ASI1126/asics-lady-gt~2150-running-shoes/ They look similar to the pair that I bought. They were a little expensive but worth every single penny that I spent!

Thanks Julie - much appreciated!

TheGoktor

I do love those shoes!

A lot of people will tell you that the best way is to go to a dedicated running store and get fitted for shoes. And that's probably the best thing to do.

But I'm chronically cheap, so I just browse the stores for something on sale that feels good. Athletic shoes are usually grouped by their function: running, cross training, walking, toning in the stores. If not, it should say on the box if they're for running.

For me, the best investment I made was in good socks. Look for ones that are moisture wicking (sweaty feet are more prone to blisters) with thick cushioned soles. It really makes a difference.

Good points! If I continue with the running thing, I'll be more than happy to get properly fitted but at the moment, this is all shiny and new, and I have no way of knowing whether I'll really get into it. So at the moment, I'm happy to get something a little more inexpensive but which will function well, then if I find that this is my 'thing', I can splash out later. Make sense?

Thanks for the advice about the socks. I generally wear my own handknitted socks, so perhaps I ought to invest in some sports socks - can you get the ones you mentioned as ankle socks, without the coloured bands around the top? (I am so living in an 80's timewarp here!)

widgitwoo

Hi, Your best bet is to go into a proper running shop and they will be able to analise exactly what type of shoes you need to go for. However this can be expensive.
The best thing to look for is a a good cushioning on the outside edge at the back of the shoes as this is where most poeple need it becuase of the impact.. Also the sole needs to be more solid in the middle so that as you are running you are bending at the toes not further back. Also the support around you heel must be good and around the sides of the shoes it shouldnt be to flimsy.

I would advise looking at about £40 and up for a decent pair - Sportsdirect and field and trek have usually got some good deals on in their stores.
Go for a decent brand like Asics, New Balance, Nike or Salomon.
Running on the grass is more forgiving because there is less inpact that running on pavement, but as long as you have got decent shoes you should be alright
Good Luck

fteale

Have a look on www.wiggle.co.uk I get all my exercise clothes and shoes from there. But I agree, aesthetically, trainers are grim.

LorinaLynn

Oh, yeah. I only get the little shortie socks. I have a tattoo on my leg that I need to show. A girl's gotta have priorities! :happy:

fteale

For socks you want 1000 miles socks or X-socks http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ladies/x-socks/running-socks/ to avoid blisters.

TheGoktor

Oh, yeah. I only get the little shortie socks. I have a tattoo on my leg that I need to show. A girl's gotta have priorities! :happy:

I like your thinking (and your little Sackboy ticker!)!!

TheGoktor

Have a look on www.wiggle.co.uk I get all my exercise clothes and shoes from there. But I agree, aesthetically, trainers are grim.

Aren't they just! That site is mind-boggling! :laugh:

TheGoktor

Hi, Your best bet is to go into a proper running shop and they will be able to analise exactly what type of shoes you need to go for. However this can be expensive.
The best thing to look for is a a good cushioning on the outside edge at the back of the shoes as this is where most poeple need it becuase of the impact.. Also the sole needs to be more solid in the middle so that as you are running you are bending at the toes not further back. Also the support around you heel must be good and around the sides of the shoes it shouldnt be to flimsy.

I would advise looking at about £40 and up for a decent pair - Sportsdirect and field and trek have usually got some good deals on in their stores.
Go for a decent brand like Asics, New Balance, Nike or Salomon.
Running on the grass is more forgiving because there is less inpact that running on pavement, but as long as you have got decent shoes you should be alright
Good Luck

Thanks for the advice, especially about running on grass.

I now have a skyscraper ad at the side of this page....for ladies' running shoes! :bigsmile:

keepsiejess

PLEASE go to a running store and get fitted. At least FIND OUT what type of shoe you should have for your stride and arch. You could really mess up your ankles, feet, knees...etc. :sad: if you get the wrong kind of shoe.

Its not a brand thing : each brand makes several types of shoes in your type. You certainly can order them online once you find the right kind. They should look at you as you walk, and some even put you on a treadmill to look at your stride. And of course your arch is important!
GOOD LUCK!!!

TheGoktor

PLEASE go to a running store and get fitted. At least FIND OUT what type of shoe you should have for your stride and arch. You could really mess up your ankles, feet, knees...etc. :sad: if you get the wrong kind of shoe.

Its not a brand thing : each brand makes several types of shoes in your type. You certainly can order them online once you find the right kind. They should look at you as you walk, and some even put you on a treadmill to look at your stride. And of course your arch is important!
GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks Jess - that's a good idea actually...get assessed, try on in the shops, then see what's available online. :bigsmile:

jennro7781

PLEASE go to a running store and get fitted. At least FIND OUT what type of shoe you should have for your stride and arch. You could really mess up your ankles, feet, knees...etc. :sad: if you get the wrong kind of shoe.

Its not a brand thing : each brand makes several types of shoes in your type. You certainly can order them online once you find the right kind. They should look at you as you walk, and some even put you on a treadmill to look at your stride. And of course your arch is important!
GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks Jess - that's a good idea actually...get assessed, try on in the shops, then see what's available online. :bigsmile:

That's exactly what I did. I found the shoes they recommended for $60 cheaper online!! Check out joesnewbalanceoutlet.com and kellysrunningwarehouse.com for great deals. Just double check that they ship to the UK. Good luck!

baldzach

PLEASE go to a running store and get fitted. At least FIND OUT what type of shoe you should have for your stride and arch. You could really mess up your ankles, feet, knees...etc. :sad: if you get the wrong kind of shoe.

Its not a brand thing : each brand makes several types of shoes in your type. You certainly can order them online once you find the right kind. They should look at you as you walk, and some even put you on a treadmill to look at your stride. And of course your arch is important!
GOOD LUCK!!!

This is exactly right. However, you don't need to wait to do this to get started, especially with week 1 of C25K. You're not going to be running enough to actually injure yourself if you're in the wrong shoes. However, once you approach 10 miles a week or more of running, you are going to want to be certain you're in good running shoes. Until then, wear what's comfortable and doesn't seem to hurt while you're moving.

But once you get semi-serious about this running thing, proper shoes for your gait type are CRITICAL.

Good luck, and have fun!

whiskey9890

these guys are quite near you and i would bet that they will be prepared to give you loads of advice
therunningshop.org.uk

and remember you don't have to buy from the store, information is free, take it away and shop online you might find something cheaper (google startfitness they used to always have some good offers on), if you feel guilty getting the information from the shop and not buying the shoes, buy some socks or another accesory so the guys still get some money in the till)

morningmom

Bump....I need new shoes as well!

TheGoktor

these guys are quite near you and i would bet that they will be prepared to give you loads of advice
therunningshop.org.uk

Ooh thanks - I had no idea about that...although I suppose a) I don't go to Far Cotton often and b) I probably wouldn't have noticed it until this weekend!

This is exactly right. However, you don't need to wait to do this to get started, especially with week 1 of C25K. You're not going to be running enough to actually injure yourself if you're in the wrong shoes. However, once you approach 10 miles a week or more of running, you are going to want to be certain you're in good running shoes. Until then, wear what's comfortable and doesn't seem to hurt while you're moving.

But once you get semi-serious about this running thing, proper shoes for your gait type are CRITICAL.

Good luck, and have fun!

Thanks Zach! 10 miles a week seems impossible at the moment but I suppose that just like anything else, it's just a question of determination and practise. :bigsmile:

GemmieNoWobbles

Hi
I would advise doing this first:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-326-7152-0,00.html
Its the wet foot test - it tells you what sort of shoes you need for your foot type! Once you know that you can then "google" the right type of trainer. (i.e cushion, stability, or motion control). This worked well for me as I over pronate when I run. I'm no expert but I did a half marathon a while ago and getting teh right shoes is a must.
:-D

TheGoktor

Hi
I would advise doing this first:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-326-7152-0,00.html
Its the wet foot test - it tells you what sort of shoes you need for your foot type! Once you know that you can then "google" the right type of trainer. (i.e cushion, stability, or motion control). This worked well for me as I over pronate when I run. I'm no expert but I did a half marathon a while ago and getting teh right shoes is a must.
:-D

Right, analysis done; medium arches, no over-pronation or anything, just normal! I've now ordered a pair of Nike Air Pegasus +27s, which are due to be delvered on Thursday! Exciting stuff eh?!

Thank you all for your advice and help! :flowerforyou:

widgitwoo

The Nike Air Pegasus +27s are nice I had a pair of them when I first started running after I got really bad shin splints.
Good luck with it all

TheGoktor

The Nike Air Pegasus +27s are nice I had a pair of them when I first started running after I got really bad shin splints.
Good luck with it all

Thank you! I found them to be really comfortable when I went out in them today, but I am still horrified at the sight of them! :noway: :laugh: