I want to run but it hurts...

First, yes, you need proper shoes. Not necessarily expensive ones. But shoes that properly fit.
Second, you need to start slowly. Start with walking and slowly add running intervals. Increase running to walking ratio a bit every week, so if e.g. you start with 3 min walk 1 min run intervals, next week try 2.5 min walk 1.5 min run and so on. And start slowly, do not aim for fast running at first, but remember the basic goal thes first weeks is to get your body to adjust to running.

Yes, proper shoes are a must. Get a fitting and find something that fits within your budget. Also running may not be the best for you, at this time. I so badly wanted to run too, but an old back injury and bad knees made it too painful for me. I found weight lifting and hiit much easier on my body and I still reached the same goals weight wise.

I would stick to speed walking and save up to have some well fitted running shoes made.

I'm the opposite and have very high arches in my feet. My podiatrist make me some special insoles moulded to my feet that gave proper support and I noticed it was so much better. Luckily she only charged me £40 for these.

The best shoes in the world aren't going to prevent you for injuring yourself if you overdo it. Start with an 8-week Couch to 5K program and walk when it says to walk. If you can't complete every run segment in a workout without an "unplanned" walk break, then repeat that entire week. You don't have to, but that's what I did and I found that I could always complete all the runs the second time around. Also, slow down! Just relax and enjoy the process of progressing mindfully toward your goal. It may take a few more weeks than the official plan, but you'll get their with less pain and potential injury. Your mind and muscles are stronger than your ligaments and connective tissue. You have to give them time to adjust and get stronger.

Expect to pay about $70-100 on a good pair of running shoes. There are plenty of cheaper shoes, but they don't last as long and don't offer the same support for your feet. Think of it as an investment! The beautiful thing is that this can be the only thing you buy for this particular exercise routine. No monthly fees, no other expensive equipment...this is it. Relatively cheap, really. The only other thing you might need to think about are inserts for additional arch or heel support, but that depends on your feet and running style. A fitting at a quality running store will tell you if you might need those. Those can cost about $40.

So go easy on your legs and feet by walking or something until you save up enough for good shoes. Then, when you do have them, build up yours legs to running slowly with interval training. It is really worth it!

The shoes dont really have to be ultra high end expensive, you can find something on sale or clearance possibly. But yes, its important to have the right pair of shoes.
When I began , I was wearing just my regular sneakers to the gym. I would ache and cry ,the pain was terrible. Finally when I found a pair that worked for me ( comfort and price ) then I wasn't in pain anymore. Don't get me wrong , I was still sore at times but nothing like the pain I had before

In addition to proper shoes and stretching...
Try switching to the elliptical for a while. It will be much easier on your joints, so you can still get your cardio in while your joints play catch up and get used to the exercise.
Also, think about supplements. I take glucosamine for joints and fish oil for ligaments.

AllanMisner wrote: »

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

blueboxgeek wrote: »

My podiatrist make me some special insoles moulded to my feet that gave proper support and I noticed it was so much better. Luckily she only charged me £40 for these.

When you could have gone out and bought cushioned running shoes with arch support for not much more than that...

I think you’re missing out on the value of having a professional assessment and fit for what you’re getting.

Not particularly. Physios seem to default to adding something to a shoe, rather than identifying a shoe in the market that's suitable. So worst of both worlds since the insert affects the shoe dynamics and the shoe selected to put the insert in may not be the right one.

High arch, with the need for arch support indicates supination, so a cushioned shoe is more likely to be the answer. Regardless of whether my assessment of cushioned shoe or motion control shoe is right, it still needn't be much more expensive than £40 to go and just get the right shoe.

IMHO, nothing takes the place of a proper fitting. A good shoe store should be willing to spend the better part of an hour with you to find out not only what fits on your feet, but also what feels right when you run. The store I go to encourages you to go for a short run around the parking lot in each shoe, since that's how you're going to be using them. You can't get this experience online or at some big warehouse.

Yes, you'll pay more this way but the way I see it, running is a pretty cheap activity overall. You don't need any fancy machines, equipment or even a gym membership. You need exercise clothes and running shoes and that's it. The clothes you have to buy anyway no matter what kind of exercise you do and they'll last. Invest in good shoes and expect to replace them periodically. Your legs, knees, feet and muscles will thank you.

walk work your way up to running. Good shoes are key. Good luck on your Journey