Anything I should know before getting real running shoes?

kag1526
kag1526 Posts: 210 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
After many here kept saying how important it is to go to a real running store I managed to find one a little over an hour from my house that does measurements and gait analysis and lets you run a bit in the shoes etc.

Is there anything I should know before I go? I just started the c25k and will do my second run in a few min (in my old bad shoes, but I promise I'm going Friday when I have the day off so only one more run Thursday in bad shoes)

Any suggestions on other gear to look into getting when I'm there? I was thinking I might want a better bra at least... any other suggestions?

Oh and DH agreed to come with me today so I might get him to come too.

Replies

  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    No suggestions on what to know, they will ask you everything relevent. Do you have a pair of sneakers you have been running in? If so, you may want to wear/bring them. Sometimes they will check out the wear pattern to get an idea of how your foot strikes.

    Ask them if you can return after trying them. I know the store I go to allows you one month on a treadmill, not outside. It is a great way to make sure the shoes are really right.

    Definitely invest in a good bra. It is beyond worth it. My favorite is Moving Comfort Fiona.
    I also like a good running jacket. I go for a light one that makes you visible and will keep the water and wind off. I use the same shell all year round, I just layer in the colder temps. There isn't anything else that I consider a "must have". There are tons of other things that are "nice to haves".
  • GoldspursX3
    GoldspursX3 Posts: 516 Member
    If you want to amp up the challenge and work more muscles while running the go for a minimalist running shoe.
  • Di3012
    Di3012 Posts: 2,247 Member
    After many here kept saying how important it is to go to a real running store I managed to find one a little over an hour from my house that does measurements and gait analysis and lets you run a bit in the shoes etc.

    Is there anything I should know before I go? I just started the c25k and will do my second run in a few min (in my old bad shoes, but I promise I'm going Friday when I have the day off so only one more run Thursday in bad shoes)

    Any suggestions on other gear to look into getting when I'm there? I was thinking I might want a better bra at least... any other suggestions?

    Oh and DH agreed to come with me today so I might get him to come too.

    It is important regarding trainers/running shoes, to ensure that the backs of the shoes do NOT come up too high. Good reason for this, if the back of the shoe is too high, it will rub on the achilles and you could end up with an inflamed tendon or some other injury. Most running shoes are quite low at the backs now but just something to watch out for.
  • Espressocycle
    Espressocycle Posts: 2,245 Member
    Well, now that running shoes have reached a pinacle of perfection, all the cool kids are going with these barefoot running things that still somehow manage to cost $100. I think you can get the same effect from a pair of Chuck Taylors. But don't listen to me, I'm just a troll. I don't run unless I have diarrhea.
  • Elleinnz
    Elleinnz Posts: 1,661 Member
    The store will help you make the best decision re shoes - but yes - good bra - and running socks - the right socks makes a huge difference - especially if you start running longer distances....

    Over time you might also want to look at running specific tops and shorts - again when your body starts overheating it helps to have the right gear.... if you have not figured it out yet - fitness gets expensive - all these new lovely toys!!
  • Aperture_Science
    Aperture_Science Posts: 840 Member
    You've had some good replies already but I would add that a couple of pairs of specific running sock are a good buy. When I started running I didn't bother with these but a few blisters later I limped to the shop to stock up.
  • kag1526
    kag1526 Posts: 210 Member
    Ok so a running sock (are that so my feet are drenched in sweat haIlf way through, this didn't happen today since it is cold out but did last time).

    I have been running in the same sneakers so I will bring them, but I also walk around all day in them so not sure how much that will help.

    I know I can return the shoes, there were really great reviews online at this place and someone mentioned this! However I'm hopeing I get the right pair the first time, because the store is a little over an hour away!

    I don't think I want a minimalist shoe, I want more cushioning until I get used to this... but I will see what they suggest.

    As for bras I hope they have ones for me, I know the store carries bras but many stores dont carry 44DDD (I'm still quite heavy and honestly had DD by the time I was in high school when I was much lighter so I don't think they will go away any time soon) If not at least I'll get an idea of what kinds are good and will look online.

    So the other recommendation is for socks. Got it! Thanks for the help, if anyone has anything else it would be great.
  • bethdris
    bethdris Posts: 1,090 Member
    Good suggestions as Im looking into getting a real pair of running sneakers for on my treadmill.
  • hiker282
    hiker282 Posts: 983 Member
    Bumping this to read when I get home from work.
  • kimbux
    kimbux Posts: 154 Member
    Socks - buy them with your shoes. Make sure you try on the shoes with the socks you will be wearing to run. Nothing worse than shoes not fitting properly when you wear different socks... Good Luck!
  • RAFValentina
    RAFValentina Posts: 1,231 Member
    If you want a decent bra, Nike do a great one called "dedication" . It's a halter cross back bra and just offers so much comfortable support with little chaffing. It's also a pull over head so no catches to rub either... but super comfy and incredibly supportive - perfect for really high impact sports like running, netball/plyometrics hockey etc etc

    The trainers/running shoes- they should help you with everything! They are the experts after all... but you want to be able to look at the videos of your gait corrected and uncorrected so you can physically see your legs are aligned and ankles aren't rolling "in" or "out" also look at how your toes point...straight ahead, outwards inwards etc and ask what they can do to help that. If you're running on relatively hard surfaces, you'll want a good rigid sole but with lots of cushioning/shock absorbency. I think one of the best brands is ASICS... their gel ranges with duomax(if you are an overpronator) with solyte are fab... Look at the tread, and ultimately try them all out on the treadmill and walk around and ,make sure they feel "right" for you too.

    If you do want to get serious with running and run lots and far, it may be worth investing in some compression wear. It's quite expensive so maybe just get the calf sleeves/socks to start (Brands include SKINS, 2XU etc) It really does work in my opinion... it works like flight socks a bit, helping aid venous return which means your muscles stay oxygenated better and the waste products are moved faster and shouldn't pool so much in your legs. This improves performance/fatigue, helps prevent muscle soreness/damage and much more. In addition, it helps stabilise the muscles when they're dynamic and counter some excess vibration from the impact.

    Hope that helps.
  • Jellyphant
    Jellyphant Posts: 1,400 Member
    Brooks are a really good running shoe. I bought my pink brooks initially to run, but now I just use the elliptical. Awesome heel support for the heavier lady like me :) They were quite expensive for the average person. Mine were.. $90, I think??
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    I forgot socks. I just take mine for granted. I don`t even wear non- running or cycling socks anymore, except for my work socks, which are mens crew socks, lol.
  • NeilWin
    NeilWin Posts: 21
    Good running socks. The first time I did 10k I had a big blister on my foot. I bought some Adidas Formotion socks and the difference was HUGE! They felt really comfortable and my feet felt as good as new after a good run.
  • PirateJohn
    PirateJohn Posts: 80
    After many here kept saying how important it is to go to a real running store I managed to find one a little over an hour from my house that does measurements and gait analysis and lets you run a bit in the shoes etc.

    Is there anything I should know before I go? I just started the c25k and will do my second run in a few min (in my old bad shoes, but I promise I'm going Friday when I have the day off so only one more run Thursday in bad shoes)

    Any suggestions on other gear to look into getting when I'm there? I was thinking I might want a better bra at least... any other suggestions?

    Oh and DH agreed to come with me today so I might get him to come too.
    You will need to know:

    1) Your budget (A good pair can be had for something between $100-$125)
    2) Get a shoe that feels one size too large. Your feet swell during exercise, especially running.
    3) They will let you go for a test jog in or just outside the store. Pay particular attention to how the shoes feel with regards to balance and pressure points. You want to get one with which the pressure on your feet feels evenly distributed and you don't feel like your foot is turning one way or another.

    What else you need:
    1) Some have suggested running socks. I don't like them, myself, but many runners swear by it.
    2) If you can afford it, a HR watch. If you can afford it and plan to run outside a lot, a GPS watch with HR monitor. I use a Garmin model and I love it.
    3) If you're well-endowed, a training bra is a good idea.
    4) Do NOT get "GU" or any other similar sugar supplement unless you are planning to run at least a half-marathon. You don't need it until you are going to burn over about 1500 to 2000 calories on a run.
  • Mar0414
    Mar0414 Posts: 27 Member
    I just went to Fleet Feet on Sunday and got my first REAL pair of running shoes. I also got 2 pairs of socks. It was a great expierence. I love my new shoes.
    As for the bra area I am in your same boat (42DDD). I have not found any 1 bra that works great for me when running. I always have to wear a normal bra and a sports bra over it to TRY to hold things in place.


    If it is cold out when you go try to wear pants that you can roll up easily. The girl had me roll mine a few times so she could see the back of my legs while i was running.
  • karinapeterson
    karinapeterson Posts: 195 Member
    I am a big girl but been jogging for a while now. Asic are a great fit for wider feet. Only time I ever had a problem at a specialist store was when they told me I needed a certain size and I said they were too big. they said no, I listened and used the for about 3 weeks for jogging and gave up on them. So un comfortable slipping all the time. if you think it is comfortable listen to you :) and best of luck with your running!!
  • bigtone34
    bigtone34 Posts: 136
    Don't go cheap to save a few bucks and good socks are a plus!
  • veggielubbr
    veggielubbr Posts: 6
    Bring your old shoes when you go.
  • KellsJourney
    KellsJourney Posts: 51 Member
    for your size chest, I HIGHLY suggest the Enell brand. Listed as Oprah's fav, your boobs will STAY PUT!! It's awesome!
  • dodson169
    dodson169 Posts: 20
    Get fit by a professional and then buy on-line after that so that you can get them cheaper. Look on-line at Road Runner Sports for good prices - pay the $1.99 for VIP membership and you get 10% off and free shipping- plus they send emails a lot giving 20 or 25% off. That adds up on $100-125 shoes.
  • kag1526
    kag1526 Posts: 210 Member
    To those saying don't go cheap dont worry I have no problem spending 100 on a good pair of shoes. I am an odd woman that doens't have many pairs but the ones I have I want good quality so I'm ok with spending money where its worth it.

    I'll be sure to buy the socks first so that I can wear my new socks with my new running shoes when I try them on.

    I have a heart rate monitor already it doesn't have GPS but I use my phone with the runDouble c25k app. I think the app is awesome I tried it for the first time today and it has all my interval times and distances (seems accurate too becasue I know what intervals I didn't run the whole time or skipped and just walked (really out of shape still building up to really be able to do week 1 right... I haven't run at all since I played softball sophmore year of high school!!)

    Thanks again for all the tips!
  • Aperture_Science
    Aperture_Science Posts: 840 Member
    Bring your old shoes when you go.

    Oh yeah... forgot this one. Excellent advice. Running shops can tell a lot about how you run based on the wear pattern of your old shoes.
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