Advice on buying my next pair of running shoes.
Aperture_Science
Posts: 840 Member
I have always been the type of runner to go to a "proper running shop" to get fitted out for my next pair or running shoes. And, in the past, I've recommended to many new runners that they do exactly that.
Typically I've had gait analysis done, tried on three or four pairs of suitable shoes and picked the most comfortable.
But, my current shoes are up for renewal and I find myself increasingly considering the much lower prices I can buy for online or in a more general sports shop. Because I've been running for years and have a reasonable understanding of my needs, running style and gait I'm wondering whether the non running shop route is less risky than otherwise.
Have other distance runners bought shoes without the expert advice of a specialist running shop and was it a success or failure?
Thanks for reading; I’m grateful for all advice.
Note 1: As someone who worked in retail for a number of years, the option of taking the free advice from a specialist shop when walking out to make a lower cost purchase online is not an option for me.
Note 2: I'm not looking for recommendations for specific shoes. I'm pretty sure I have identified a few models across a few brands which "should" suit my needs and gait.
Typically I've had gait analysis done, tried on three or four pairs of suitable shoes and picked the most comfortable.
But, my current shoes are up for renewal and I find myself increasingly considering the much lower prices I can buy for online or in a more general sports shop. Because I've been running for years and have a reasonable understanding of my needs, running style and gait I'm wondering whether the non running shop route is less risky than otherwise.
Have other distance runners bought shoes without the expert advice of a specialist running shop and was it a success or failure?
Thanks for reading; I’m grateful for all advice.
Note 1: As someone who worked in retail for a number of years, the option of taking the free advice from a specialist shop when walking out to make a lower cost purchase online is not an option for me.
Note 2: I'm not looking for recommendations for specific shoes. I'm pretty sure I have identified a few models across a few brands which "should" suit my needs and gait.
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I would only do this when buying a new pair of exactly the same make and model I've bought before and know and love. I have made the mistake of buying a different model by the same manufacturer that is also suitable for my gait, in my case neutral/light support, and found myself with a pair only suitable for strolling round Tescos as they cripple me when running. Expensive lesson learnt.0
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Not saying that this is the best advice, but I have never had a gait analysis and have always bought running shoes off the shelf. The best luck I have had is with more minimalist types from the Nike Free on down to Vibrams.0
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If you know what you want and all it really comes down to is how they feel, I've heard some of the better websites out there have pretty good return policies so I see nothing wrong with going that route.
At this point even if I buy shoes at a running store it has nothing to do what the people tell me, I tell them what I want to try on. I'll listen to similar suggestions if there's a shoe I'm not familiar with, but I'm beyond hte point of needing any analysis and all that.0 -
The returns policy thing is a good point, if you're not in a hurry. They want them returned in "unworn condition" which usually means you can give them a decent blast on the treadmill. I've used Sportsshoes.co.uk and Sweatshop in the past.
Don't be afraid to get a bigger discount by buying last season's model in the clearance sales. Often little other than the colour has changed.0 -
Everytime I have had gait analysis, its turned out to be complete b****ocks, until a podiatrist did it and told me to buy the most comfortable, neutral shoes and don't get bogged down with the science (which lets face it, is mostly marketing crap anyway.)
As for my fell and trail shoes, 1st thing I look at is the tread pattern, everything else is an afterthought.0 -
When I started running, I had no clue, and went to a running store, the only one in the area, about an hour drive. I was not happy, left with the pair of shoes they suggest, and hated them. I then went to the Nike store the next time I was out of town where they had one, simply said "I wish there was a shoe that made me feel like I wasn't wearing shoes" - little did I know that there was a minimalist trend and Nike had the Nike Free. I was hooked.
I was having some knee pain this year - and went to a physical therapist, she happens to be a runner. She did a gait analysis, put me in a more stability shoe - Brooks Pure Cadence - and I have had nothing but leg pain. I used them to train for my next 1/2 marathon, ran about 300 miles in them - and had consistent, painful calves all the time. By looking at my running photos after the race, they are basically creating just the opposite problem for me.
My point.... no matter what advice you get - you never really know what the shoe will do or how it will feel until you run on it. If you have been running for years, you now what you need, neutral, stability, big toe box, etc etc. I love buying shoes online and never have a problem with them Shoebuy.com has a super fast shipping and free return policy - free shipping both ways. It's my only way to buy shoes for my husband, size 15's.
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I've been to the running shoe store a couple of times and been fitted. From those experiences I learned my gait and what my feet required and what I am comfortable in. Now I do my own shoe shopping for the best deal, research, comparisons and occasionally just order online. Most the chain shoe stores and the major brand websites have good return policies if the shoes don't happen to work out.0
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I have done the professional running store recommendations. It helped at the time and was worth the extra cost, but unless I am dealing with a specific issue or wanting to change type of shoes I then buy the same or a similar model online or at a store the next time I need shoes.0
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Thanks for the advise all. It is appreciated. I'm going to do a bit more online research and if I can save a significant chunk I'll probably buy online. If there is not mush in it I'll be back at the running shop in the next few weeks!
Happy running all.0 -
I was fit at the local running store and I love my shoes so much I've just purchased my fourth pair fo the same shoe!!! They were on sale, which probably means they will be discontinued soon, so you better believe if that happens I'll swipe another pair or two before they're gone. They aren't "cute" but I don't care, I have NO pain when I wear them other than just from being exhausted on a long run! It's all what works for you. To be honest, now that I know what I like, I think if I tried on a different model I'd know if they would work. Now if I found a stellar deal on the exact shoe online???? Bonus! I'm all over it!0
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I get a gait analysis every couple paris of shoes. It is a 30-45 min process and results in HER telling me which shoes are working for me. I never pick them.0
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