advice needed for buying new running shoes!

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kerrylmills
kerrylmills Posts: 15
in Fitness and Exercise
hi i started going to the gym around 3 weeks ago but i have been getting very sore calves when using the treadmill so i believe i need to get some new running trainers but want i make sure i get the right ones as i have high arches but cant afford to spend a fortune! But is it important that i do? I also suffer with numb toes when on the cross trainer any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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  • knowkeys
    knowkeys Posts: 28 Member
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    You should try and go to a specialist running shop and they will do a "gait" analysis. They would also recommend the type of shoe to go for.

    Advice them of your budget. Often you can get a similar pair to the ones recommended on sale.

    I suppose you could then go online and see if you can get them cheaper - but unlikely.

    I find that last years model are around 60% of this years, unfortunatley not always available in my size!

    For example, £90 for 2012 model, £65 for 2011 or 2010 model.

    Good luck.
  • GoldspursX3
    GoldspursX3 Posts: 516 Member
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    When starting exercise your body will naturally be sore as it adjust to the new lifestyle. I personally use the New Blanace Minimus and I love them. I also have high arches and they took some time to get use to them.

    They imitate running barefooted, which means no more heel striking. I also use them while lifting because having my feet closer to the ground while lifting (instead of higher with alot cushion like traditional running shoes) helps my form.

    Yes, good running shoes are not cheap, but if you make it a priority it's worth the investment. Numb toes could be a number of things like, improper fitting shoes, shoes tied too tight, shoes not broken in, etc.

    I also recommend you get off the treadmill and find some places to run outside if you can. Save the treadmill for inclement weather days. I found 5 different nature trails I like to use and I run on one of them twice a week. The other 3 days I do a road run. The change in scenery is very welcome and keeps me from getting bored.
  • kittynat
    kittynat Posts: 25 Member
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    I'm glad someone has mentioned about the barefoot running trainers - I have been doing a bit of research on them.

    Are they any better for running than normal trainers?

    I know the theory, but would like to know if they are any better in practice.

    Thanks
  • lambertj
    lambertj Posts: 675 Member
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    I just had the same dilemma and spent literally weeks trying on different running shoes. I finally settled on Aisics Phoenix Gel, they have a very high arch, tons of cushion at the toe and a bit more toe room in the front as compared to Nike brand. Might be worth trying them on. Reasonably priced as well.
  • GoldspursX3
    GoldspursX3 Posts: 516 Member
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    I'm glad someone has mentioned about the barefoot running trainers - I have been doing a bit of research on them.

    Are they any better for running than normal trainers?

    I know the theory, but would like to know if they are any better in practice.

    Thanks

    I have been running over 11 years (been in the army that whole time so it is kind of a requirement) and for the last 10 1/2 I used traditional running shoes. Since changing to the Minimus 6 months ago I have cut about 3 minutes off my 2 mile run time on semiannual Fitness Test. I take smaller strides due to the change in stance, but it feels much more natural than heel striking.

    Just make sure that if you do purchase them you don't try running the same distance as you could in traditional running shoes right away. Start a little over half your normal distance and slowly increase.
  • samhelen
    samhelen Posts: 98
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    I'm glad someone has mentioned about the barefoot running trainers - I have been doing a bit of research on them.

    Are they any better for running than normal trainers?

    I know the theory, but would like to know if they are any better in practice.

    Thanks

    I've never been much of a runner but when I decided to start I knew I'd always had problems with traditional running shoes even when I had been fitted at a specialty store so.... I bought a pair of vibram fivefingers and started using them and have LOVED them -- they've strengthened parts of my legs and feet that I've never used before you do however have to start out slowly when using them when transitioning from a traditional running shoe or you can hurt yourself.
  • kerrylmills
    kerrylmills Posts: 15
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    thanks guys for all your advice! I was looking at the new balance range yesterday funny enough its the first time i had looked at the brand. I am slightly concerned though that the new balance minimus may make my calf pain worse! I usually do 30 mins on the treadmill alternating between jogging and walking and the walking does actually seem more painful that the jogging part! Once i finish im in so much pain especially with my left calf i have to stretch for a while before moving on to other equipment and i really don't want anything stopping me from going to the gym! I'm desperate to work out and get as fit as possible the reason i don't go jogging outside is that at the moment i feel too embarrassed i am hoping that in a few weeks i will brave enough to start jogging outside! The cross trainer frustrates me i did loosen my laces today and it did help i managed to get to 23 minutes before they started going numb where as the other day they were numb by 6 minutes in!
  • SBthud326
    SBthud326 Posts: 11 Member
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    I am fairly new to running, almost done with C25K, and I adore my Mizuno Wave Riders. I spent my youth in highly competitive athletics and Mizunos have by far been the best athletic shoes. They have a feature on their website that allows you to put in your info and they recommend a shoe. Just my two cents. I would definitely go to a store though that will check out your gait and let you try multiple pairs on.

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