The right running shoes?

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sonyalbruno
sonyalbruno Posts: 63 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I recently took up jogging and am ADDICTED!! I love it!! I wake up and instantly want to run!!
I was using my running shoes from a few years ago that didnt see much action other then a few months at the gym. I noticed they were starting to hurt my feet and rubbed the side of my foot raw. I have tried researching the best type of running shoe to get but all I have seen is companies suporting their own products.
What do you look for in a shoe, does price matter?
Tips are muchly appreciated :D
Thanks in advance.
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Replies

  • sozzell
    sozzell Posts: 166
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    I would recommend that you go into a specialist running store and get your feet maesure and your gait analysed. Then try on some shoes. I like Asics; I have a neutral gait.
  • eiha
    eiha Posts: 27
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    I agree with sozzell.n One big mistake when I started running was not getting my gait analysed I ended up with a few injuries. Very important and worth the money. Happy running!:smile:
  • Jjw1125
    Jjw1125 Posts: 17 Member
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    My wife and I were recently in a sporting store to get a pair of running shoes. She was told the best running shoes out there were a brand named, Brooks. I'm not really all that knowledgeable about shoes, but they looked like they would have alot of support. After getting some good measurments, that may be something you could look into.
  • 714rah714
    714rah714 Posts: 759 Member
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    I would recommend that you go into a specialist running store and get your feet measure and your gait analyzed. Then try on some shoes. I like Asics; I have a neutral gait.
    The right running shoe is one that fits and feels comfortable to you, regardless of the brand.
  • Kara_xxx
    Kara_xxx Posts: 635 Member
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    There is no such thing as "the best running shoe".

    The best running shoe FOR YOU is the one that suits your gait, your foot shape, your training requirements and the surface you run on.

    Get gait tested to establish if you're a neutral runner, pronator, supinator etc. All reputable running shoe brands will have shoes to cover all those requirements.

    Then your foot shape will make a difference as some people prefer a wider or narrower toe box.

    Furthermore there are high mileage as well as race versions of shoes, the race versions being lighter.

    And then you get different shoes for road running, cross country, trail and fell.

    Don't listen to anyone who comes here and pipes up "oooh you must buy the Asics Kayanos they're great!"... they don't have your feet!
  • Kara_xxx
    Kara_xxx Posts: 635 Member
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    My wife and I were recently in a sporting store to get a pair of running shoes. She was told the best running shoes out there were a brand named, Brooks. I'm not really all that knowledgeable about shoes, but they looked like they would have alot of support.

    And "support" is NOT what you want if you're a neutral runner.
  • Rachael235
    Rachael235 Posts: 35 Member
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    Totally agree with the lady above, I work in a sports store and you have to get your feet assessed properly and yes all brands worth the weight do different trainers to cover all different needs and the prices vary alot.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
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    I would recommend that you go into a specialist running store and get your feet maesure and your gait analysed. Then try on some shoes. I like Asics; I have a neutral gait.

    I second Asics!!!! They have a large line of walking and running shoes. Very important to get properly measured for the right pair for the right activity. The Podiatrists that work in my group recommend Asics to their patients all the time.

    Pricing can vary, but I know around my neck of the woods, most prices start around $50.00 but can be as high as $165.00.

    Im about to invest in a pair myself for I have extremely damaged feet/heel bones. Thank goodness for tax-season, Ill be able to write these off for medical expenses incurred.


    Zappos.com also offers some more competitive prices. See if your shoe-specialty store will price-compete!!!
  • lloydenson
    lloydenson Posts: 12
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    I went to a running shoe shop last weekend. They filmed me on a treadmill to determine what running type shoe I needed. They then tried to sell me various expensive running shoes. I wasn't interested in any of the shoes they offered as they where all Pro running shoes for marathons and long distance runs. I told them right from the start I only wanted a pair for in the gym and for running about 5k. So using the info they had provided, I went to another store and bought the right type of shoe for half the price!!!

    They look and feel great!

    My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!
  • Kara_xxx
    Kara_xxx Posts: 635 Member
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    My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

    I see this a little differently.

    Proper gait analysis takes time and expertise. If you have taken advantage of that service then expect to pay for it.

    Many running shops are now starting to charge for gait analysis because people do exactly what you do, get the free advice and go buy them on ebay or wherever cheaper.

    What will happen over time is that all running shops will start charging for gait analysis. Also many small local running shops are closing down because they can no longer compete with large online retailers. The running community will be worse off for the loss of expertise.

    Once you know what shoe you need by all means buy it wherever it suits, but once you've taken up staff time for their knowledge and expertise, at least have the courtesy to give them the trade.
  • Aperture_Science
    Aperture_Science Posts: 840 Member
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    My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

    I see this a little differently.

    Proper gait analysis takes time and expertise. If you have taken advantage of that service then expect to pay for it.

    Many running shops are now starting to charge for gait analysis because people do exactly what you do, get the free advice and go buy them on ebay or wherever cheaper.

    What will happen over time is that all running shops will start charging for gait analysis. Also many small local running shops are closing down because they can no longer compete with large online retailers. The running community will be worse off for the loss of expertise.

    Once you know what shoe you need by all means buy it wherever it suits, but once you've taken up staff time for their knowledge and expertise, at least have the courtesy to give them the trade.
    ]

    ^^ Agree completely. Well said.
  • missdaisy79
    missdaisy79 Posts: 566 Member
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    I had my gait analysed, and found I pronate slightly but not so much that I need heavily supported shoes for running. The trainers I had been wearing were proper running trainers that I'd bought cheaply at work, but they had a lot of arch support which I didn't actually need and was causing me a lot of foot pain. My new running trainers are so comfortable that I just want to wear them all the time. It's definitely worth the gait analysis. I wear Saucony. Didn't like Mizuno. Not everyone is the same so try a few on.
  • mhotch
    mhotch Posts: 901 Member
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    I had knee pain for the longest time. I finally went to a running store and had my gait analyzed. I did buy a pair of running shoes through the store. They did take the time to work with me. It made a HUGE difference in my knee pain. Now, I know what type of sneaker and what brands work best with my feet, I can now buy them online or when there is a big sale.
  • poodlelaise
    poodlelaise Posts: 149 Member
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    I agree, if you take advantage of the gait analysis, you should buy the shoes there. The shop I went to had me try a wide range of shoes. We did not discuss price. It turned out that the pair I chose was on the lower end of their range. The did not try to influence me at all based on price. When I got home, I shopped the internet for the best price to see how much extra I had paid for working with a shop that offered great service. I did not pay any premium at all! I could not find my shoes for less anywhere. I bought the Brooks Ghost 5.
  • Di3012
    Di3012 Posts: 2,250 Member
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    I recently took up jogging and am ADDICTED!! I love it!! I wake up and instantly want to run!!
    I was using my running shoes from a few years ago that didnt see much action other then a few months at the gym. I noticed they were starting to hurt my feet and rubbed the side of my foot raw. I have tried researching the best type of running shoe to get but all I have seen is companies suporting their own products.
    What do you look for in a shoe, does price matter?
    Tips are muchly appreciated :D
    Thanks in advance.

    I cannot recommend enough how good it is to have your running gait analysed and then have the correct shoes fitted.

    I did this myself a few months back, ended up with certain running shoes that I would not have looked twice at, however, they have been a lifesaver for me in training/racing terms. I used to suffer with shinsplints when running on pavement, these shoes have been brilliant and I have been able to train, thank God, on hard ground.

    Which brings me to the price aspect, mine were £100. To some people that may seem a lot of money, others it will not seem a lot or they will understand - to me, it was the best £100 I have ever spent, seriously.

    I luffs running :love:
  • kgb6days
    kgb6days Posts: 880 Member
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    My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

    I see this a little differently.

    Proper gait analysis takes time and expertise. If you have taken advantage of that service then expect to pay for it.

    Many running shops are now starting to charge for gait analysis because people do exactly what you do, get the free advice and go buy them on ebay or wherever cheaper.




    Once you know what shoe you need by all means buy it wherever it suits, but once you've taken up staff time for their knowledge and expertise, at least have the courtesy to give them the trade.
    ]

    ^^ Agree completely. Well said.

    I completely agree. I went to a running store for gait analysis. they spent nearly an hour with me watching me run, analyzing my gait, teaching me about it. I probably tried on 12 different pairs of shoes and ran in each pair for a bit while they watched me. I ended up getting a pair that I love! I don't want to loose this service in our community so DH and I support them whole heartedly.
  • TheDudette
    TheDudette Posts: 174
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    I would recommend that you go into a specialist running store and get your feet maesure and your gait analysed. Then try on some shoes. I like Asics; I have a neutral gait.

    Worded poifectly.
  • poledancing_ninja
    poledancing_ninja Posts: 271
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    You will run differently on a treadmill than on the road. Go to a sport shop, try on a load of pairs and run around the shop in them. Buy the comfiest ones!
  • eiha
    eiha Posts: 27
    Options
    I recently took up jogging and am ADDICTED!! I love it!! I wake up and instantly want to run!!
    I was using my running shoes from a few years ago that didnt see much action other then a few months at the gym. I noticed they were starting to hurt my feet and rubbed the side of my foot raw. I have tried researching the best type of running shoe to get but all I have seen is companies suporting their own products.
    What do you look for in a shoe, does price matter?
    Tips are muchly appreciated :D
    Thanks in advance.

    I cannot recommend enough how good it is to have your running gait analysed and then have the correct shoes fitted.

    I did this myself a few months back, ended up with certain running shoes that I would not have looked twice at, however, they have been a lifesaver for me in training/racing terms. I used to suffer with shinsplints when running on pavement, these shoes have been brilliant and I have been able to train, thank God, on hard ground.

    Which brings me to the price aspect, mine were £100. To some people that may seem a lot of money, others it will not seem a lot or they will understand - to me, it was the best £100 I have ever spent, seriously.

    I luffs running :love:

    I have spent a lot of money on Physio in the past due to poor running shoes. So I agree with you best £100 spent.
  • Di3012
    Di3012 Posts: 2,250 Member
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    My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

    I see this a little differently.

    Proper gait analysis takes time and expertise. If you have taken advantage of that service then expect to pay for it.

    Many running shops are now starting to charge for gait analysis because people do exactly what you do, get the free advice and go buy them on ebay or wherever cheaper.

    What will happen over time is that all running shops will start charging for gait analysis. Also many small local running shops are closing down because they can no longer compete with large online retailers. The running community will be worse off for the loss of expertise.

    Once you know what shoe you need by all means buy it wherever it suits, but once you've taken up staff time for their knowledge and expertise, at least have the courtesy to give them the trade.

    Absolutely true!

    This is exactly what the shop that analysed my gait did, they charged me £10 for the analysis and explained why they charged.

    However, I felt it was vitally important that I got expert help that I didn't mind in the slightest, plus when I purchased my shoes, that £10 was taken off the price.

    Actually, thinking back, if a person had their gait analysed in that shop but did not purchase any shoes from there, they were charged the £10 but also given a voucher that if used within the next month in that shop, that £10 was taken off the final purchase price.

    I don't think they could be much fairer than that, personally I would never go anywhere else as long as I live in the UK and I recommend them to everybody I know lol.

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