Do you need to buy special trainers to run?

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chazsucks
chazsucks Posts: 170
in Fitness and Exercise
I did my first day of C25K today, and it was fab. I was fine when walking but every time the running section came I found it so uncomfortable to run, so I ended up taking off my trainers and running in socks and it felt 1000x better.

Got home and tried 2 other pairs of trainers but still hated it and was so much more comfortable in socks lol. I don't have any money really to buy fancy running trainers so not sure what to do, are there any cheap shoes that are really comfortable for running? xx

Replies

  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,616 Member
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    were you on a treadmill? At home or at gym?

    If at home you could always try barefoot running as an option? On a treadmill, you should be ok without shoes.
  • cbevan1229
    cbevan1229 Posts: 326 Member
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    I am by no means an expert on this, but I believe you do. They are a bit pricey, but if they help keep you from injuring yourself (and getting discouraged from your program) then they are worth it.
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
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    Second that...spend some money on a decent pair of dedicated running shoes...try and visit a dedicated running specialist store and ask for a gait analysis so you can choose the best shoe for your gait.
  • camrunner
    camrunner Posts: 363
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    I don't recommend running in cheap shoes. I don't think it's any coincidence that I messed up my knee the one time I bought $40 shoes instead of the normal $100+ pair.

    I'm currently running in a pair of $150 Newtons and I absolutely love them. I went to a running store and they analyzed my gait and fitted me -- it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I've completely embraced the whole natural running/forefoot striking concept and it's made a huge difference. Two months ago I could barely run... and this weekend I've run almost 20 miles. :D

    I know you said you can't afford an expensive pair of shoes, so I'll tell you the same thing I told my brother. They're expensive, but they're worth it. You're probably better off not running and not getting hurt vs. running in inappropriate shoes. Alternatively... keep an eye out for sales? I know my local running store has been selling Vibrams for $50 and Newtons for $99. You sound like you might want to try something like the Vibrams, but I've never tried them personally so I don't know how good they are.
  • chazsucks
    chazsucks Posts: 170
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    Eek, ok thanks guys! It was in the park.

    Ok will try and find a running shop! Never knew they even existed before now! :S

    Thanks for the help! x
  • drgndancer
    drgndancer Posts: 426 Member
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    Yep, get a gait analysis, a proper fitting and a good pair of shoes. Your entire lower body will thank you for the effort and expense. Good running shoes can prevent all sorts of lower body runner's complaints. Runner's knee, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and many more can usually be traced back to wearing the wrong shoes. Getting the right footwear won't garuntee an injury free running career, but it will probably help more than any other single thing you can do.
  • drgndancer
    drgndancer Posts: 426 Member
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    Eek, ok thanks guys! It was in the park.

    Any idea how to get the best shoes, should I just go to a sports shop and they'll advise me? As you can tell I'm completely new to this!

    Go to a specialty shop. Most towns of any size have a running shop in the US, I assume the same is true in England. They'll help you pick out shoes that are right for your gait.

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