Any not-too-expensive recommendations?
Depending on mileage might be worth popping to a good shop and getting an assessment and then a recommendation as it can save a lot of pain if you're doing big mileage.
If you're doing low mileage then just get some that offer the correct support and feel comfortable. I've had Nikes and Asics and both have been excellent.
Try as many as you can!
I was 'professionally fitted' for some a few years ago. They were utterly horrible and went in the bin after a few months. I then spent ages in a big shop and tried on shoes from about 10 brands until I found some that suited my feet.
I've stuck with that brand and type ever since.
(longish narrowish feet; neutral adidas boston shoes)
Depending on mileage might be worth popping to a good shop and getting an assessment and then a recommendation as it can save a lot of pain if you're doing big mileage.
I knew someone was going to say that. I have just been reading a thread discussing that the analysis offered by shops is just a con. I have heard this in a number of other places as well.
In terms of mileage: At the moment, I am only doing 2.5-3 miles at a time. However, in the past I was doing 6-10 miles fairly regularly.
I knew someone was going to say that. I have just been reading a thread discussing that the analysis offered by shops is just a con. I have heard this in a number of other places as well.
Gait analysis is a con, they're not specialised in bio-mechanics so can't offer running advice but they can measure your foot properly including the arch and if there is any pronation and advise on what type of shoe would be best.
Running shops run by runners are a good place to start.
Whilst I agree that most do not have a medical background, they do normally run 90+ miles a week and get through a lot of shoes and see a lot of runners feet.
Worth doing, pay for it up front, find a brand that works for you then hunt online for your second, third, ..... pair.
Is there any evidence that gait analysis is a con?? It's something I used to be quite interested in.
Indeed Mr Chef, there's running shops and there's running shops. I've bought shoes off GB athletes and I've bought shoes off people barely able to read the size labels. Caveat emptor and use your loaf.
If gait analysis is a con then why do Salford University do it, I would have thought that a University would not be involved with anything dodgy or unproven.
I had my gait analysed, found out my left leg was 8mm shorter than my right leg from the knee down and got insoles to help prevent the constant hip issues I was having, it fixed it as well, must have been a fluke
If gait analysis is a con then why do Salford University do it, I would have thought that a University would not be involved with anything dodgy or unproven.
Gait analysis itself isn't a con, it can be a very good thing if done by someone with the relevant training and qualifications. These people don't tend to work in a shoe shop though which is why gait analysis done in a shop is typically not worth while.
sportsshoes.com
Saucony Pro Grids for every day training, kinvaras for something light and race day.
You're late!
Barefoot?
Bruce was doing it years ago...!
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Busy at the mo, mostly just hover around reading unless I think I have something different to bring to discussions that's worth the argument!
It's a long hard road but it's the only way I can run now without my legs falling apart below the knees.
Is there any evidence that gait analysis is a con?? It's something I used to be quite interested in.
When undertaken by a 16yr old on minimum wage in a running shop in order to sell you shoes then yes it is a con.
When undertaken by somebody who has the expertise and time to analyse all of the variables then there is probably some value in it.
Bruce did indeed race barefeet however he trained in shoes.
You can get a pretty good idea of what you need by looking at the wear pattern of your shoes/trainers, doing the "wet footprint test" (google it) and if need be, measuring your feet in any shoe shop.
Now is a good time for online bargains, I just bought me some nice new Brooks runners for £50, (RRP £109) 😉
Google suggests the wet footprint test is as accurate for determining what you should put on your feet as 220-age is for determining heart rate zones.
ones that are comfy.
tbh i run maybe 30 miles a week and i use whatever sport direct have on offer. 😳 curenntly some purple Acsis that are nice, before that some Adidas
I've just bought some of these new-fangled fivefinger things. Not been out for a run yet, but they feel very tight at the big toe. I heard that they're supposed to be snug but they're quite uncomfortable as they are. Anyone else got these? Do they stretch, or do I need a bigger size?
DrDomRob - Member
GRENADE!
Interesting choice of word, forefoot running makes my knees explode.
Just get a new pair of whatever you're using at the moment unless you have problems with them.
I don't have any road running shoes at the moment, that is why I am asking. I am currently using my gym cross-trainers, which are Asics. My other choices are my trail running shoes, which are Asics Gel Fuji Trainers and Innov-8 Trailrocs.
I heard that they're supposed to be snug but they're quite uncomfortable as they are. Anyone else got these? Do they stretch, or do I need a bigger size?
They stretch a bit. No idea if that 'a bit' is enough though.
If you have a branch of "Sweatshop" near you, I'd highly recommend them. They offer a 1 month no quibble return policy.
I'm not sure how they manage to pull that off but they do. I bought a pair of Adidas at New Year. They initially felt fine but after about 20 miles they were causing me agony in my calfs. Took them back and they swapped them without any problem for a far comfier pair of Brooks Glycerin. These were a bit cheaper in the sale so they chucked a pair of socks in too!
Brighton is the nearest, 22 miles away.
I spent a good 45 minutes with Footworks in Edinburgh who looked at my running style and measured my feet in great detail I was a total novice runner so went with their suggestions. Ended up with a pair of running shoes that fit perfectly.
In other words, don't ask for shoe recommendations, ask your local runners where to go for a good fitting service.
In terms of mileage: At the moment, I am only doing 2.5-3 miles at a time. However, in the past I was doing 6-10 miles fairly regularly
Then just go to SportsDirect.com, buy something cheapish that fits and doesn't have squishy stuff everywhere (that way they'll be lighter as well). Don't buy into the running shoe pseudo science BS. Works for me anyway.
Then just go to SportsDirect.com, buy something cheapish that fits and doesn't have squishy stuff everywhere (that way they'll be lighter as well). Don't buy into the running shoe pseudo science BS. Works for me anyway.
Why do you say that? What if I want to start upping the mileage? Which I do.
If you're heading to the Brighton area then use the Run Shop in Hove, they've also a store in Worthing if that's closer to you. They'll sort you out.
If you haven't got any problems then just try and get something as similar as possible to what you currently run in. A change of shoes can be quite a risky thing to do. If you do decide to go the barefoot route you almost have to start from scratch with your running and slowly build up. Would recommend the same with any new shoe too, introduce them gradually.
I can safely say I will not be going down the barefoot route.
I discussed my shoes with the physio and we agreed that something with a bit more cushioning would be better than the ones I have at the moment.
I'm a little surprised at that advice from a physio. If you think you need more cushioning it's more likely that there's a problem with your running form. Easier to buy a pair of trainers than sort out the real problem though I suppose.
Cushioning in itself isn't a bad thing. Although I tend to agree that if you get injuries, there is probably a reason e.g. poor technique, stiffness.......
I went to Runners Need and the did gait analysis and sent me away with a pair of Brooks sofa-trainers with with a spongy platform heel.
hated them from the off and they hurt my lower back a lot.
now have a pair of New Balance minimalist shoes and am trying mid/fore-foot running and my back has been fine. my calves aren't thanking me though...
running is crap compared to cycling...
Is there any evidence that gait analysis is a con??
That will be a 'no' then?
Why do you say that? What if I want to start upping the mileage? Which I do.
I say it because its true. Same applies to higher mileage. As other posters have said if you have a problem its not likely to be addressed effectively by just buying squishier shoes. More likely you're doing too much too quickly.
There was a mahoosive study the US Air Force did with ~1000 people in each group. There was no significant difference in injury rates between assigning people 'appropriate' footwear based on gait analysis, and just giving everyone neutral shoes. Other (admittedly smaller) studies have even put people in the 'wrong' type of shoe and still seen no difference.
1. Try on lots.
2. What feels good - then that's probably the one. Unless-
You are new to running.
Don't go for too much cushioning. If you do, and later you want to do more, you'll need to alter your running stride etc.
Don't go for a shoe that drops from heel to toe much, you foot doesn't, why should you buy a high heel running shoe??
They aren't built like they used to be. Depending on your weight, running distance and surface , they can wear out quickly.
and just giving everyone neutral shoes
Yep! Control shoes are the work of the devil. Pronation/supination are natural movements. Some do it more than others but IMO and IME building up slowly allows your body to compensate. I know of good runners who pronate significantly but only when they have tried to control it with shoes designed for the purpose did they develop problems. Gradual increases in mileage and speed is the key.