Choosing a running shoe

[drawboy]

Following a large weight loss recently (7 stone) I have started running to improve my fitness. I hope to do a 10k for charity when I can get up to it. Anyway for all you experianced runners out there, how do I choose a shoe from the thousands available?
Thanks.

 

[AmandaJR]

Hmmm that's a tough one as there are a ton out there and a lot depends on your running style. I have found a top shoe only for it to be "updated" and the new one just not right.

Firstly - are you still on the heavy side if you'll excuse my pertinance?! In which case cushioning and cushioning and more cushioning.

Secondly - do you feel you run on either the inside (pronate) of your feet or outside (supinate)? Most people do the former and strike with the heel and then the foot naturally rolls inwards towards the toes through the footstrike. If you over pronate though then shoes with an inbuilt "stability" feature are best as they hold the foot more stable.

This might help:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319--7726-0,00.html

The longer you run the more important it is but even for 10k it's worth getting the right shoe.

Sweatshop used to have a treadmill and basic gait analysis if you have one near you.

Asics have long been my shoe of choice so this might also help:

http://www.asicsamerica.com/Shoe-Fit-Guide/

 

[Rooter]

Goto a decent shop that specialises in running, not jjb etc. they will get you on arunning machine to check out what you need. Well worth doing IMHO.

 

[drawboy]

I'm not too heavy I think 11.5 stone, certainly less than the 18.5 I was anyway. Is that still heavy for running?

 

[AmandaJR]

I'm not too heavy I think 11.5 stone, certainly less than the 18.5 I was anyway. Is that still heavy for running?

Not at all and no-one is too heavy for running. Bruno, Pinsett, Redgrave etc have all completed the London Marathon. You're around average I'd say so no worries on that score.

Are these near you?

http://sweatshop.co.uk/storefinder.cfm?shop_ID=42

 

[drawboy]

Yes, about 15 mins away, it looks good. Thanks for the heads up. I'll call in and see what they say. Thanks again.

 

[Mr_T]

Based on experience I can recommend Asics, I'm on my second pair and they're going really well, they're pretty comfy and well built, I actually got mine from sports direct and they were only about £40, which for what I consider to be a good quality running shoe is a good price imo

 

[DappaDonDave]

K Swiss tubes, the shoes of MMA fighter Bones Jones and faber

 

[Marshy77]

I used to work in Sportsshoes Unlimited in Bradford and they specialise in running shoes or there's complete runner in/near Ilkley that are very good. You'd be best going and getting some advice, check your running style eg pronation.Makes like New Balance, Saucony, Asics, Nike, Mizuno are all good brands but get fitted and find the right shoes for you.

 

[Naybrains]

My nearest decent running shop is in Edinburgh about 60miles away but it's worth the journey just to get the right pair fitted by experts.
Done loads of half marathons & 10k 's including the last 4 great north runs and I swear by Asics, the rest of the manufacturers don't come close for me (Nike,Adidas,Saucony & NB).

 

[Snelly]

My wife is a very good runner and does a lot of half marathons at county level etc. She swears by Brooks running shoes and she knows her stuff. Probably worth checking out.

 

[jpenno]

Having done several marathons and Ironman Triathlon I have been through a fair few pair of trainers!!

You need to get your running gait analysed to ensure you get the correct type of shoes, neutral, cushioned or support, the make of shoe is not relevant each manufacturer will do models for each type of gait.

the wrong shoe will cause all manner of shin, knee and achilles problems and is akin to a right hander trying to play with left handed clubs.

Once you have had the gait analysis you can always order your next pair online

 

[goldenbare]

drawboy, I started running at the age of 50 and it helped me lose 4 stone. can I advise that you take things very steadily? My lungs and muscles have stayed with the pace and I am much fitter, but watch out for your knees and hips!!

 

[USER1999]

Go to a proper running out fitter. They will find the right shoe for you. It won't be cheap, but it will be better for you. You can't just buy running shoes off the peg.

 

[Golfmmad]

As well as having good quality running shoes, socks are important too, especially for longer distance running. You might want to look at 1000 mile running socks. They are a sock within a sock and really help with your feet.

 

[harvey4banger]

Forget about what brand he or she thinks is best, if you buy the wrong shoe for your foot / running style it will do you more harm than good.

Go to a specialist running shop and get youre gate measured. There are so many vairiables to buying the correct shoe, get it right the first time, as buying the wrong shoe will cause you more harm than good.

Myself I wear Adidas Response 20 Cushioned shoes, as I have a high arch, I forefoot strike when running and I have a slight under pronation.

You need to know all 3 or these variables before buying running shoes.

 

[Rooter]

As well as having good quality running shoes, socks are important too, especially for longer distance running. You might want to look at 1000 mile running socks. They are a sock within a sock and really help with your feet.

1000 mile socks are awesome! I wear mine for golf too, best socks ever!

 

[TeeItHigh]

Well worth going to a running shop as they should check the way you run and how your heel strikes , it could save you a lot of pain and money going to the trouble cos they will sell you the write trainer whether it's £10 or a £100. and good luck.:thup:

 

[Aztecs27]

If you are training for mid/long distance running, I would recommend training on grass and only competing on tarmac where possible. Will help your joints no end!

 

[drawboy]

Training on grass....Hay man, far out, I don't care how far I've run, cosmic, pass the monster munch!!