Question for those of you who do running.

[Velve]

Whether you're a hardcore running enthusiast or have just started trying it.
How did you buy your running shoes? Did you got to a specialist run shop and have your gait analysed? Did you buy online?
How did you decide which ones to buy?
I fancy trying c25k this summer and I need shoes. I have a running shop in my town, should I go and embarrass myself totally on a treadmill for their amusement get properly fitted? Or should I buy something with a vague idea of what I need?
Do you have ideas for a beginner running shoe? I have size 4 feet, normal width (maybe a tiny tiny bit wider), medium arch. I have a damaged big toe joint on my left foot (gets randomly sore periodically) and repetitive exercise often causes a pain in one of my shins and/or achille's heel. I carry extra weight pretty equally around, although since pregnancies there seems to be more at the lower belly, bottom, and thigh areas, don't know if that would affect the way I land on a run.
Sorry for the barrage of questions, I just really want to get it right and not get shins plints, obviously.

[youbethemummylion]

I went to Sweatshop and had my gait analysed got some custom insoles and Brook Ghosts cost me 110 best money Ive ever spent running wise.

[loveableshoulder]

Yes, definitely get gait analysis - they may well take the cost off the price of the trainers, so it will be free.

I went (without thinking it through) in a shirt skirt, knee-high boots and sheer tights...then had to suffer the indignity of watching it back with the specialist so he could analyse it but it was well worth it! especially if you want to avoid injury.

[Littleoaktree]

I went to a specialist shop when I was in the early stages of c25k and was v embarrassed as couldn't run at all but they told me what type of shoes I needed. I then said I'd think about it and ended up finding the previous year's model of the shoes I'd tried on for a third of the price so bought those.

[waycat]

Yes I would definitely concurr with previous comments and pay a visit to a specialist running shop.

I use one in my home city and always keep going back, for the personal service as well as the peace of mind in knowing the advice I get will be the right advice.

I have never had a bad pair of shoes yet.

[iwantgin]

Yes, I would recommend buying a pair which suits your running style.

I have had mine from Up and Running, and Sweatshop.

It is worth the money- and it makes you determined to keep up the running- you don't want to waste £100 of running shoes:)

Go prepared to roll up your trouser legs a bit for the running on the treadmill video.

[iwantgin]

I had a nww pair a couple of months ago - I have seen the shoes since on Amazon for about £40 less. So will probably buy another pair in the same size now I know that style works for me.

I have done it before that way too, with a previous pair.

unfortunately styles don't stay in stock forever so have to stock up!

[iwantgin]

nww?

I meant new.

[museumum]

Proper shop with a treadmill - just remember to wear a sports bra!

[CointreauVersial]

For the first few weeks of Couch25k I used my old trainers, but as soon as it became clear that I was going to continue running I went to a local running shop and had my gait analysed on a treadmill. They were really nice people, even though I felt like such an amateur, and were able to tell all sorts from the video. How I land, how I bend my toes etc. etc. I got to try running in several different pairs and ended up with amazingly comfortable shoes.

I have since replaced them, but bought the same "model" in last year's colours on eBay or save some money.

[Velve]

Thank you so much for all the replies.
I'm off to the local running shop next month then.
They offer a free gait analysis anyway, very nice of them.

[Suzannewithaplan]

They offer a free gait analysis anyway, very nice of them

(it's a marketing ploy, it helps them to sell more shoes and more expensive shoes, there is much controversy in the running world as to what type of footwear is optimal)

[BikeRunSki]

GO to the shop.

I get through about 3 pairs of running shoes a year. I buy about one pair a year from a shop with all the gait analysis etc and the next couple of pairs I tend to buy the same again online.

I certainly agree that gait analysis is worth it. I have a long standing and worsening damaged ankle, but can run for miles (12 tonight) in the right shoes.

[Suzannewithaplan]

like said, it's a controversial subject