Best running trainers please

[toptramp]

Not really style and beauty as I'm looking for practicality first and foremost.

I'm doing the race for life in July and want to take up running more seriously. Are New Balance still THE running trainers? What can you recommend?

[hephaestus]

The brand doesn't mean a thing unless they are properly fitted - get thee to an Up And Running for gait analysis!

For what it's worth I do like New Balance for road running, Salomons for cross country.

[nocake]

Agreed, go to a running specialist (not JJB Sports or any other generic sports shop) and ask for advice. They will recommend some shoes that suit your running gait/style. Try them on and pick the ones that are most comfortable, whatever brand they are.

For what it's worth, I run in Saucony shoes.

[Couldihelp]

My vote is Asics - fantastic shoes, definitely THE ones for me. But agree with others, get your gait analysed at a specialist shop - Sweatshop/Runners Need etc and they will recommend the best for you.

[emsyj]

I like Asics too, but agree you should go and get fitted at a running shop. DH went to a local (independent not chain) one and got a brand he'd never heard of (and which I can't remember off hand) but said they were amazing, best trainers ever.

[CointreauVersial]

Mine are Mizuno - fantastically comfy - never heard of the brand until I went to an independent running shop and had my gait analysed on a treadmill (are you spotting a theme here?!).

I asked about Asics, but they weren't at all comfortable when I tried them on, everyone's feet are different. Running puts stress on your whole body, so get the right shoes!!

[shelscrape]

Yes, go to a specialist running shop. where do you live OP? Up and Running have a few shops nationally and Sweatshop are good too. If you are anywhere near Cambridgeshire I would recommend Advance performance.

You need proper gait analysis as different running shoes suit different feet and different gait. The wrong shoes will ensure you end up injured. For a decent pair you need to be prepared to pay up to around £80.

[emsyj]

Runners Sports on the Wirral impressed DH if anyone is in that area.

[Northumberlandlass]

If near Newcastle - Northern Runner are excellent.

[toptramp]

thank you. i also love aerobics. i guess i need different trainers for that too?