Ladies trainers

[Snowsister]

Im planning on joining an exercise class and maybe even going running at some point. So I need to buy some trainers and I havent a clue where to start.

Had a browse online, but there are so many brands and styles to choose from.

Im in mid 40s, 2st overweight and would be wearing black leggings and a coloured tshirt with them.

Any recommendations?

[Snowsister]

anyone?

[maybenow]

if you want to go running then you should go to a 'proper' running store where they'll find you the right shoes for the way your feet fall when you run - this will make a MASSIVE difference.

however, running shoes and aerobic shoes are different (running shoes don't support side to side movements that are common in aerobic type classes) so maybe to start with go for a general cross trainer designed for exercise classes.

[Snowsister]

Thanks. General cross trainer. OK. Will google.

[TracyK]

Have a look on Nike website. There are reviews on there which may point you in the right direction. I always go for the Nike air max ones.

[bonzo77]

agree with maybenow. cross trainers to start. If you get into running then get separate running ones. A proper running shop will sort you out with both. I like Asics. They are really really comfy though maybe not as long lasting as some.

[MandarinOrange]

I need to buy some new running shoes. What are the names of some of the 'proper' running stores that I should visit? Would JJB sports be OK?

[VivaLeBeaver]

I'd always go to a proper running shop over JJB sports type places to get proper running trainers. They may well sell the same trainers in both but a running shop would be able to advise on fit, and best style for you better. I went to a running shop that did gait analysis, videoed me running on a treadmill to recommend a trainer.

Nike, oasics, brooks, new balance are all good trainers.

[higgle]

Nike are very narrow fitting - you really do need to go to a proper sports shop.

[maybenow]

mandarin no - jjb sports is not a good shop for running shoes - if you tell me where you are in the country i will find you one if you want.

otherwise look for:
sweatshop
run4it
run and become
up and running
runners need

[sobenobu]

What size are your feet?

I bought some cross-trainer Asics from the JL girls sale for £15.

In my previous life I would've (and have) bought some ridiculously trendy(ha!-showing my age) Nike coloured monstrosities to not look out of place in uber hip gym.

If your budget allows, then I would second sweatshop.

[QuietOhSoQuiet]

you need to know if you are going to run how your feet hit the ground are you a neutral runner or a pronator of some kind

www.runnersworld.co.uk/shoes/choosing-a-shoe-the-very-basics/481.html this is a good guide if you can't afford to go to a specialist shop

I swear by saucony progrid system but I am a neutral runner but they do others for different running types,cushions of air they are

[MandarinOrange]

Thanks very much for all the great advice and links. Unfortunately I didn't manage to see all the posts before going shopping but next time I will definitely get to a specialist shop to find out what sort of runner I am and get the most appropriate shoes.

I'm near Reading/ Windsor/ High Wycombe and would be enormously grateful for a recommendation of a specialist shop in the area.

Anyway I now have some Nikes from John Lewis. I wanted shoes that could take the Nike+ iPod device that I got for Christmas. They are very bouncy and this morning's run was a joy.

I also had a look in JJB sports - you are absolutely right, it was a total disaster. Less choice than John Lewis, no sales assistants in sight and people waiting around to get the shoes in a different size. Particularly bugger all for women and the emphasis seemed more on fashion trainers than trainers for sports.

Thanks again for your knowledge and helpfulness