Running trainers recommendations

[NicoPolastri]

I’m getting into running, I’m not a serious marathon runner but does anyone recommend a particular brand or style?

[CMOTDibbler]

Its all about what suits your feet and the way you run - and this can change with time as your feet and ankles get stronger. I am currently loving my On Running Cloudstratus, but have previously used Asics, Mizuno and Hoka

[CaveMum]

I started running again (Couch to 5k) during lockdown!

I bought myself a pair of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 and they’ve been fantastic and really comfy.

[Popc0rn]

Have a gait analysis if you are starting out. It tends to be independent running shops that do this; they get you to try different types of shoes on and then film you running on a treadmill. By watching it in slow mo they can see how your foot hits the ground and recommend which type of show suits you. I started running in nike running shoes, was fine to start with, but got knee pain in my left knee after a few weeks. I went to my local running shop for a gait analysis as recommended by my marathon running friend, and turns out I overpronate (most people do). The guy in the shop recommended me to wear "control" (also called stability) shoes rather than "neutral" shoes, and it was much much better. The brand is Saucony.

The guy who runs/works in my local running shop is also great for general advice about running.

www.runnersneed.com/expert-advice/gear-guides/gait-analysis.html

[Popc0rn]

They aren't the most fashionable looking, but they are so comfy!

[BloggersNetwork]

I am not a runner but at the beginning of lockdown I started couch to 5k and I have been running 5K 4 times a week since.

I tend to feel pain at the ball of my feet. I also have wide feet. Recommendations here lead me to buy Hoka. Really really pleased.

[everyonebutme]

Go to a proper running shop and get your gait done. I've had Asics before and now Brookes Ghost but it's what suits you and your feet. Both of these are good brands.

[MoltonSilver]

Asics tend to be what you see serious runners wearing but I bought the wrong pair for me and they caused ankle problems. A gait analysis is the way to go. The staff in independent running shops are usually incredibly knowledgeable.

[Sexnotgender]

@CaveMum

I started running again (Couch to 5k) during lockdown!

I bought myself a pair of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 and they’ve been fantastic and really comfy.

Me too, I’m on week 8 of C25k and found the Nikes really comfortable.

[Solaran]

Honestly, you need a fair analysis and advice from a running shop not from strangers on the internet. What works for someone else might cause you an injury.

[paap1975]

The only person who can recommend a running shoe to you is a specialist, after seeing you run. Do not buy running shoes without specialist advice. You could do serious damange to your ankles, kness, back, hips, etc...

[beguilingeyes]

We did C25K a couple of years ago and I found I was getting a lot of pain in my knees. We went to Runners Need and got our gait analysed. Turns out I overpronate...

I bought a pair of Brooks Adrenaline and have just got a new pair of Hokas, but I really recommend getting some expert advice. Shoes are so important.

Decathlon, BTW are great for cheap running gear.

[slinkystairs]

Different take on the pronation and underpronation route.

I suffererd various small injuries in the past and decided to go down the proper running analysis route. Spent anywhere between £60 and £140 trainers over the years. None of them felt perfect and would often tend to cause issues elsewhere on my body. Presumably because they were holding my feet in a certain position that wasnt natural.

One day I decided to go out for a jog in my neutral £45 Adidas cloudfoams that were otherwise used for general walking around. 9 months down the line and I am still wearning cloudfoams and am now on my second pair with no inuries at all.

I think there is much to be said about using a pair of trainers that you simply find comfortable and have been well worn in.

[Verite1]

Agree with all the other comments. I overpronate so got running trainers to specifically compensate for that.

[NicoPolastri]

Thank you everyone. I will have a look and see if there’s any shops that do the analysis nearby.

[roundandsideways]

I used to wear Nike's, especially Nike React. But lately I've been wearing Ascics, and they are definitely better I have narrow feet and a neutral gait, but they do supportive sty,es too. And can usually get a good deal,on them

[DianasLasso]

It will depend very much on your gait and foot shape.

I personally find saucony are brilliant. I have wide, "square" feet (second toe is almost as long as the big toe).

Beware "correcting" overpronation if it's only mild to moderate. The worst pair of shoes I ever had were a pair of nikes with an anti-overpronation block in them, I got horrendous shin splints from them.

[Elouera]

I completely agree with others, that you need a gait assessment, otherwise, you a buying blind! I went to runner need. No idea of they are open again. It was an extremely quick, basic minute on a treadmill though- nothing extensive, but showed which way my ankles roll.

There was no obligation to buy from them, and they didnt have my size or width available anyways, but certainly worth doing.

[fellrunner85]

You need a neutral pair of running shoes - not stability shoes - to start out. At least until you can run 10k or so fairly easily and smoothly, have overcome "new runner" gait issues, and have learned what you like.

As a pp said, Nike Pegasus are a stone cold classic for a reason; as are Brooks Ghost. You can't go wrong with Pegs, and as the 37 has just come out you can pick up a 36 cheaply.
A cheaper option is a Saucony Triumph, usually around £45 on Sportshoes, but a really decent, neutral but cushioned shoe for steady mileage.
ON and Hoka are the Marmite shoes of the running world - best avoided until you're more experienced and know what you want. (I have some superlight racing Hokas but hated the road running Hokas - they really are an acquired taste)

Every new and/or fairly inexperienced runner will tell you you need gait analysis, because that's what they've been told.
Then, if you go for gait analysis the running shop will tell you you overpronate (because new runners almost always do). Then you'll drop £130 on stability shoes to "correct" your gait, and chances are you'll end up with ITB/knee issues because you're correcting something that doesn't need correcting - just as @DianasLasso said. This happens a LOT and puts so many new runners off altogether.

What you actually need is a standard, cushioned neutral shoe, at least while you're getting going. Zero drop shoes, stability shoes, or whatever can come down the road if you find you need them. But few people actually need their gait "correcting"...even though they're told they do

[NicoPolastri]

Wow fellrunner that’s lots of useful info thank you!

[beguilingeyes]

I've been running for two years, still haven't done a 10k. Parkrun is about my limit. I think if I hadn't got some decent shoes my knees would've been knackered by now.

[fellrunner85]

I think you misunderstood my point, @beguilingeyes. I recommended the OP gets the best cushioned, neutral, shoes out there (eg Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost, Saucony Triumph). That will protect her knees more than potentially being forced into built-up stability shoes she doesn't need. Nobody is saying not to buy decent shoes!
Oh, and OP - make sure you go at least half a size, if not a full size, up from the shoes you usually wear. Have a go on a treadmill in a running shop by all means, but don't worry about over or underpronation for now. Your gait will adapt as you get used to running.
Most people heel strike at first and allow their knees to roll inwards, but the key to changing that isn't built-up shoes - it's strengthening exercises (particularly the glutes) and, yes, more running

[WingBingo]

Very good advice from Fellrunner.

Buy a size up too. Once you increase your distance your feet will swell.

[northernstars]

I went for gait analysis and they said mine was completely fine. I got a pair of Brooks Adrenaline a size up and they're great. They feel more solid than the Nikes I'd previously been using.
@DianasLasso my second toe is longer than my big toe - apparently it's a sign of intelligence!!

[DianasLasso]

Most people heel strike at first and allow their knees to roll inwards, but the key to changing that isn't built-up shoes - it's strengthening exercises (particularly the glutes) and, yes, more running

100X this - as someone who ran badly for decades, then got bursitis, then spent a fortune on physio... Deep squats, exercises to strengthen your lower back, exercises to strengthen and stabilise your knees, yoga or pilates for your lower back. Don't just run. (And when you do run, watch your form - keep an eye out for things like your knees touching, to the position of your feet, etc.) Add some carefully balanced and targeted exercise in there to prevent injury. Because trust me, fixing it after it's happened is a lot harder.

my second toe is longer than my big toe - apparently it's a sign of intelligence!!

Nice to meet a fellow genius .

[user1471548941]

I went for gait analysis as a new runner. He didn’t diagnose overpronation, recommended starting with neutral, cushioned shoes.

Where the real value add came was hime bringing out 5 x shoes that came out narrow (I have REALLY narrow feet) and letting me try each one out on the treadmill. He said chose the pair that are most comfortable, I did exactly that, ran a marathon in them and have since bought 3 more pairs.

I’ve changed my technique recently due to becoming a much better runner so will be going back next pay day for a new assessment. SO much easier than doing it online.

Up and Running if you want a recommendation. The chap also runs our local running club.