Affordable running shoes?

If you're a fairly neutral runner, not significantly overweight and don't have any injuries /niggles you need to protect then have a look at these... I wear mine for off road runs when I know the ground will be soft.

They're not very cushioned so I switch to normal trainers for road / hard ground/ summer. Not waterproof but take the insole out and they pretty dry quickly.

https://startfitness.co.uk/products/more-mile-cheviot-4-womens-trail-running-shoes-blue

I have narrow feet. As per advice from other runners I went up a size. They were still on the narrow / too small side. I run in Brookes for trail and ASICS for road. I've gone up a size and am having no problems.

Hoka road shoes weren't quite as narrow but only got 200 miles out of them. I got far more out of my Brookes ghosts . (Not using them ATM as I'm not paying that much for shoes)

I didn't get my gait assessed as I already know I walk on the outer edges of my feet due to the ridiculous, contorted shape my shoes used to end up in before I decided to go for fit over style. ASICS work best for me and I usually spend about £70 or £80. But I am a plodder and not a serious runner.

@MotherOfGreyhounds based on the description of your ParkRun I would definitely be looking at trail shoes rather than road running shoes, at least for when running in the winter. Decathlon do a couple that are worth looking at: Kiprun TR is a full-on trail shoe for mud/roots/rocks, TR2 is a more mixed shoe for tarmac and easy off road.

Have you tried ‘bunny ears’ heel-lock for tying your laces? It’s a way of getting firmer grip round your heel without tightening over the midfoot and toes.

You use the extra holes at the top - making a loop (the bunny ear) then thread the lace through the opposite side loop and it can pull a lot tighter to lock your heel without affecting the rest of the tension

https://www.asics.com/nz/en-nz/mk/choosing-the-right-running-shoe/lacing?srsltid=AfmBOopheaNqbAEQSz1-ieesotuKv8IzUNsP1Mj8zrm3iWXQY0tQj-1r]]

I’ve got too many running shoes and have never spent over £100.
There isn’t a ‘best’ running shoe, everyone is different. If you are new to running, go to a running shop and get your gait analysed, tell them your budget and let them make some suggestions.

On a waterproof theme, something that I though sounded like snake oil but tried anyway were waterproof socks.

Yes, they do work! Sometimes I put a thin pair of ordinary socks underneath, other times just put them straight on. They’re quite thick, so you might need to loosen your laces quite a lot! But you get warm, dry feet, even if you have to wade through water.

The brand I have is SealSkinz

It's a difficult one, OP, because it kind of depends on the shape of your feet.

I discovered Asics Gel Windhawks a few years ago, from Decathlon. Full price they're 70€ in the EU but frequently reduced to under 50€ in the sale. They've been perfect for me. I have quite flat feet and they don't give me blisters.

Personally I'd go to a running shop and be properly assessed and fitted for the first pair, then look for bargains on line for subsequent ones.

Again, personally I don't like waterproof running shoes. The water still gets in, over the top, and then it can't get out!

At just a snippet under £100 - last seasons Hoka’s - perfect if you’re doing off road/ trail running (sounds like it with parkrun and picking up sticks!). You can also try Hoka’s for 30 days and if they don’t work for you send them back.

https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/sale-men/speedgoat-5/195719620172.html

I see loads of runners in Hoka!

Their all-terrain neutral sole Challenger is a great shoe for road and not-too-technical trail. But it's unlikely to come in at under £100 unless you find a discounted pair (I think it's the Challenger 8 that came out earlier this year, so any remaining 7s are likely to be discounted)

As well as their own brand (growing positive reputation) Decathlon usually have discounted ASICS which I think would definitely be worth a look.

I'f found Decathlon trail running shoes excellent. Usually go for the grey/pink Evadict version type. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sports/running/womens-trail-running-shoes. I am a very slow runner and below 10k.

I run a mixture of pavements, parks, woods, paths etc with them and can also do 20 mile walks in them in decent weather on all but proper mountains.

Mizunos!

When I first started running I went into a running shop and found Asics to be the best brand for me. They seem to create a new version of my trainer a lot so if I need to buy a new pair then I just buy the older version online cheaper.

I like Altras (wide toe box) and get them from sports shoes.com or mandm direct. Basically I Google Altras 6 39 and buy whatever's cheapest.

I got these ASICS trainers from sportsshoes.com for £50. Like you I just started running in the park and wanted something affordable while I am making sure that I will stick to regular running. So far so good. The trainers arrived quickly, they are comfortable to wear and more than enough for what I do :).
https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/asi15270/asics-patriot-13-women's-running-shoes---aw24

I agree with past seasons ones.

i have brooks ghost 14’s which I got for about £50 as there are about another 4 versions ahead of them!

the other option is Vinted. Plenty of people spend £££££ on shoes and then don’t make it to the end of couch to 5k…

I'm in my 60s so old joints and I use ASICS from sports direct. They cost between £55 & £80 depending on the model/ fit. I run two or three times a week and they seem to last about 3 years.

You're making me laugh now @StamppotAndGravy - and you're entirely right of course.

Most shoes sold as trail shoes in cities these days are actually neutral cushioned road shoes. Most 'trail' runners only make it a far as the bark chippings at the country park, so they want something with a bit of padding against lumps It can be quite hard to avoid gait correction shoes unless you really know what you're buying so ones marketed as trail are a bit safer online. I've found you have to go to a specialist shop in a fell running area to get real low drop mountain shoes that wouldn't be suitable for a beginner.

Just don't walk into a 'running' shop unless you have the strength to say no. My friend (very recreational runner) was strong armed into buying a pair of £200+ ON shoes which she really didn't need.

I don't wear Hokkas as I think they look too high and I'm worried I'd fall over in them. Brooks are a fairly safe bet, and what runners seem to wear around me. They also come down in price quite well, specially if you're not fussy about colour.

Don’t buy the most recently released models and you might be able to pick up a fairly good pair reduced as they’re an older model. Do make sure they’re a good fit for your feet as you’re going places together :) if you are buying online and don’t have a chance to try on in a store, read the return policy. Some companies have final sale on sale items, some have a return if not worn outside, while others might offer a 30 or 90 day return policy

@FeelinTwentySixPointTwo road shoes are so slippy in the mud though. I guess it all depends what OP means by 'off road'.

In summer, I happily wear my road shoes on all kinds of trails and paths, but from autumn onwards it's not enjoyable sliding everywhere if it's been raining.

Either way OP, if you're planning to do a fair bit of running then it's worth getting some advice. Many independent running/sports shops will have last season's models to shift (esp if you're not a size 5 or 6). If you're not planning on running on tarmac then get something designed for off road - doesn't have to be full on trail shoes. But spending a few £ more now is very likely to be better than buying cheap and then having to buy again in a few weeks when you find you haven't got the right shoes.

Everyone I see running wears hokas

Very few serious runners wear Hoka. They have a reputation for being very narrow on the toe box, coming apart on the seam, and losing their bounce after about 100 miles.
You see lots of people walking around in them as everyday shoes though. Much like ON.