AIBU to think expensive trainers are a waste of money?

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I'm walking a lot lately and my skechers memory foam just werent supportive enough, plus I have hip issues. It stopped me going for a family walk on Christmas day (within covid rules in case you wonder). My brother in law was saying I should spend over £100 on something like New Balance or Asics. He just would not stop going on about it and saying it was my fault I had hip pain since I was to stingy to 'invest in myself'. But I hear that such fancy trainers are not actually better, just paying for the brand name etc. AIBU or should I tell DBIL to stop going on about it (and stop blaming me for being in pain)!

And ASICS and NB are great trainers but the 100 thing is fucking nonsense

I have alot of trainers, they cost all sorts, some dear, some cheap. They are all much of a muchness.

There's very little you pay for beyond marketing budget whether you spend 30 or 100

The idea that they're more technically advanced than others is shite. Adidas boost sole for example is less compressed BMW bumper material. Fly knit isn't something that was invented by Nike for trainers it's just a design element they licensed from someone else

If you're thinking about athleisure trainers then it's often brand over substance.
If you want a well fitting pair of active trainers for fitness, running, walking that will give you appropriate support then you're paying for the additional R&D.

I would suggest a local running shop if they are doing gait analysis and fitting, but if you do this then please actually buy from them and don't do what some people do which is go in for free advice and specialist knowledge and then go online. It kills specialist shops when people do this. I have friends who work in small hiking/climbing/outdoor shops and it's hugely frustrating to hear how often cheeky fuckers don't value the expertise that staff give out.

If you're looking at technical performance and not at a designer name then absolutely more expensive trainers are better. I buy ASICS from their outlet shop, so last years models that have been reduced. I've had issues with my hips and wiry sciatica since having my DCs, and wearing proper running trainers makes a big difference in how my body copes with the stress of running (well, jogging, I don't go fast or go far!)

If you like walking, I’d recommend walking boots (with ankle support). I got mine in the sales for £50. They are still waterproof, three years later, despite never having treated them with anything and the support around the ankle has saved me a number of times from injury. My only word of caution is they are quite heavy and if you don’t weigh much, it can feel like a drag after 3 or 4 hours.

The others are right yabu and don't have to spend £100+ if you compromise on colour.

Some expensive shoes are just for fashion but some are designed for comfort and ergonomics and it's worth getting a running shop to analyse your gait.

A lots of people here are talking about jogging or running – that’s totally different to walking. OP are you talking about a stroll through the park or hiking up hills? They need different sorts of footwear – for anything off-road I would recommend proper walking shoes or boots – for pavements and town type walking, you need something completely different. Doesn’t have to be expensive, but needs to be the right “tool“ for the job

LucyFox
In my experience a nice set of trail running shoes are better than some of the many approach shoes that seem to be marketed as affordable rambling shoes. I tend to only use my walking boots if I'm going up into the mountains or I'm moorland walking carrying DC in the backpack.

You're right on tools for the job though. The OP would probably benefit from talking through her activities and terrain, and getting a proper fitting.

I have knee problems and good trainers make a huge difference. They are worth the money.

It's a matter of getting shoes that are right for you - no matter if they are cheap or expensive, big name or copies. I'm currently wearing sketchers shoes as the best available for me for what I currently do. Previously I've had Salomons which I really rate as they suit my very wide feet. Lots of ladies runners are useless to me as they are too narrow and I need to get a size much too long for me to avoid pinching my toes. Frankly I'd be trying a good outdoor shop like Cotswold wear they have an extensive range and room to trial the shoes for longer than a normal shoe shop would allow. (covid permitting of course)

Approach shoes are never really designed with any sort of walking in mind

They normally have a rand that aids scrambling and moving on mixed terrain but are nearly always too lightweight for proper walking

Fell running and trail shoes are great when you're not gonna go on any or much rock but get shredded by hard surfaces very quickly

He’s absolutely right- if you’re walking or running regularly, please look after yourself and get decent shoes for the job.

I buy Brooks Ghosts for running (£120 RRP, but you can get previous season’s colours much cheaper). I ‘retire’ them and then use them for walking. Which works well for me.

Having got a stress fracture and numerous aches and pains from running in cheap shoes, I’m not taking a chance again!

I buy one particular style of New Balance trainer because they are literally the only ones that fit me (severe bunions)
£125 a time.

My DD has foot problems (extra bones had to be surgically removed) flat arches etc. Nike airs make a Massive difference to her walking, stability and pain levels.
I also love Nike air. Yes, get yourself some decent trainers. We only buy on the sales.

Chanjer
True, that's why I typically use my trail shoes or my full boots depending on the terrain.

It's also why I'm always amazed how often some shops sell approach shoes as a walking shoe for people who don't want a boot. The trade off seems to be the worst of both worlds.

I've dodgy hip/crap knees and can walk much further and feel it less after when wearing decent footwear so sort of agree. However you can get trainers aimed at fashion & technical/sport from the same brand which can complicate things & as other pointed out price varies a lot with new colours/seasons so not necessarily more expensive equals better, but knowing what you need & getting a good fit.

I tend to buy the trainers aimed more walking than running as don't run & prefer less flex with good lugs for avoiding slipping on wet grass/mud. The cheap ones the soles wore down quickly, upper fell apart, insole wore away to show waffle footbed & while not uncomfortable to wear would get aching feet/knees as the crap construction isn't supporting the foot/arches. One thing that does lack in the cheaper shoes is goretex so your feet don't get wet when it rains or just walking in damp grass.

Oh damn, mainly unanimous YABU! Looks like I need to shell out for some then-- but the idea that I could walk without being in so much pain is cheering me up. Hopefully I can find something in the sales.

I had a sore ankle that was suffering doing down the seven flights of stairs to the tube while the lift was (a fucking year) behind schedule.
I googled best support for the pain I had and Adidas ultra boost came up, much more than I wanted to spend but they were an absolute marvel.

If your gait is off and you have pain in your knees or hips then yes a decent pair of trainers are worth their weight in gold. I said decent, that doesnt mean expensive. I buy older season pairs, I have seen myself running in winter in white trainers because they were cheaper.
I always say to people with pain in their ankles, knees or hips to look at their footwear first as the correct type can make a massive difference. You can get your gait assessed in certain shops or give it a google and try the wet paper test or look at the wear on your trainers to determine the type of shoe you need.

Try start fitness or sportsshoes.com for older, cheaper trainers.

I would recommend fitflop and asics.
I run in asics gel nimbus 18. Got them for £35 in the outlet, should have been £130. Fipflop are also super comfy and very well made .

I only wear Orthotics. The best brand for me is vionic which I buy online from simplyfeet. They often have sales of last years designs and when I see some I know work for my feet I buy several pairs. Not paid over £50 a pair yet but even if I had to pay full price I would as it is worth every Penny not to have the pain that other brands give me.

Whenever I buy footwear, I consider the Vimes Boot's Theory of Economic Unfairness.

As long as the more expensive trainers last longer and are more comfortable then I think it's worth it

I've learnt the hard way not to buy cheap trainers! I had a hip and foot/ankle issue that wouldn't go away. I bought a very decent make but in the sale/last years colours. My hip problem was gone in 24 hours and the foot/ankle problem was gone in about 3 days. That was 7 months ago. Not had a problem since.

Walking and running place different stresses on the feet and ankles, I’d recommend you look for walking boots/shoes/trainers over whatever looks good in JD etc. They need to serve their purpose!

That's standard price for trainers in this house. You get what you pay for.