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Exercise

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Original poster

Are expensive running shoes worth the money?

11 replies

topsi · 30/04/2011 10:11

I now can run 5K!!!! I am pavement running 3-4 times a week. I am currently running in some Nike trainers which I don't think are specifically made for running.
What make are your running shoes? Do you think it is worth visiting a specialist running shop to get kitted out

OP posts:

goodtimesarecoming · 30/04/2011 10:14

They are definitely brilliant, I visited a running shop, which costed me £80, but I'd been there an hour having my legs videoed. I now just buy the same trainers from ebay each time for about £50.

BluddyMoFo · 30/04/2011 10:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

topsi · 30/04/2011 11:01

thankyou!

OP posts:

ihatethecold · 30/04/2011 12:28

definately.
go somewhere that analysis your running gait, they will then let you try trainers and film you again. you will pay about £80 for the trainers
but the service should be free (if you get them from the same shop)
then when you need to replace them you will know the style that is best for you.

TheVisitor · 30/04/2011 12:38

Sweatshop is good.

CointreauVersial · 30/04/2011 12:38

Yes. Especially if you are road running 20km a week; the wrong shoes for your gait (running style) could invite knee problems, strains or worse.

Our local running shop does gait analysis for free - you run on a treadmill and they video you to see if your feet pronate (turn inwards - flat feet) or supinate (turn outwards) or are neutral, and you can then choose shoes which are constructed with exactly the right support (then, as goodtimes says, you can buy them cheaper in the future).

I couldn't believe what a difference the right shoes made.

Original poster

topsi · 30/04/2011 13:19

Thanks every one for the advice.I am aware that I don't run 'equally' on both legs and am interested in someone analysing my running style. Will find my nearest running shop and pay them a visit.
Am excited as to the difference it could make to my running!

OP posts:

AnnieLobeseder · 30/04/2011 13:21

While you can get loads of cheap running kit, two things where you MUST spend some money decent kit are SHOES and a BRA!

Well done for running 5km!

MadameCastafiore · 30/04/2011 13:22

Go to a running shop get them to film you and advise you waht trainers you need and try them on then get last years model on line for normally half the price.

They are definately worth getting as you can correct problems you have now to stop damage not just in your feet but the rest of your body as you get older.

pawsnclaws · 30/04/2011 13:35

Hmm ... difficult question.

The general school of thought is that you go to a specialist running shop, get your gait analysed and get a pair of shoes that match/correct any problems. That's what I've always done, but then I have one leg longer than the other .

There is however a growing body of opinion that shoes are now becoming massively over-engineered and may be contributing to injury. There is some fairly scary evidence out there that the more expensive the shoes, the more injured a runner is likely to become - possibly because they tend to feature extreme amounts of cushioning, which means that we never develop the ankle strength and flexibility we need. If you read a book like Born to Run or some of the very respected marathon coaches like Hal Higdon they are fairly scathing about expensive shoes, and there is a growing market now for barefoot running/barefoot-style shoes.

For me personally, I will continue to buy the shoes that I know suit my feet (Brooks in my case) - but I've been told by a leading marathon runner that children for example should never wear trainers to run in - they should wear plimsolls so that their feet and ankles develop strength and flexibility. I try and do this separately by running on grass/off-road.

I hope this hasn't confused the issue, if I were you I would still go and get shoes fitted but just bear in mind that expensive doesn't necessarily mean better in every case. You may find the cheapest shoe is the one that suits you best.

melliebobs · 16/05/2011 08:18

It's npt necessarily about price but whether they are made for your gait. I always get my trainers from Sweatshop (google them) where they do gait analysis. The staff are so knowledgeble and will spend as much time with you as neededto get you the perfect pair. Took my an hour to find perfect trainers and as i run on the outside of my foot they have supports bilt into the sole to counteract this. So no more pain in the side of my calf/knee any more! Mine last pair were £70 and will do 500 miles or about 8 months depending what surface i run on. Worth every penny

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