trainer advice (shoes not person!)

[Theas18]

Need to get a decent pair of running trainers for an unfit overweight oldie to try not to knacker my joints .

Complete apathy in the running shop in town because I haven't got £100 plus to spend. They have nothing sub £90

Debenhams a bit more helpful but ££ and little range.

I have a neutral gait ( or had about 13yrs ago when I damaged my knee) and have orthotics from then that I don't use except in walking boots.

I have had plantar fasciitis and really don't want that back.

Have ordered some asics gel ones on line.

How should they fit? I assume snugly but room at the toe for movement rather that squashing the toes and assuming they'll stretch? I know how to lace them as the physio taught me when I was rehabbing my knee.

Do I start with orthotics in or not?

I really thought the running shop would sort all this out and issue me with suitable foot wear for £50 or so but they looked at me like crap!

Thanks

Go half a size bigger than your usual size - feet swell a lot when you exercise. Make sure there is room to wiggle your toes and they aren't tight anywhere across your lower foot (from the laces down).

They should fit snugly on your ankle - if you lace them up and give them a tug at the heel they shouldn't move or come off - that's what gives you the blisters on the back of the heels. Make sure they don't cover the ankle bone where it sticks out, they should cup underneath it.

I wouldn't bother with orthotics at first unless they're something you use on a daily basis.

If you think you're going to use them then make sure the trainers are big enough as they will raise your foot up in the shoe so the feel might be off. Podiatrists are great and often have services for around £20 where you can take trainers and orthotics and they will check the fit and your gait - you could do this whilst the shoes are new and return them if they are not approved, but it could get pricey if it takes you a few goes to get it right.

HTH! Take it steady when you start and build up gradually, that's my best tip!

Find out from the running shop what they recommend for your gait (pretend you have £100+ to spend then that you will go away and think about their recommendation once you have it ).

Go on website such as sportshoesdirect and get the same trainer but in last season's colourway/version for much less ££. As gradually says, go half a size up from normal, the shop will no doubt tell you this when you are there too.

Here you go www.sportshoes.com/

www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/gear/asics-shoes---opinions-needed/187310.html useful runners world article]]

and another

ta. got my shoes from sportsshoes.com (cumulus 14) but a 6 isn't big enough sob. Will have to send back but that should be OK

I used to scoff at those who spent £100 on footwear and would do the whole trying them on in the shop and then trying to source it cheaper on the internet.

Ended up spending twice as much as I needed due to buying two pairs of non right shoes costing £45 each. After getting shin pain I went to the running shop and forked out on a proper pair, plus a pair of insoles.

Much much better. As you are carrying some extra weight and are older your feet will be taking a big pounding, it's worth making the initial investment to protect them and your knees and hips.

Once you are fitted up properly then you can buy any repeat purchases cheaply from the web.

I recently ordered the asics gel nimbus 14 from amazon for £70. the exact same pair are on sale in my local running shop for 130. I have neutral gait. I ordered a half size and full size up from normal and sent one pair back. free returns.