Trainers - best ones for gym & running

[GingerSkin]

I desperately need a pair of trainers and due to a bonus this month I have money spare for a change

Any recommendations?

My feet are slightly flat footed (I definitely haven't got an arch) so need something supporting.

I don't know where to start? asics? Adidas? Nike?

The pair I have are asics but netball ones, which I don't really play as much now, they don't feel right for the gym (mainly cardio and weights, some kick boxing classes)

Watching with interest! I popped into Blacks last week & they have all the gait analysing stuff so I thigghtbi would give it a go- the guy got me to stand on one leg & said I need support trainers as my foot wobbles side to side! Unfortunately all of the trainers they had in that section were really ugly and I refuse to spend £100 on ugly trainers!
So I am on the lookout for support trainers too!

I thought I would give it a go! What a typo!

I think I wobble standing on one leg too! I got mine in a running shop and they watched me standing and walking, then filmed me on a treadmill, both barefoot and in the trainers I was trying. I have Saucony, they are fab but don't know if they would suit your feet OP. For running it is worth getting a check in the specialist shop; you can always go home then and find the same pair on line for less in a lot of cases. Not sure if same shoes would do for the gym though

I second emummy - if you're going to do any running then get a gait analysis. Our local running shop does them and up and running are a chain that does them too.

You can't generalise about a specific brand, really. Much better to go and try a lot of different makes and models and then make your decision. If you over pronate (feet roll inwards) you would be better off using a moulded insole to give you the extra support you need. You can get what's called a stability trainer which has a built in support block, but they are only made to a generic average arch, whereas a moulded one that is specific to your foot will give you exactly the support you need and promote neutral alignment. Look for a sports or running shop that offers foot balance insoles. They are £45 but well worth the expenditure.

As far as cost is concerned, bear in mind that running shoes are one of the areas where you do actually tend to get what you pay for. Whatever the budget you're comfortable with, try to spend to the highest you can afford, as you will have a much better standard of shoe. However if you do manage to find the foot balance insoles, you can drop down a price level or two as you will be gaining support, cushioning and shock absorption from the insole.

Saucony, new balance, Adidas, Nike, Asics, all of these do very good trainers. But you do need to compare models until you find one that is right for you.

Skechers go run are a very good shoe as well. A comparatively new idea in running gear but there has been loads of research and innovation gone into developing the concept. They are built close to the ground keeping your foot in a more natural position, and they promote a mid foot strike and better running gait.

Also you might need different shoes for gym to the ones you use for running (depending on what model you go for and what you will mostly be doing at the gym). But you don't have to spend much on training shoes if you're not going to be using the treadmill.

There are lots of good trainers out there. They won't all be good for you. Go to a proper running shop. Be prepared to invest an hour or 2 and up to £100. Your feet and joints will than you for it.

Up and Running are a decent nationwide chain.

In London, I used to go to Run and Become.

Where in the country are you?

Spare a thought, please for the plight of actual shops on the high street and the continued security of retail jobs when you decide where to buy. If you do go and spend half an hour, or in many cases longer than that, with a retail assistant working out what shoe is best for you, it would be nice to support the shop by buying there. If you really don't have the money then obviously buy where you can as it's more important to ensure you have the right shoe but please do consider it. And please don't blithely inform the assistant of the fact that you're going to go and order them online - that is very disheartening

I am in the market for some new ones too. I've just been into my local Sports Direct who look at me confused when I want stuff that is actually for sport and not for standing about.

I've been very happy with my New Balance over the years but they are starting to give up now - after 5 years.

Thanks all

Holgar the other half suggested moulded insoles too. Think I need to look in to it. Thanks for your advice and absolutely agree re: sticking with retailer. There is a decent independent shop in the city which I might try.

BikeRunSki - no where near london north west way on

I wear Nike Lunar Glides for running and gym as I over pronate and these balance it out. This was picked up by a gym attendant watching me run so I totally agree with getting a test.

In Bath, the shop there makes you try trainers on and run down a corridor while they watch you. Not for the self-conscious!

Nike structure are good for overpronation too. I did the gait analysis and I think it's really worth it