Buying some running shoes

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

I went out for a run yesterday, first time in a long time, took it very gently. While most of me feels absolutely fine, I've got a big bruise down the side of my foot, by my little toe. No idea how that happened.

I reckon my shoes are the issue - they are old! I'm going to go on a shoe hunt tomorrow. What should I be looking for in a pair of running shoes?

I'd go to a specialist running shop where they do gait analysis. If that's possible, for you.

Get yourself along to a running shop, they will get you to run a treadmill and see what shoe will suit you and go from there. I need to go up a fill shoe size so your trainers may be too small

I'll see if there's anywhere around here, thanks!

I reckon they are too small. I think my feet have grown.

Gait analysis in a proper running shop is useful to the extent that they will be able to see how your foot strikes the ground, and will be able to recommend whether you need a neutral or a supportive sole. The staff usually know their stuff, and will know which shoes have more cushioning, which are best for what surfaces, which are lighter, which tend to fit what sort of feet etc - which might be very useful for you if you want wide over the toes.

They can also tell you lacing tricks that can help with fit and comfort.

And yes, you'll need to be half or one size up from normal shoe size

That's really good to know, cos Sports Direct were crap!

How much would a reasonable pair normally cost?

A good, fairly cushioned, neutral-sole 'entry level' shoe, recommended to me when getting my first ever pair from a real running shop is the Nike Vomero, which you can usually get on offer at about £60 (they bring out new colours every season, so they're always flogging off the old ones). Suitable for road and flattish grass/unmade path.

“I'd go to a specialist running shop where they do gait analysis. If that's possible, for you“

Agree 100%, wish I’d known this ages ago, once I got property kitted out with shoes right for me my knees stopped hurting

Just remember there's only so much that shop-type gait analysis will do. Essentially it is looking for under- or over- pronation (ie whether your foot strike rolls inwards or outwards) and wouid benefit from the appropriate supportive sole, or is neutral (ie strikes straight). It's not going to cure all ills

The gait analysis in shops is designed to sell you a shoe by conveniently slotting you into 1 of 3 categories- over pronator, neutral and supinator. Truth is your foot does a lot of funny things when you’re running and a shoe isn’t going to magically fix this!

Bruise on your little toe would suggest your trainer is too tight, you may splay your toes out as you run or you may lean into the outer part of your foot as you run.

I’d try on lots of different pairs, have a little jog on the shop’s treadmill and see which is most comfortable. As a wide foot kinda gal I’d say ASICS may be a little tight across the toes, New Balance might be a good bet for you.

This is really helpful. Thank you :) I've found a couple of places fairly close to me that do gait analysis, but I'll bear in mind that they need to feel right too. I think I do lean on that part of the foot a bit.

The place I went to also knew which brands suited which type of foot eg narrow or wide. As opposed to shops selling fashionable sportswear, where they know nothing.

With your gait analysis you should be allowed a little test run of each pair you try outside, to give you a better feel for them. You might have to be prepared to spend significantly more than £60 though.

I run around 25 to 30 miles a week and buy off the shelf Asics, never had a gait analysis and have no problems. Just saying...

I buy boy's trainers as they seem to be squarer. Only works if you're under about a size 6 though.

That's a handy hint!

Go for one of the shops where you pay £20 or whatever for the analysis. They will knock it off the price of the shoes if you buy them from them. If you don’t find any that feel great (and they should feel like the comfiest trainers ever if they’re right for you) or if you don’t want to fork out north of £100 which is easy to do in those shops, then you’ve paid for the analysis and might feel easier to say no thanks and walk out.

That sounds like a really good plan, less pressure.

I wear Merrell Vapor Glove running shoes, they are foot shaped so don't squash my little toe when my toes splay out.

They look interesting. I spend a lot of time bare foot. Are they ok for running through woodland?

I do wear them both running and walking in woodland, but you do feel everything so they may take some getting used to. There is a Trail Glove as well that is more cushioned and would give more protection from rocks etc, but is the same shape.

Thanks! I'm going to hunt some down and take a look.

Agree that a proper running shoe shop that does gait analysis is key. If you still have the problem with a properly chosen and fitted pair of running shoes then a podiatrist is the next step to consider special insoles, or one of the new companies that 3D prints orthotic insoles specially designed for you.

I ended up with a pair of brooks gts 18 which feel amazing. The gait analysis was really interesting. It's no wonder my foot gets sore, I twist as I run. running on a treadmill was also interesting as I hadn't done it before but I was also sent outside to run in various pairs.