Trainers advice - novice

[Bucks2015]

I want to start exercising again as I’ve not really done anything since my daughter was born a few years ago. I used to go running occasionally, and now live somewhere with lots of easy and safe road routes and nice woodland paths.

I’ve only got leisure trainers so went into a running shop today and brought a pair. They did gait analysis and seemed ok in the shop but when I’ve got them home they’ve been very tight on one of my feet around the top of the shoe by the tongue when wearing them around the house. I’m going to have to take them back as think it’s more than just breaking them in.

Would it be daft to get a pair of slightly cheaper ones (these were £90) online whilst I’m getting into it as I don’t seem to have got the result I needed from getting the shoe properly fitted. I had a knee op about 15 years ago which I mentioned but it didn’t seem to lead to specific advice and I was just told it was personal preference as to which shoe to choose as they all do the same.

Sounds like you were fitted very badly, unfortunately.

If I were you I'd get on Sportshoes and buy a basic, classic, neutral shoe to start off with. The sale is great at the moment. Then get re-fitted somewhere else once you're back into your running and have developed more of an idea as to what your style is, what your gait is, and how your foot strikes the ground.

These Sauconys, for example, are an excellent price and great for newbie runners as they're neutral, yet cushioned. They have them in a couple of different colours. (I wear mine for long, easy runs).

www.sportsshoes.com/product/sau3485/saucony-triumph-iso-4-women%27s-running-shoes/

Alternatively, you can often pick up cheap Brooks at TK Maxx, and they're great. Go for a Ghost or a Ravenna.

If you have a Nike outlet shop near you and can get a Pegasus 34 or 36 cheap (not the 35!!) then that would be even better.

You may need just to re-lace them - it can make all the difference particularly as you say it's around the tongue area. Use the tiny lace holes at the top of shoe - they stop you over tightening laces which can kill a run. Did they recommend you go up a size as well? Your feet do get rather warm and need a bit of room to expand so a 1/2 - 1 size up is also good to think about. If they did gait analysis they should be a reasonable outlet and you should be able to return/exchange them??

I use a neutral shoe (if you have defined foot arches) and have always found the Nike air Pegasus to be really good and a a good buy in the sales.

Take them back and get them to re-fit you in the shop.

I've always likes ASICS trainers for running / sport. I play netball and I'm pretty heavy on my feet.

Take them back and choose yourself something that feels comfortable. Comfort is more important than anything else! Unfortunately a lot of shop staff have little knowledge/training in what they are offer as 'gait analysis' - they've simply been shown the basics with a view to selling shoes. If you want a proper gait analysis you'd need to go to a physio.

I always have to relace trainers to avoid pressure on my high arches and wide forefoot and use a lace lock to anchor my ankle in. Look up different lace patterns and see if they make a difference before changing shoes.

Thanks everyone, that’s really helpful. I’ll try re-lacing them to see if that makes a difference. They did put me up a size - I’m normally an 8 so I ended up with 9s! In the meantime I’ve ordered the ones that Runningonempty84 recommended to try a different fit as will have my daughter with me tomorrow who I don’t think will have the patience for a fitting