Trainers!

[surreygirl1987]

9 weeks postpartum and am thinking about starting couch 2 5km soon... Dying to get back into shape. I've always just used whatever cheap trainers fit me but I've read on here that it's important to wear 'proper' running trainers? Would Decathlon ones be good enough quality for outdoor running? And also can somebody suggest a pair for indoor things like aerobics and HIIT classes or does the quality of the trainers matter less?

I sound like such a novice... I actually used to do triathlons and things but never bothered about quality equipment until now! 🙈

I can't help on Decathlon but my tip is to get fitted at a running shop and then buy last seasons version of the model they recommend online. They're usually half the price, so £60 instead of £120 in my case. I know it's still not super cheap but I've suffered from plantar fasciitis in the past so am extra careful with trainers.

For the gym I just have a cheaper pair of Nikes which are nice and flat - better stability for weight training which I like to do (or did before Covid!).

Good work on your plans to get back into it. I last ran ten years ago then started a C25K when the gyms closed in Feb this year and am really enjoying running again.

Thanks!! What running shop would you recommend? Well done on getting back into it! I'm excited!

Do you have an independent running shop near you @surreygirl1987? Or a branch of Up n Running? Assuming that you are in Surrey, there is an Up n Running in Surbiton, or can you get to Run n Become in London, Victoria?

I would run in Decathlon trainers.

Sorry, that should be I would not run in Decathlon trainers.

I've used sportsshoes.com a couple of times. I'm size 7 / 8, and you size up for running shoes, so once I've applied the filters I don't have much choice. You can usually find a good discount on there. You could always use a running shop, and then go and find a pair on the website. I've never returned a pair myself, but it looks pretty easy.

Asics are a great brand that you can't really go wrong with

Thanks! Yes I am in Surrey. Would prefer not to get train into London at the mo (plus have young baby and toddler which makes travelling anywhere harder!) But Surbiton is possible - thanks!

I'm a size 7 so that website may well be useful... Thank you!

You need to go and try some running shoes on and find what fits you well. Different
brands /models are all slightly different. I have quite wide feet - Brooks and Mizuno work well for me, and I know I overpronate. DH is more of an ASICS person - he has high arches and straight, narrow feet. Every manufacturer will have shoes that seems ”the same” on paper, but just need find what suits you and your gait.
You’ll probably need to make an appt with the shop. Put aside 1.5 hours and £80+.

Agree re running shop consult. I love ASICS as a brand and often get mine very discounted from M and M direct. As pp said if you get last season's they are a lot cheaper but do exactly the same job!

Make sure you buy big though - they normally say an extra half size to allow for the fact your feet expand / move forward as you make contact.

And once you get them, use an app like Strava or one connected to a Fitbit / Garmin / Apple Watch to track how far they've done. You are supposed to change them every 300-400 miles I think.