Running Shoes

[DFI000]

Can anyone recommend running shoes? The more I read the more confused I get as most people seem to have more than one pair for different types of runs. How do you know what to wear for what?

i am doing a marathon in April and my only pair (ASICS) have holes in the top so I definitely need new asap. I am new to needing multiple pairs for different purposes and have always just had one pair.. Can anyone recommend an all rounder?

Any advice welcome! Thank you

BTW - if analysis shows you have a neutral gait (as I have) and like well cushioned, then the ones I have liked recently are:

road - Hoka Clifton (though I don't think the current iteration is as good as previous ones) and Mizuno Waverider. I liked Asics Dynaflyte but I didn't think they lasted well.
trail - Hoka Challenger

I wear ASICS (although I've just bought a pair of Nike in the sales that were reduced to £30 from £70, not got them yet so can't say how good they'll be). I also have inserts as I tend to pronate outwards. I look for good arch and ankle locking support. I also relegate trainers to muddy walking shoes after approx 5/6 months. If you're unsure, I'd go in store and seek advice.

On a tangent, I quite like having muddy trainers , but does the mud damage them?

Mine are Brookes running shoes

I have run in Mizuno, Brooks and Hoka but for me you can't beat the combined lightness and cushioning in a Hoka.

In my experience I don’t think the running shops will see you coming and try to sell you something you don’t need. Unless they’re in the sale you’re probably looking at around £130 for a decent pair of road runners.

I agree with all that. And don’t feel pressured into buying a shoe there and then. If you’re neutral try on all the big names they have.
Think about what is important to you and your needs. For me the shoe had to be super light. I didn’t care what colour or brand once it was light and comfortable. New Balance 1080s met that for me. They’re now on version 12 I think so I go online when they bring out a new version and buy 2 pairs of the last ones on sale. Game changer. Got my perfect shoes and save about 50-70quid.

The problem with advice from running shops and gait analysis is that your gait changes when tired, they will also sell you what they stock.. not always what you need.

So i'm a neutral runner but after a few miles i pronate, also most people don't have the same gait on both feet.

I'd look at the wear on the sole of your current Asics and then decide (have a google) also your weight, heavier runners tend to need some support, as do heel strikers.

For me, i ve found a mildly supportive shoe the best, the Kayano 28 (used to be a full support shoe) is on sale from Asics Outlet, become a Asics member (for free) and you can send the shoes back (free returns) even if used within 60 days.

The problem with advice from running shops and gait analysis is that your gait changes when tired..

Exactly. And your gait is different when you're running fast compared to running slow. On top of that, new runners and heavier runners will almost always get told they heel-strike and overpronate, and get sent away with "corrective" stability shoes which mask the problem and probably make it worse.
Neutral shoes and glute exercises are a much better fix for most running "problems" ime. I don't think it's coincidence that I have far fewer injuries since I stopped buying built-up shoes and looked at the causes of my gait (weak glutes, sloppy running style) rather than just putting a few cms more foam on my shoes.

If you are happy with your old pair - comfortable and not prone to injuries

Take them to the shop and say they are good for you

You don't need multiple pairs unless you are doing a mix of muddy hill trials where you might want something with a lot of grip compared to general running

Yes, there is variety in your gait, but still better to choose something based on advice from someone who knows their stuff (who will factor that variety into their assessmemt) than a load of people on the internet.

Gait analysis was dreadful for me - gave me knee pain - my joints twist I strange ways - physio told me to stick with neutral

Since op already has comfortable shoes just repeat !

@DomesticShortHair I got burned with this.

Wore Brooks Adrenaline for years. Kept buying the old season's model online (trying to save money) as needed.

Then I got a pair that were terrible and resulted in pain ++ (I couldn't even wear the stupid shoes to walk in). Ended up back in the running shop. Who told me that there had been a major redesign and major changes to the shoes.

Refitted me for saucony omni. I'm still wearing them or a variety of them and I now only buy with advice! Although during lockdown I made do with phone advice and the woman I spoke to at Run 4 It could not have been more helpful or knowledgable.

I actually did my first 5k for ages today on the treadmill and will go to a shop to get a new pair of shoes if this is going to become a regular thing.

Gait analysis in a running shop isn’t great, a proper sports physio… yes, 3 minutes running on a treadmill analysed by someone who works in retail… not for me. You’ll run differently on a treadmill to outside, you’ll run differently when you’re tired and your gait falls apart. Asics do tend to “go” at the top so it not be worried that they don’t fit because of that. If you get on with them I’d get two pairs - GT-2000 for most things and a pair of novablast for workouts,

Thanks for your advice everyone. I tried on lots of pairs at the running shop and decided on Brooks Ghost.

I got knee pain too with the first shoes I had. I spoke to some more experienced runners who suggested I needed different shoes. I took them back and the response was they're fine. Went elsewhere and he gave me different shoes.