Where to buy good running shoes?

[LongbourneCat]

Hello,

I used to love running and really want to start again after a pause and two pregnancies… the thing is, my knees aren’t quite as good as they used to be and I’m pretty sure my cheap old trainers are no good.

can anyone recommend a shop where I can go and have a chat and be fitted for some off road running trainers? I’m totally clueless and very overwhelmed by the choice online.

thanks 🙂

Most good independent sports shops will do gait analysis for you then sell you the best shoes. If you are in London Run and Become in Victoria are the best IMO as they are a dedicated running shop.

Go to your local parkrun.
Ask people where they buy their shoes.

Some will have been getting the same make & model for years and buy from eBay! But usually there is a local running shop that offers a discount to running clubs, local parkrunners etc. Usually with a treadmill so you can try shoes out. Ask around for that.

Ask on a local running groups page
independent shops are a wealth of knowledge

It's well worth looking up independent shops. In a competitive world, they survive by being experts who know their stock and tend to be experienced runners themselves.

I've got a less common shoe size so they're happy to go rummaging in the back for old season styles at a discount 😁

Where are you OP? There is a great little shop in marlow called Runners Retreat. Sweatshop used to be great but they have been taken over by sports direct now so I'd look for local shops.

IME Running shops often sell you what they got, not always what you need and gait analyse goes out the window when your tired and form plunges.

I ve been ripped off too many times by local running shops, i'm afraid.

So i buy shoes from Asics.com or Nike.com, sign up to be a member, use their on line guides and then buy what they recommend, then with both those companies you can send back FOC even if used for any reason and try something else, Asics outlet has cracking bargains.

My DD runs at a decent level and she got me onto this!!!

Hello!

firstly, to those who replied, I am so SO sorry for my slow response. We’ve had back to back viruses and everything else has fallen back.

These replies have been great. Thank you. I’d not thought about asking park-runners - although I think I might be too shy! I’ll try the place in Victoria though. Brilliant. Thank you.

Try an Up and Running shop, OP. You can get your gait analysed there, and recommendations for good shoes for you.They are very helpful and knowledgeable.

And in future, once you are secure in your size, type and preferences, sportsshoes.com always has great deals.

Amazing. I will 😊
thanks x

Definitely your local sports shop - as long as they stock lots of brands. We have a shop near me that only sells Asics. A LOT of Asics, and Asics for all kinds of sports, but Asics will only suit a sub-set of the population, and the key is to be able to try out lots of brands, and get some advice from people who can look at you/your gait and analyse what you need.

I went to sports direct and got ASICS jolt 4. They're great.

I can second Run & Become in Victoria - they are very thorough - someone spent nearly 40 minutes with me once. They also offer the chance to exchange the shoe if when you get it home it doesn't work for you. Do allow lots of time though as the downside to their being thorough is you might have to queue for a bit to be seen.

I'm sure they're great trainers, but great for you, but it doesn't mean they're great for OP! Sports Direct is great if you know what you're looking for, but if you need advice (which OP has said she does, as she's concerned about her knees) then Sports Direct is not the place to go.
Bad trainers (by which I mean the wrong trainers for you) are the route to an injury waiting to happen.

Just in case this helps anyone local to them, I highly recommend Running Form in Burton-upon-Trent.

Went with my mum recently and the owner spent 2 hours with us making sure we got the right shoes.

Another recommendation for run and become. They're fantastic and they watch you run outside in the shoes rather than on a treadmill which matters if you plan to run outdoors as apparently you run differently. I always wear the same shoes so don't always buy from them but always go back if I want shoes fitting!

Thank you! This is really helpful. Especially the tip about allowing time 🙂

Thanks so much everyone! This has all been really helpful. I’d never heard of run and become and before these messages would have just headed somewhere big like sports direct

Can't believe that none are mentioning HOKA.

You have to try Hoka. They're literally the best running shoes(if you ask me... Great for walking as well.

Do you know how you run? Do you land heel first? This is by far the worst for the knee. Mid foot or fore foot is ideal. You can see the landing in this short 1 min video

We all used to run forefoot, until the invention of cushioned running shoes which actually cause more injury. https://www.livescience.com/8053-running-shoes-changed-humans-run.html
Having minimalist shoes or flat shoes that encourage forefoot, not only makes you a better runner, but also will protect your knees more.
In a runner shop, try a few minimalist shoes and see how you feel.