Oi Runners! Recommend me a good pair of running shoes, please

[Wallace]

I have just started running and I need a pair of running shoes that won't break the bank. I have a budget of about £50, and I am running on woodland paths. I am a size three, so harder to find!

Thank you

bum

My advice is to go to a proper running shop where they should make you run on a treadmill and video you to see "how" you run. Dependant on your style, they can advise you on the best running shoes for you. Shoes will start at about £50 but you may have to pay more...

I know there is a great running shop in Birmingham called "Birmingham Runner". Maybe have a look on www.runnersworld.co.uk to see if you can find a shop near you.

HTH

I love Asics, used to wear Saucony but find I'm between sizes with them now

I've always been happy with Saucony.

Agree with minigirl about going to a proper shop - I go to Sweatshop, they have branches all over I think.

Blimey, this could be a bit more complicated than you might want to hear...but here goes

Running shoes are kinda overengineered, to be honest, with the result that if you want to get a pair that really suit you, and support you, and prevent potential injuries, you'll need to visit a shoe shop that knows what it's talking about (and I do NOT mean JJB Sports). Sweatshop, for example, are pretty good.

Issues that are relevant: whether you run on the outside of your feet or roll your feet inwards (pronate/supinate). How heavy you are and what sort of mileage on what surface you think you will do. Whether you heel strike or your toe hits the ground first. Your budget (of course). What colour you want - or maybe that's just me...

Anyway, hope that helps. Personally I find ASICS Gels suit me well enough - if you get to a professional running shop they should have plenty in your budget, particularly around this time of year when they change lines and start discounting the old stuff.

Good luck!

Deffo a bargain to be had as long as you don't mind last year's colours!
Another vote for Sweatshop or SheRunsHeRuns (which is owned by Sweatshop) from me.

I wear Asics gel too - I've tried others but always go back. And usually manage to get last years shoe at a good price.

Second Gizmo with going to a proper running shop, not a spotty teen at JJB.

thanks for all the advice. unfortunately I live in the North of Scotland, and I can't find a specialist within hundreds of miles

It'll have to be JJB sports for now, and when I get closer to my half marathon, I'll go and get a really good pair

You should still be able to pick up some Asics Gels at JJB - I'd imagine they'll mainly stock neutral runners rather than over/under pronators.

Would definitely advise getting on the machine in a proper shop first chance you get - I started getting shin splints as I was wearing a neutral shoe and I over-pronate. I still buy neutrals but I wear orthotic insoles from the podiatrist - that may be an idea, to see a podiatrist if you have one nearby.

Went shopping today at JJB (teen wasn't spotty Non of the "specialist running" shoes come in my size, so I had to go for a junior pair. I wonder how long they'll last. At least they were very much cheaper than the same shoe a size bigger in women's sizes

thanks for podiatrist tip btw