New trainers! Where do I start looking?

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My trusty old Nike's have served me well for 18 years, yes you read that right ... 18 years! They were well worn in the early days with the gym and dog walking, lots of dog walking but then I became very lazy indeed and they languish under the stairs to be pulled out every now and again when I decide it's time to 'Get Fit'. Well, it's time to get fit again and I have been religiously doing Davina for the last 3 weeks and, more importantly, intend to continue with her but also add in C25K. Now that is a challenge.

We live in the middle of nowhere with few choices in sports shops. Looked in a Sports Direct type place today and the choice is too much! Where do I start? DH said Asics are good. I was looking at Nikes (familiarity). So with a specialist shop unavailable, do I order online and what should I try. Am happy to order a few different styles to try for comfort and fit.

Recommendations please ladies!

I'm a runner and had a couple of pairs of Asics which I liked, for the last three years I've been into lightweight trainers and wear Merrell pace glove 2 trails.

I have some new Brookes. I started running last August after back surgery in June and can now do 10k. OMG my new trainers are amazing. My old ones made it too easy to heal strike (which I do naturally and it's dumb as it's like running with brakes on). These new trainers are so light and almost force me to strike with the ball of my foot. I've worn them on two 5ks now and I've taken a minute and a half off my previous PB. I am sure it's the trainers!

Thank you both. I haven't heard of Brooke's before Pupsiecola but have been looking at their website. I have a feeling that the store I was in today stocked them. Which style do you have? I am seriously impressed with how much running you have done, having only started in August. Well done you! Shall have a look at the Merrell website now Zara ... lightweight sounds professional!!

I really need to find a decent store within driving distance, I think! Meantime, I'm going to start C25k'ing in my old trainers just to check I will persevere with it before investing!

Watching as having the same dilemma!
Old ancient probably bought in 97 Nikes now gone and looking for their replacement - they lovingly nursed me through a half marathon without a jot of pain
It's so hard to choose!

Oooh Fish, I truly thought I would be alone wearing trainers so ancient! Mine were probably around then too ... am trying to recall when our, now deceased, dog was born as the trainers were bought not long after her arrival! What have you been looking at - have you seen anything that catches your eye?

Thank you pony. I only run once a week - 5k. Then I promised myself from end of November that I'd run 10k once per month. I do other stuff in between - HIIT, weights and Pilates. The latter I will do for life; it's pretty much medicinal for me due to my back problems. I've lost a couple of stone too which helps hugely with the running.

My Brookes are men's as I have big ol' feet. They are lovely though - grey and bright turquoise. I suggest going to an independent sports shop. I didn't do the whole treadmill/let's study how you run thing. I picked a few pairs out, ran around the shop etc. It was very obvious to me which ones were best/most comfy. I think before I have always bought cross trainers. These are defo running shoes.

Nothing wrong with having your trainers for so long. But technology must have moved on loads since then - I can't believe how light mine are, yet they have plenty of cushioning and support.

Good luck!

Sorry, just noticed its Brooks, no 'e'. Mine are Ghosts.

If you want some proper running shoes, Sportshoes online is your best bet. You can get last year's models for a fraction of the price of this year's, so get to see if a shoe works for you before you commit a lot of money.

Avoid Sports Direct (shit, badly-made products) and the "fashion" trainer shops like the plague. Unless of course you want to go to the latter to pay a lot of money for crappy Nikes just because they're "in."

Presumably you're looking at an all round road shoe rather than trail shoes?

Brooks are good, particularly for overpronators or those who need extra support (if you wear down heels on shoes quickly or have a collapsed arch, this could be you). The Trance or the PureCadence are a good start for a bit of cushioning and extra support.

Saucony and Asics are the next two brands I'd look at. I get on well with both. SportsShoes online will tell you which models are best for your gait (neutral, overpronating or whatever). If you're not sure, they can check your gait on a treadmill in a proper running shop, and you're under no pressure to buy from them.

Once you're a more established runner you could start at looking at something more minimalist, but often new runners find they benefit from extra support and cushioning.

Good luck with c25k!

My ex boyfriend gave me my Nikes about 2 years before I finished with him, so roughly 1997.

1997 must have been a good year for Nikes. I've worn mines loads (though all indoor gym activities) and they still look new.

Pupsiecola - that's a pretty impressive exercise regime! envy I can't wait to try new trainers on! Mine feel quite firm underfoot with absolutely no cushioning or spring ... technology most definitely has made huge changes to them.

Running - lots of great advice, thank you. I don't know quite how dedicated I'll be so spending hundreds wouldn't be sensible. I've set myself a budget of around £100 and it looks like I'll get a really nice pair for that. Super website .. have spent a while browsing this afternoon!

Thanks pony. I feel better than I have done in over 10 years. Thing is, I only do about 30 minutes on the days I train. I have learnt to train smarter, not harder :-)

Good luck trainer shopping. Mine were 109. Could have got them a bit cheaper online I guess. You'll get sth decent with your budget.

I'm traumatised tbh Pony!
I spent long enough choosing my old ones and I was actually keeping fit/running back then

Nowadays I'm just toying with the idea of 30 day shred type things so the motivation is nowhere as strong

I've got to protect my feet due to plantar fasciitis and neuromas so I'm hesitant I guess

It's good to read all the recommendations - sounds like Nike have had their day

Rice I go by the age of my niece for the age of my old Nikes - she was born a few months after I bought them!