Will different shoes make a difference?

[EleanorRigbyWasReal]

Am doing C25k. Doing well. Have lost around 18lbs. However, I have artwork slipped and squishy discs in my back and am wondering if anyone can suggest a shock absorbent running shoe? There’s nowhere to go in terms of shops at the minute and some of them are so expensive I just don’t want to get the wrong ones.

Thanks

Mizuno are the best in my opinion, but keep ensuring you stretch and strengthen your glutes and core

Always stretch before and after and do a good warm up. Core is more difficult as T12 and L5 are f**d.

I like New Balance fresh foam, but you will do more harm than good if you choose the wrong shoes for your running style/gait. If you can’t get to a running shop then look at the Brooks or Sportshoes.com websites where they have a ‘choose your shoe’ thing, perhaps doing both and seeing if they tell you the same thing. Once you know if you need neutral, supportive, over pronating, under pronating etc then find a cushioning shoe that matches. Often if you ask if they have last years’ style or look at older versions ie New Balance fresh Foam v10 rather than v11 they’ll be £40 or more cheaper than the current version.

@bjjgirl Thanks for the tip.

@Rainyday26... thanks. I am in such pain that it’s more or less “gliding” rather than running. I’m really pleased by the change it’s made to me physically. I feel so much better and can fit into clothing comfortably again 😊 Also, better for the strain on my back, though I wasn’t very overweight to start with.

You really need a gait analysis at a running shop. Its not ideal but some shops have been doing them over Zoom after you send in a video of you running. The perfect shoe for someone else could a a disaster for you. I had persistent achilles problems after buying a pair of Asics the sounded ideal in online recommendations.

Hokas are the best for this. Well worthy of the money. Size up though.

I have a pair of Brooks and they make a huge difference to my running. I'd definitely get fitted properly ( when we are allowed or submit an online video).

I agree you need Gait analysis if at all possible. Broadly shoes are cushioning or supportive rather than both at once, but if you buy a very cushioned shoe which is 'hiding' a gait problem it can make it worse rather than better.

If you can't get to a running shop or send them a clip of you running, there is a tool on sportshoes.com that gets you to use a wet footprint impression to decide on your own gait. I've never done it, so don't know how good it is in practice though.

When I am doing a lot of road miles I wear Hoka One One, Mizuno Wave Horizon or Saucony ISO as I find they give me the most cushioning. When I first started running I was told there is no one perfect pair of shoes and you are better alternating two different pairs if possible as they will use slightly different posture and muscles. (expensive to start with, I know).

The other thing I didn't realise when I started is that trainers have seasons just like other clothes, and you can often get last years colours/models that are very similar but half or two thirds of the price of this seasons colours. I have just bought another pair of Mizuno Wave Horizon 4's. The ones I own were £150 in a running shop but I get a discount through my running club so I paid £120 in the spring for them, and the replacement pair, which is identical and so last seasons colours, has cost me £89 instead.

If you use the Brooks online shoe selector and buy the recommended shoes, you can send them back within 30 days for a refund if you find they're not suiting you.

Thanks so much for the info. I need a proper shop, I guess.

I really think now, that I’m doing harm to my bones by having an ordinary pair of trainers. Must get organised in the new year.

Have a lovely day, all 🎄