Best running trainers

[mileaminute]

I decided a couple of months ago I would go for a run. Managed 4km (stop starting!) but was wearing my Nike Metcons which have a very stiff sole, more for training than running and my shins were KILLIIIING me for a couple of days after.
On my next run I wore my Nike reacts which have a more squashy sole but were so tight around my (admittedly huge big toes) that four weeks later I still have big bruises under my big toe nails, I also had blisters between my toes!

I know neither of those are actually running shoes so I'd like any suggestions for the best running shoes you've tried please! Especially for big toed runners like moi.

I don't have a budget per say but If they're expensive I think I'll be asking for them for Christmas

getting a gait analysis in a running shop is great if one is near

if not, brooks wide and new balance (fresh foam) wide are great for roomy toe areas!

I think this is a very personal choice, and your best bet is to go to a running shop (NOT somewhere like JD Sports), where they can analyse your style and suggest the best show for you.

Personally, I wear ASICS Gel Kayano, they correct my over-pronation, and are well cushioned.

Saucony Triumph
Saucony Ride
Nike Zoom X Invincible Run
Nike Invincible Run
Size up by 0.5 to 1 size
😊

I'm an Asics fan, but your best bet is to go to a specialised shop where they can help you. Some will analyse your gait on a machine or ar least watch you run

Also agree you may need to size up!

Thank you.
Ah yes i will have a look for one of those shops where they check your running style. I forgot they even existed !

I'm also an Asics fan. I bought mine in Sports Direct (but I only run 5k once or twice a week).

It depends on your foot really. You need to go to a running shop and try them all on. I never bothered with gait analysis I just tried all the shoes on in the running shop and bought the comfiest. I ended up sticking with Saucony. I wear the same size in Saucony as I do in my casual Nikes.

www.prodirectsport.com/running/p/saucony-womens-excursion-tr15-gtx-black-jade-womens-shoes-240778/?gclid=Cj0KCQiApb2bBhDYARIsAChHC9swT7s1b0xNBFRdTvxay7sOXClJpDv0Zm3sSPwW0P6fquioWas7B5MaAh38EALw_wcB.

Love my Saucony Trails

You need to try them on OP - not necessarily a "gait analysis" from a shop assistant watching you run on a treadmill 🙄 but to see how comfortable they are and find the correct size for you.

Classic mid range reliable running shoes: Nike Pegasus (the OG of running shoes) Brooks Ghost, Saucony Ride.

If you need max cushion - Hoka is the place to start but they tend to be narrow. But a few models come in wide fit. The Mach 5 is the best daily trainer I have ever worn.

New Balance 1080s are very good too - nicely cushy and comfortable.

Try a lot on - be prepared to spend some time in the shop narrowing down what you want. The number 1 stipulation is COMFORT. Anything niggly on the treadmill will be a DISASTER outdoors.

Everyone has their own preferences. I never got on with Nike shoes for running.

I used to get Brooks. I liked the Launch 5 but not the 6 or 7. So have now switched to Saucony which I love. On my second pair of Endorphin Speed 2s. Also have their trail running shoes.

Mine are Brook Ghosts extra wide. Like running barefoot.

Another one saying get your gait analysed at a proper running shop. You'll almost certainly need to go up half a size.
Personal choices vary, overpronators tend to like Brooks.
My personal choice is Saucony - I find they last exceptionally well. Asics tend to be very comfortable
More expensive doesn't necessarily mean better.

If you find a pair you like, consider getting another pair.
Don't wear them as casual shoes.

One of the key things is definitely size. Almost certainly go up at least half a size. I know everyone recommends gait analysis but it was pointless for me - I was fitted with the most big standard neutral shoes and hated them. Read reviews too as they may offer user insight (e.g high on the ankle and rub a lot). Brooks and ASICS are pretty common running shoes so could be a good place to start.

Another vote for ASICS and gait analysis.

A pp was a bit disparaging about a shop assistant watching you run on a treadmill 🙄
This is a very important thing to do if running regularly because many people run with their feet on a natural tilt called "over pronation" or "under pronation" (depending whether you tend to roll towards the outside blade of your foot or the inner arch side). Then you have to get the correct shoe for whether you are under, over, or neutral gait.

If your shoe doesn't match your gait then you will experience a significant amount of unnecessary pain.

Running Kit for sale is a really good FB group to pick up kit. They always have nearly new running shoes if you want to try some without spending too much. Mostly people who have bought the wrong size and just been for a couple of runs.

I run in Brooks Ghost for the road and Hoka Speedgoat,for trails. Both are very comfortable, but I agree with others, a gait analysis will help you find the best shoes for you.

I completely agree with @samthebordercollie . Brooks and Hoka are my go tos. But get gait analysis by someone who knows.

Shin splints could be down to all sorts of things. Likely could be not enough cushioning or just new exercise.

So get gait analysis and work up slow. You can always run up hills a little if you want to put effort in but aren't doing the miles yet.

Ooft running in metcons 🥴 I feel your pain OP, when there's running programmed in a workout I won't wear them even if it's only 400m, too painful on the shins!

I like Sauconys for running, I previously had Nike running shoes but they also led to sore shins. The saucony on the other hand have helped me knock a few mins off my 5k so I'm crediting the shoes!

Yes because they're not qualified physios.

You don't need corrective shoes if your gait doesn't cause injury. Just because someone's running is not a neutral style doesn't mean they need support shoes.

If you're a really heavy runner then yeah I can see a case for buying really sturdy running shoes but that has nothing to do with how their feet land.

I've been told all kinds of rubbish by running shoe sales reps. I've bought two pairs after two different gait analysis in different running shops. One gave me an injury that took me out of running for a year. One I just never got on with and went back to my neutrals. Money and time wasted. It's snake oil imo.

It depends on who does the analysis, I think.
I've had it done in shops, and by a podiatrist. The podiatrist one was done first and was IMO much better.

Yeah would agree a podiatrist is qualified to give an opinion on this.