Cheap vs. branded trainers?

Indie_Kid

I need to buy trainers because mine have fallen apart. When I was a child, I was always brought cheap trainers because they never lasted that long. (because of growing)

When I started to buy my own, I went for named brands. (Nike, Adidas, etc) However, my current pair has only last me for 4 months - I did not wear them every day.

Is it really worth buying a pair of more expensive trainers or are the cheaper ones really ok? Don't want to spend silly amounts on trainers only for them to last me a few months.

Are there any brands I should avoid? My last pair were Adidas Goodyear and they didn't last long. A friend also said he found they scuffed easily too.

shellsuit

I only wear Adidas superstar. You can't scuff them because of the shell toe.

OH wears them and so does my son and daughter.

They are the only trainers my son can't wreck lol!

thatsfabulous

I dont know if theres a much difference. However I think that you can pick up named trainers cheap enough anyway. I have a Nike pair that only cost about £15 so cheaper than some none named brands.

tara747

What activity are they for?

Indie_Kid

It would just be for every day wear and possibly the gym. (when I'm feeling better)

freyasmum

I have asics and they're great, though I'm not sore on shoes anyway.

The only complaint is that the front is a kinda mesh, so if I go out in the rain, my feet get soaked :rotfl:

SailorSam

I don't know the names, but whatever Lidl have on offer.

tara747

You need something supportive. Asics and New Balance are great. Have a gait analysis done, most decent sports shops will do them with no obligation to buy.

shellsuit

tara747 wrote: »

You need something supportive. Asics and New Balance are great. Have a gait analysis done, most decent sports shops will do them with no obligation to buy.

For trainers just to be worn as an everyday shoe? Why?!

jenniewb

shellsuit wrote: »

For trainers just to be worn as an everyday shoe? Why?!

sh1305 wrote: »

It would just be for every day wear and possibly the gym. (when I'm feeling better)

I second the Gait analysis- if you do alot of walking or gym work. Not really needed for aerobocs style stuff where your turning around alot, but for running and etc its def, worth it!
Runners Need do gait analysis, a few other stores do to.

If you go to one of those stores though, the choice of trainers is no longer the "hyper trendy" type (like nike, adidas, puma) as they tend to be all style no substance. Trainer brands like Saucony, Brooks, Asics tend to be sold there as they have a good reputation and more pronation support and more variety for pronation.

But for general day wear, stick to what looks/feels good. As long as you don't need it for high impact exercise or alot of walking, your safe.

But another important thing to remember is that trainers have a shelf life. The foam that the trainers are made from (on the sole) disintergrate over time. They "die" alot faster when in stores as the lighting, air conditioning and dust all add to the disintegration and basicly the result is a less supportive trainer. Fine if your just walking around in them, but not so good if you rely on them for sports and exercise. Make sure your trainers are not old and been in storage for years! (Happens in TK Maxx for example) unless your just wearing them fror day to day comfort.

Another important thing to remember is that trainers for the gym and trainers to walk around in should really be two different pairs- your feet will thank you, your flat/house mates/family will thank you, and your exercise will be less likely to cause you back, leg or feet injuries.

Indie_Kid

Thanks for the recommendations. Did not realise (or think) that it's better to have 2 pairs.