Cheap trainers, money saving or bad economy ?

Tyler_Du

I tend to buy cheap 'walking shoe' type trainers from the likes of Lidl & Aldi, etc (about £5/6 a pair). These generally last me 6 months or so, being worn every day to work (and on the weekend). I just wonder if this is good MS or bad economy. Should I buy an 'expensive' pair of these trainers ? Would these last longer or not ?

Contains_Mild_Peril

That's not a bad amount of wear from a cheap pair. I've come across a few in that sort of price range that don't last as long. If they're comfy, I'd say they're generally a good buy, but it's still worth looking out for other options in the sales.

chinup_3

buy own brand from outdoor type chain of shops ie- bought mine from local 'yeomans' for £20 and would put them against posey brands anyday for durability /performance etc. use mine 4 days p/wk outdoor exercise= excellent

LittleVoice

The "expensive" brands might be worth it if you were wearing them to do "real training" but just for walking around I would think you would do better to keep paying £6 twice a year rather than even £12 in the hope they would last a year. Having two new pairs a year seems a better idea. (And of course I realise expensive brands cost more than £12!)

DUKE

You could always have a look around in the sales. I got my last pair from DP - reduced to just £7, and this'll be my 3rd summer of wearing them now. But if you're happy with those and they're comfy then stick with 'em

They have loads of good shoe sales on at Burton too. My husband had 2 pair of Cat boots for just £52, he's also had the trainer/casual shoe for £5 & £8 reduced from £25

jago25_98

Mine are Umbro chavs favorite at £10, about 9 months wear so far

Poppy9

OH was into his running and is still keen on ensuring that the trainer is suitable for his foot. Running magazines have details on how different trainers suit different body weights, feet width, walking, running style etc. He said the right fit makes the difference between picking up injuries or not.

He used to walk alot (or should I say plod) and he buys Magnum boots. He hopes they will last him at least 6 months for wet weather wear (after this time they leak) and become fine weather boots.

Contains_Mild_Peril

LittleVoice wrote: »

The "expensive" brands might be worth it if you were wearing them to do "real training" but just for walking around I would think you would do better to keep paying £6 twice a year rather than even £12 in the hope they would last a year. Having two new pairs a year seems a better idea. (And of course I realise expensive brands cost more than £12!)

Usually that's true, but £12 is what I paid for my teenage son's last pair of Nike trainers. He's still growing, so often outgrows footwear before he wears it out.
The suggestion of trying camping/ outdoorsy-type shops is also a good one: I'm currently wearing a pair of Peter Storm trainers I bought from Millets' January sale, reduced from £16.99 to £3.99 (I'm lucky to have small enough feet to wear "children's" footwear). I've worn them most days since then, so I reckon I've had about my money's worth from already, and they're still going strong.
In general, I would rather buy brand-name trainers in the sales say once a year than cheap ones twice a year if the cost were the same, since I usually find well-known brands (even the cheaper ones like Hi-Tec) to be comfier. My son is not interested in Hi-Tec trainers though: apparently they're among the most uncool things a schoolkid can possibly wear.:rolleyes:

Hapless_2

My husband will only wear Hi-tec (he used to run a lot), cheap, comfortable and last for ages.

nomoneytoday

I once bought a pair of N**** for £100.
They fell apart after 3 months!! The retailer said it was reasonable, and HQ simply offered me 10% off another pair.

My Adidas trainers were about half of that and have lasted 2 years so far

TaBunny

My daughter bought an expensive pair of trainers and they fell apart after moderate wear after only 6 months so it seems to happen with all kinds, she paid £95 for them.