Running shoes (£££) - Worth it?

Achtung_Baby

Hi all,

I've recently taken up running and am very much enjoying it. I just run in a pair of bog-standard trainers at the minute, but most pro-runners have flashy running shoes that (so I'm told) enhance your performance through cushioning or somesuch.

To any running enthusiasts: How much of a difference do these special running shoes make? Running shoes are pretty expensive and am wondering if they're worth the money.

Thanks in advance

There_Goes_Trouble

Worth every penny.

I don't buy expensive things if I can get away with a cheaper version, but I only run in specialist running shoes that I have properly fitted in a running shop.

I find they give more support and cushioning, but most importantly they help to correct my gait imperfections so I'm not 'pavement pounding' with my feet at incorrect angles and damaging my joints.

Sue27_2

I would agree. 'Proper' running shoes definitely help. However, you don't need to get the most expensive brands - it's more important to get ones that fit the shape of your foot and provide the right cushioning. If you go to a specialist running shop or sports shop they should be able to help you try on various shoes and find ones that work.

Dogger69

As above, you are looking for the right fit rather than the highest price. Definitely not something to buy online, find a specialist running shop.

System

I'd recommend getting the best quality you can afford. You don't want to get knee problems later on.

iammumtoone

definitely worth it, I couldn't believe the different it made to my running when I got mine so much more easier to run in, it was like running on air! Mine were not expensive but I did go slightly over my budget as once I tried them on that was it I had to have them.

You need to go to a specialist running shop or I got mine from JB sports (i am not sure if its nationwide but there is a running shoe adviser in ours). I suggest you try lots of pairs on in all price ranges and make sure you jog around the shop in them (yes I felt silly but you don't want to get home and find they are not suitable).

Good luck and enjoy your running.

There_Goes_Trouble

I usually buy mine in the sales. Keep your eyes open at traditional sale times, get on mailing lists, and you'll get a bargain.

shandyclover

Definitely worth the money. Don't feel like you have to buy the first pair you like though, since it is an investment. I went to a specialist sports shop, got fitted, but since it was quite a hefty sum for me told the assistant I would check a few other shops and be back in an hour. In the meantime my mum called to say she had found the same shoes on sale in TKmax with 1/3rd off!

Toothsmith

shandyclover wrote: »

Definitely worth the money. Don't feel like you have to buy the first pair you like though, since it is an investment. I went to a specialist sports shop, got fitted, but since it was quite a hefty sum for me told the assistant I would check a few other shops and be back in an hour. In the meantime my mum called to say she had found the same shoes on sale in TKmax with 1/3rd off!

Where they don't have anybody who knows a pair of running shoes from a pair of gloves!

The reason they're dearer at the specialist shop is because they have staff who know what they're talking about and take the time to give you proper good advice.

They don't just stack them high and flog them cheap.

OK - the cheap shops and the internet are out there, and there's nothing much those decent shops can do about it.

But if everybody just freeloads the really useful service these places provide, then it won't be very long before spotty teenagers on minimum wage are all that are left to guide us!

Which would be fine if it were a PS3 zombie apocalypse we were facing, but not much else!

cr1mson

Definitely worth going to a specialist shop. However I always tend to buy two pairs at a time to rotate them. So I buy one from specialist and one from elsewhere.

Lagoon

Toothsmith wrote: »

Where they don't have anybody who knows a pair of running shoes from a pair of gloves!

The reason they're dearer at the specialist shop is because they have staff who know what they're talking about and take the time to give you proper good advice.

They don't just stack them high and flog them cheap.

OK - the cheap shops and thee internet are out there, and there's nothing much those decent shops can do about it.

But if everybody just freeloads the really useful service these places provide, then it won't be very long before spotty teenagers on minimum wage are all that are left to guide us!

Which would be fine if it were a PS3 zombie apocalypse we were facing, but not much else!

I agree with this. To me, proper shoes are definitely worth the cost to avoid injury and to maximise comfort, and I will pay the price at the shop in which I got the fitting.

The fitting is absolutely free. I spend a good hour trying out their stock, running on their treadmill and stopping a member of staff getting on with other things. The least I can do is buy the shoes from them when I'm done.

I feel very grateful that this service is provided, and that it's free. The alternative is that they start charging something like £20 per fitting, but then what do you do if you genuinely don't like the shoes on offer? Then, you've paid for a service that hasn't benefited you.