Running shoes (£££) - Worth it?

adouglasmhor

To be fair I went into a well known specialist running shop and asked for some help for an overweight underpronator (supinator) - they said they did not know what to recommend. I might as well have gone to a stack them high shop or bought off the net.

The good news is that was years ago and as I have gained strength and technique and shed some poundage I have become a much more neutral runner.

Toothsmith

adouglasmhor wrote: »

To be fair I went into a well known specialist running shop and asked for some help for an overweight underpronator (supinator) - they said they did not know what to recommend. I might as well have gone to a stack them high shop or bought off the net.

The good news is that was years ago and as I have gained strength and technique and shed some poundage I have become a much more neutral runner.

If by 'well known' you mean some sort of chain, then they have the same sort of staff turnover problems as any other big chain, and don't always get the best trained staff on the shop floor, despite what they claim.

It's the smaller independent places where you are really going to find the best advice.

The places that are fast disappearing!

shandyclover

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 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!

If you read my post carefully...

I found the exact same shoes in TKmax I was fitted for, brand, style, model etc.etc. Only the colour was different. I was not advocating randomly buying running shoes, just if you are savvy, you can sometimes get an even better deal.

geoffky

I have a featherweight pair of nike running shoes and they are priceless.. Cost me £65 but worth every penny having tried so many others..

Achtung_Baby

Thanks for the responses. I'll take your advice and seek out a running shop!

Fire_Fox

Achtung_Baby wrote: »

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

They are not expensive unless you are shopping in the wrong store or asking for the wrong thing, my clients spend £30+ even those who are doing marathons I encourage to purchase two cheaper pairs rather than one expensive one so they can rotate and let the shoes dry out and the cushioning recover. There is only a limited difference between the top and mid range shoe from a good brand, and between last years sale shoe and this years 'advance'.

IMO a gait analysis and fitted shoes are worth every penny and more, the human body is not evolved to run on many of the surfaces we run on, and most of us have postural imbalances from spending half our lives in an unnatural seated position with our arms forwards (sofa, desk/ computer, car). Corrective footwear helps protect your joints as you put additional stress on them them.

Performance enhancement is for athletes.

Lagoon

shandyclover wrote: »

If you read my post carefully...

I found the exact same shoes in TKmax I was fitted for, brand, style, model etc.etc. Only the colour was different. I was not advocating randomly buying running shoes, just if you are savvy, you can sometimes get an even better deal.

Your post WAS read properly. The point being made is that if you steal an hour of a professional's time, and then go elsewhere to look for the same shoes at a cheaper price, you might be saving yourself money on this occasion but you're putting the free, professional service at risk. It might not be there in future.

shandyclover

Lagoon wrote: »

Your post WAS read properly. The point being made is that if you steal an hour of a professional's time, and then go elsewhere to look for the same shoes at a cheaper price, you might be saving yourself money on this occasion but you're putting the free, professional service at risk. It might not be there in future.

Your accusation I STOLE is offensive.

I went to the shop with every intention of buying the recommended shoes, I did not set out to steal anything from anyone.

The fact I found them 2 shops up the road for 1/3rd less is a bit of a fluke, and not something I set out to do - I was simply trying to show how widely prices can vary for the exact same thing.

For your information I went back to the 1st shop and talked to the owner who simply said I would be an idiot not to take advantage of a bargain, and he was happy to share his expertise. I think some sensible proprietors are able to recognize not everyone is made of money and some of us have to shop around. He's put me on his sale mailing list and advised me to buy when those particular shoes are on sale. I know I will be going back there just because he was so gracious about it all.

Lagoon

shandyclover wrote: »

Your accusation I STOLE is offensive.

I went to the shop with every intention of buying the recommended shoes, I did not set out to steal anything from anyone.

The fact I found them 2 shops up the road for 1/3rd less is a bit of a fluke, and not something I set out to do - I was simply trying to show how widely prices can vary for the exact same thing.

For your information I went back to the 1st shop and talked to the owner who simply said I would be an idiot not to take advantage of a bargain, and he was happy to share his expertise. I think some sensible proprietors are able to recognize not everyone is made of money and some of us have to shop around. He's put me on his sale mailing list and advised me to buy when those particular shoes are on sale. I know I will be going back there just because he was so gracious about it all.

I apologise if you found it offensive.

peterpan567

I use to buy my running shoes in SportsDirect, never spend more than £30, you don't need a fancy brand or newest model, I always buy a year old model for half of the price. For me the best running shoes are New Balance shoes, very comfy. I had Nike shoes before, never ever more, just hurter my feet. I advice to buy half size bigger shoes because your feet go wider when running.