Running shoes for beginners

WLC

Hi all

I'm starting the Couch to 5k NHS running programme in the next few days, but first I need to buy a pair of running shoes (for woman).

I am returning to the running scene so I don't want to invest too much until I know I'm sticking to running, so around £60 is roughly what I'm hoping to spend.

I plan on running on a mixture of grass (field) and concrete.

Can anyone recommend any good, maybe well known & respected, running shoes?

Thanks all

Lagoon

The Asics Gels are good all-rounders for beginners. Though as someone that's returning, I'm sure you know that you should go for gait analysis as soon as you know that you're sticking at it.

Therefore, take a look at the discounted Asics if you're going with my recommendation. There are plenty around from previous seasons, and I expect that they'll be nowhere near £60 which gives you more to spend on the right pair soon.

alwaysbrassic

Just to hijack this thread (sorry!) I have also just started running, and I am really enjoying it so have decided to invest in some proper running shoes. Where could I go to get good advice on for etc?

Lagoon

alwaysbrassic wrote: »

Just to hijack this thread (sorry!) I have also just started running, and I am really enjoying it so have decided to invest in some proper running shoes. Where could I go to get good advice on for etc?

Have a look online for specialist running shops with gait analysis, in your local area. Runner's Need, Up and Running and Sweatshop are three of the big names, but independent shops can be just as good. In fact, some may be better.

Personally, I go to Up and Running and I'm happy with their service and knowledge. Have never been to a Runner's Need store. In my personal experience, the customer service at my local Sweatshop put me off their stores forever. Though I'm just one person, and others may recommend them.

thor

You could go to a specialist and get your gait analysed and then buy an expensive pair of trainers but then again you might not need to.
Some people are not fussy about what they wear as long as it is comfortable. Luckily I am one of those and have never spent over 30 quid on any type of running shoes. Maybe if I ran an insane number of miles that could be a problem but as I only do an 8 or 6 mile run every other day, I can honestly say that the footwear I use has never been an issue despite them being so cheap.
I remember about a year ago a scientific study came out which concluded that expensive trainers proved to be of no benefit apart from lining the coffers of the manufacturers.

LondonDreamer

thor wrote: »

You could go to a specialist and get your gait analysed and then buy an expensive pair of trainers but then again you might not need to.
Some people are not fussy about what they wear as long as it is comfortable. Luckily I am one of those and have never spent over 30 quid on any type of running shoes. Maybe if I ran an insane number of miles that could be a problem but as I only do an 8 or 6 mile run every other day, I can honestly say that the footwear I use has never been an issue despite them being so cheap.
I remember about a year ago a scientific study came out which concluded that expensive trainers proved to be of no benefit apart from lining the coffers of the manufacturers.

I'll agree with you about expensive trainers not necessarily being better, but not that you'll have to buy expensive ones if you go to a specialist. The good ones usually have staff that are runners themselves so are more interested in finding the right shoe for your foot, not the price tag.

When I got fitted, I explained what I was looking for in a shoe and she inspected/measured my feet then did a gait analysis on a treadmill. She ended up showing me about five different shoes that were suitable of various brands and price points. I got to run in all of them and picked the ones that I felt had the best comfort and support. They also happened to be the cheapest, as they were the previous year's model.

I really recommend getting a gait analysis at a specialist running shop. You may have normal feet and end up being able to pick any neutral shoe but if you have any pronation (foot rolling) issues, running in the wrong shoe can cause problems.

s_glover

I would strongly recommend you go to a specialist shop, either somewhere like Up and Running or a local independant shop. The specialists will be able to tell you whether you overpronante or have a neutral foot. This will affect which type of trainers are best for you.

If you will be reunning regularly getting the right sort of trainers for you will help prevent injuries.

You can always go away from the shop with the advice and then try and find a cheaper pair of suitable shoes elsewhere once you know which sort are best suited to you.

BiigDawg

I would definitely recommend Asics Gel Virage.

I started gym work about 8 or 9 months, and took me a while to find trainers that were extra comfy and good for running.

http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/AS755/Asics-Mens-Gel-Virage-6-Stability-Running-Shoes-White-Black-Blue

They are quite cheap on M & M and they have a no nonsense money back return policy if you dont like.

I order 2 different types of Asics and returned the one I didnt like.

WLC

Ok, I've now had a gait analysis and have been advised to go for a neutral shoe.

He measured the angle on the screen, from my leg to my foot, and said I have a 91 degree angle (instead of 90 degree). Therefore, he explained as there is only a slight deviation, I should go for a neutral shoe.

So does that mean I can go for a neutral/cushioning shoe, or a neutral/barefoot shoe? Basically any shoe that isn't a support/stability shoe?