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Hi All,



After damaging my cartilage in my knee- I have accepted the fact I need new running trainers. I have read that it is best to go to a shop where they have a camera and treadmill. I know this is the best solution but will the shoes cost me a small fortune? Or can I pick up a reasonably priced pair? And any suggestions on makes and models for a newbie?



Thanks in advance

Comments

  • FlavadaveFlavadave Posts: 749
    Definitely get yourself a gait analysis. And any running shop worth its salt will advise you on the best shoes within your budget, so make sure you specify what you can spend.



    Generally, the more you pay the better shoe you'll get so don't be surprised if they come in right at the top. Will be money well spent if it keeps you injury free.



    And brands? Plenty of decent brands out there so no need to be picky... Brooks, Asics, Saucony, Nike, Adidas and more so try as many as the shop assistants patience will let you to get the best fit!
  • al_fordal_ford Posts: 119
    If you go to a proper sports shop they should have a treadmill for you to try out the trainers and sometimes a videocamera to do a gait analysis. This makes sure you get the proper trainers to suit your running style. The shop I went to charged £15 for gait analysis which was deducted from the cost of the trainers. The trainers you buy are your choice but I would expect to spend £60+ for a decent pair.



    Make sure you try loads on as different makes do have a slightly different fit. Ideally go during the week not a weekends, they will then have more time and you don't have people hassling you for spending too much time on the trasdmill.



    I spent over 1hr choosing my runners and tried about 8 pairs on, and then used 3 pairs on the treadmill for a good few minutes each time.



    Don't let them bully you into the most expensive pair if that;s not what you want. Typically the more expensive runners have better cushioning and are lighter.



    I ended up with a pair of Brooks which have a nice wide toe box to suit broad feet.
  • tomtristomtris Posts: 135
    Thanks for the advice Dave- how much are we talking for reasonable pair?
  • TommiTriTommiTri Posts: 879
    The small extra cost you may pay in getting the trainers from a shop rather than the internet is easily outweighed by the gait analysis and advice. If they do your gait analysis they may even recommend shoes they dont have, but they can order them for you.



    As trainers go they are pretty lightweight but I would recommend saucony fast twitch or type A2, I have both. Yes they are running flats but they will enhance your running because of the increased proprioception.



    I suffered from menisical damage in my knee 2 years ago and i'm ok with wearing these
  • FlavadaveFlavadave Posts: 749
    I agree with al_ford... Look to spend £60 plus. You might be able to grab a bargain if they've got a sale on



    To be honest if you are on a tight budget, try and save money on other kit where it doesn't count so much. A decent pair of trainers that fit well is a must have.
  • JulesJules Posts: 987
    I just bought a pair of Brooks after gait analysis - £63.



  • JulesJules Posts: 987
    A query about gait analysis. I was told I'm mildly overpronating and got suitable trainers as a result. I assume I will always mildly overporonate? IE next time I buy some running shoes can I get away with not doing the gait analysis again, which will allow me to shop around?
  • md6md6 Posts: 969
    You will always overpronate it is down mostly to the shape of your foot (flat/fallen arches), but some of this can be down to ankle strength. Strength can get better or worse as time goes on - i pronate less now than a few years ago as my ankles are stronger, but my feet are still flat and that ain't gonna change. You can get away with shopping around more if you know what type (i.e. stability, neutral etc) of shoe you need. But personally I really valued the advice of my local shop (until it closed down).
  • Jack HughesJack Hughes Posts: 1,262
    Where are you*?



    One of the better on line sellers has a shop in Bradford, W. Yorks (Sportsshoes unlimited), where you can get a gait analysis done, and pay web prices. I got a nice pair of Saucony shoes + gait analysis for _less_ than the web price (Pro Grid Xodus for £55). The guy doing the analysis was much better trained than the guy I had do one in Up and Running.



    Up and Running have many branches - and if you get a knowledgeable member of staff can be good.



    There are lots of specialist shops in London of course.



    *Of course, I don't really want to know, and, in any case, I could use my magical powers to work it out. But I choose not to.
  • al_fordal_ford Posts: 119
    these guys are supposed to be pretty good..

    http://www.sweatshop.co.uk/storefinder.cfm



    can't vouch for them but have been told they are OK - stores all over and large selection of runners



    by the way I over pronate slightly and got myself a pair of Brooks Switch for £63.
  • Ron99Ron99 Posts: 237
    I had similar knee problems and went along to Profeet in Clapham. A really knowledgeable and helpful chap named Andy Brodziak (who also does Tri coaching and sports-injury therapy) did my gait analysis there for free. They have a more in-depth analysis if you have a particular problem, and although it's about 40 quid, they have all kinds of flashing gizmos and a machine that goes ping, so it must be good. They can also make you a custom orthotic insole if you need a specialist fit.



    Ended up with a pair of £90 Mizuno's for my broad feet, but agree with the other guys here, the advice, custom fitting and choice was well worth the extra cash, when you consider how much time you spend in them, and how much abuse your feet and joints take when running (strain comparable to 4x your body weight)
  • meakiemeakie Posts: 124
    Jules wrote:


    A query about gait analysis. I was told I'm mildly overpronating and got suitable trainers as a result. I assume I will always mildly overporonate? IE next time I buy some running shoes can I get away with not doing the gait analysis again, which will allow me to shop around?



    Jules, as a runner I know that I need to have my gait analysed everytime I buy new running trainers, this basically incase I have changed the way I run,or the trainers I have been running in have helped correct me. This does happen. I am a neutral runner so I require neutral trainers so theres not much that can be corrected with me, but its good to be re-checked incase I start running in such a way that I may overpronate myself on one side for example.

    however just cos I am a neutral that doesnt mean I can just go and get a pair off the shelf based on what I had last time, I always get re-checked and then i know for sure I am still the same.

    I in fact do have 3 pairs of the same running shoe- same model- different year- slight upgrade- that I have gone back and been so happy with that I went back, showed the assistant in the shop, they analysed my gait again, the shoes fitted and I ran on the treadmill ok in them and she said "why fix what aint broken!"

    Basically ( sorry for the waffle) you are best to get your gait done each time u need new shoes. and for the record its recommended to not use your shoes past 500 miles, running in knackered shoes isnt good.

    Depending on your mileage obviously will depend on how often u buy new shoes. If you are running say 20 miles a week in training then you would need to get about 2 pairs a year.

    Thats just a recommendation tho.

    Regarding paying for gait analysis, I have never heard of that! any time I have bought trainers I have just paid for the shoes. maybe some places charge then.

    And yes, shop around, but once you find a good store that know what they are talking about, they are very worthwhile and worth paying that extra bit more for.

    I would recommend "up and running" as a store who's staff have great knowledge.

    (I am not on comission before u ask!)

    hope that helps



    Shell [:)]
  • Ron99Ron99 Posts: 237
    Conehead wrote:




    Also orthotics - c'mon, lets get that genie out of the bottle - I've seen them cripple as many people as cure. And this is with professional elite athletes with the best possible advice......



    Don't know much about them. Aren't they just fancy insoles moulded to your foot shape? We're not talking about a built up shoe here...[:D]
  • JulesJules Posts: 987
    @Meakie and Conehead,



    Yeah I knew about the mileage thing, I was told 500 miles and I'm keeping a tally on mapmyrun so I'll know when to look at breaking in a new pair (rather than waiting until my legs hurt this time!).



    I didn't pay for the gait analysis, but I'm not cheeky enough to get a (small independent) shop to do that then not buy the trainers from them!
  • md6md6 Posts: 969
    Ron99 wrote:
    ORIGINAL: Conehead





    Also orthotics - c'mon, lets get that genie out of the bottle - I've seen them cripple as many people as cure. And this is with professional elite athletes with the best possible advice......



    Don't know much about them. Aren't they just fancy insoles moulded to your foot shape? We're not talking about a built up shoe here...[:D]



    They're more insoles which are designed to correct inbalances in the foot - like overpronation. i have some which i wear in my shoes (not for running) they help raise my flat arches and stop the foot rolling. In my opinion (which is just that) i would rather go for a more stable shoe than wear orthotics in a neutral shoe. that said my running partner wears orthotics to run and has no problems. It seems to be horses for courses i think.
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