Trainers
tomtris
Posts: 135
in General Chat
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
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
0
Comments
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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)
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 [:)]
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]
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!
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.