Running shoes for beginner?
- Thread starter hartgeh3
- Start date
Possibly the wrong section, but so what...
The best running shoes for you at a given budget are ones that help your feet and lower leg move as they should. Go to a store and get fitted and - if possible - have them watch you run so they can recommend what works best for you.
Soldato
When you're just starting out, pretty much any £20 pair will be fine. As long as they fit well and don't fold or rub in an awkward way. If you start getting into high weekly mileage, then can going to a specialist store make sense, but I wouldn't really suggest it to a beginner unless you run into any specific problems. Pun intended.
Do this. Try and go to a specialist running shop for gait analysis if possible.
Soldato
Do a wet foot test.
The wrong shoes could cause you problems especially if running on tarmac.
Find a specialist running shop let them know your budget, and get them to look at you run and suggest a shoe.
The more expensive shoes will be worth it depending on how many miles a week your going to do, If your just starting off £60 is probably a reasonable amount to spend.
Find a specialist running shop let them know your budget, and get them to look at you run and suggest a shoe.
The more expensive shoes will be worth it depending on how many miles a week your going to do, If your just starting off £60 is probably a reasonable amount to spend.
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This, definitely worth it. The basic analysis is free and could save you an injury or 2. You will also gets lots of advice for e.g., shoes that fit your foot shape. Running shoes also have a lot of personal choices how much cushioning you want is largely a personal factor.
Wasn't there a documentary on tv a few months back dispelling the myth that running shoes help stop injury's and having properly fitting shoes was the most important thing.
They asked all the big manufactures to back up claims their shoes prevented injuries but NON could prove it.
I think the conclusion was get the ones that feel the most comfortable.
They asked all the big manufactures to back up claims their shoes prevented injuries but NON could prove it.
I think the conclusion was get the ones that feel the most comfortable.
I doubt it. There was some weird hippy-driven stupidity regarding bare-foot running and some companies started making stupid shoes that were more like waterproof socks, e.g. vibram they advertised that these were healthier for running, without a shred of evidence, and were promptly sued when a load of people injured themselves with the things.
When it comes to real running shoes, the reality is it is very complex
Running is a relatively high risk sport with high injury occurrence rates. There are many variables that correlate with injury, shoes being just one of them.
The human body is quite complex and various interesting things happen when you run on different surface, different shoes, different speeds, different distances. For example, if you run barefoot/minimalist shoes then your legs adapt to become more flexible and absorb more of the impact forces. IF you have highly cushioned shoes then your legs become stiffer to transfer more energy. Joint impact forces may not be too dissimilar in these cases but there are differences in for example bone stress in your feet.
here is a recent survey supporting the fact that shoes designed to correct over-pronation reduces injury risk:
http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2016/01/08/bjsports-2015-095031.full
Anyway, your point "get the ones that feel the most comfortable" is exactly why one needs to go to a running store, get analysed and have a better chance of buying a shoe that is comfortable.
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Man of Honour
Most of the running shop chains will offer gait analysis of some description and probably many independent shops as well so it depends what is close to you. Places like Sweatshop and Runners Need seem to have sales on more often than not so you can often pick up a bargain but it's absolutely worth getting shoes that fit right to minimise the risk of problems plus you're more likely to do the exercise if it's comfortable. You don't necessarily have to spend a lot, I'd suggest it is worth making sure it feels right for you though so do be prepared to try on a few different pairs.
Soldato
Given you are a beginner then go for comfort within your budget - you may not get into the running thing...
If you do get into it then go and buy a shoe that suits you and your style, use the wear pattern on your first shoes to dictate the type of shoe you then buy. If you really get into it and are able to put in some decent times then choice of shoes is largely irrelevant in my opinion as the motion control elements of the shoe wont come into play.
As for going to a shop, find an independent that has a knowledgeable type that will allow you to run outside is my advice.
If you do get into it then go and buy a shoe that suits you and your style, use the wear pattern on your first shoes to dictate the type of shoe you then buy. If you really get into it and are able to put in some decent times then choice of shoes is largely irrelevant in my opinion as the motion control elements of the shoe wont come into play.
As for going to a shop, find an independent that has a knowledgeable type that will allow you to run outside is my advice.
Soldato
I had Dartfish gait analysis done a few years back at a running shop in London. Had no idea i was an overpronator and was shocked to see how much difference the correct running shoes made when looking at the difference on the video replay. I'd definitely recommend it
Slightly OT but also had been having issues with long walks so was referred to a podiatrist who made some wedges to stick inside my walking shoes. That's made a massive difference too.
Slightly OT but also had been having issues with long walks so was referred to a podiatrist who made some wedges to stick inside my walking shoes. That's made a massive difference too.
Doubt that is entirely true - not that I do any running of any consequence but my Merrells have ortholite and some other technology where the sole actually adjusts to the way I walk to provide better support and posture and is noticeable even just walking in them.