buying trainers for running

g'em

after developing a rather nasty case of shin splints this week I've decided its time to invest in a really good pair of trainers for running. I only really run on a treadmill, but I walk a lot for cardio (inclines, very brisk, the usual stuff to get the ticker going) and even walking hills is setting my shins on fire. So apart from resting the calves, icing the inflammation, massaging the tibialis and strengthening my fallen arches, I want to invest in a good pair of trainers to help prevent it happening again.

So, does anyone know where I can avail of good quality shop assistants to help me with my purchase? Thing is, I have fallen arches as well, which will need to be considered, and I don't want to spend good money on a pair that aren't suitable, but I haven't a notion how to pick out some myself. I'll porbably go for Asics, had them last year, like a charm and so, so comfy.

All help gratefully recieved

because_I_can

Asics Kayano's - Arnotts.
There's supposed to be a shop in terenure that caters for athletes but i've never been

g'em

because_I_can wrote:

Asics Kayano's - Arnotts.

Ta, think I've heard them mentioned before. Any idea what the roundabout retail price is?

Dragan

g'em wrote:

Ta, think I've heard them mentioned before. Any idea what the roundabout retail price is?

You could expect about 140 as far as i am aware my dear. THen again, it's been a while since i worked in Champion.

dermCu

Around €120

Patto

I bought a pair of Asics in the Netherlands about 2 years ago. It was an interesting experience. They measured my shoe size obviously enough, my body weight, height and the width of my feet:eek: Because of my weight and height they recommended a stiffer sole and becuase I have a wide foot a wide fitting shoe. I've never met such a knowledgable and motivated/interested sales rep. Mind you it could have been a load of cods whollop, still I left a happy customer even after parting with €100 or whatever it was.

Asics generally have very good arch support.

AngryBadger

g'em wrote:

Thing is, I have fallen arches as well, which will need to be considered, and I don't want to spend good money on a pair that aren't suitable, but I haven't a notion how to pick out some myself

Same problem myself. When it was first brought to my attention, (about 8 years ago), I just started wearing a pair of arch supports all the time in whatever shoes I'm wearing. This is in addition to whatever arch support the "vanilla" trainer comes with. Found it made a huge difference, 8 years on and I go jogging/weight training regularly with no problems. However I do notice a difference after a while when I remove the arch supports.

Downtime

because_I_can wrote:

Asics Kayano's - Arnotts.
There's supposed to be a shop in terenure that caters for athletes but i've never been

Asics Kayano - excellent runner - the sop is Mick Dowlings (the boxer) on Terenure Road North I think - road between Terenure and Harolds Cross beside the car park.

On asics.co.uk there is a good shoe advisor - also if ever in London the adidas shop and nike shop do tests on your feet and advise you on what shoe to get

g'em

AngryBadger wrote:

Same problem myself. When it was first brought to my attention, (about 8 years ago), I just started wearing a pair of arch supports all the time in whatever shoes I'm wearing. .

Did you get orthotics custom made or just buy the 'off-the-shelf' version? I have a pari of the latter and they've done me fine, its a over a year since I've seen any problems, but I only changed runners at Christmas and this new pair obviously just don't have the arch support I need. I just don't know if I can afford to fork out €200 + for a custom-made pair.

Downtime wrote:

On asics.co.uk there is a good shoe advisor - also if ever in London the adidas shop and nike shop do tests on your feet and advise you on what shoe to get

ooh, that's handy to know, I'll be over there in April so might give it a shot, and the Asics site is brilliant, thanks. (yeah, like I need more distractions from work right now )...

Myksyk

I had the Asics Gel Kayano 11 series and recently bought their 12 series (they update their shoe every year). The retail on the 12 series is €140 (mention that you're thinking of going for the 11 series and then haggle on going up to the 12s - you might get a few quid off - I got mine for €120 in Feet Athlete in the Eyre Sq Shopping Centre in Galway). If you're fashion conscious this year's model is red and white (I think they may bring our two different colours each year - you could get the 11 series in blue and silver and then in the latter half of the year in yellow and white)!You can still get the 11 series ... for less now that the 12 series has come out. The 12s are lighter with a new sole component (SoLyte instead of SpEva). Interestingly (and gob-smackingly expensive) most runners suggest that you never do more than 400-500 miles in any pair of runners and that you must change after this as the arch support and midsole suffers and is compromised. I changed to the 12 series even though my 11s looked brand new. My brother-in-law is a marathon runner and he sympathised but said he always changes after about 400 miles and the expense is worth it for the injuries it may prevent. Most sites I've seen also recommend this. Runner World magazine's last issue rated about 25 runners so it might be worth getting. Their top shoe was Asics Gel 2110 but I think this has also got to do with its price. I'd shell out the extra for the 'bells and whistles' Gel Kayanos if you can (and if they suit). They have excellent cushioning and stability and are apparently good for moderate over-pronators. I also use corrective orhtotics on the advice of a consultant but that was for knee problems (none since using the insoles). Very useful to hear about the shop in Terenure by the way.

justsomebloke

ye i have to say that asics are generally a good bet. If you get a pair now they should roughly do you till mid to late summer at which point arnotts generally have a sale something similar to the christams one where you can get some good asics runners for half price (i was slightly greedy and got 4 pairs at christmas to do me the year)

judesherry

Patto wrote:

I bought a pair of Asics in the Netherlands about 2 years ago. It was an interesting experience. They measured my shoe size obviously enough, my body weight, height and the width of my feet:eek: Because of my weight and height they recommended a stiffer sole and becuase I have a wide foot a wide fitting shoe. I've never met such a knowledgable and motivated/interested sales rep. Mind you it could have been a load of cods whollop, still I left a happy customer even after parting with €100 or whatever it was.

Asics generally have very good arch support.

hey im in amsterdam now looking for a pair of runners as i'm living beside vondal park. can you tell me what shop you got them in or will i just go to any sports shop here.

copacetic

the kayano are 130 in arnotts and half price in the summer and winter sales..

WizZard

Downtime wrote:

also if ever in London the adidas shop and nike shop do tests on your feet and advise you on what shoe to get

Will be in London this weekend. Any links/directions?