Good runners/gym shoes

brianthebard

Ok so I've come into some bday money and I want to get a good pair of runners to finally replace the fila things I've been wearing to the gym. I also plan to (yes I know planning is different to doing) start running soon so I need them to be suitable for both running and weightlifting. Any suggestions for particular brands? My budgetary cap is €100 and I'd be mighty glad if I didn't have to spend that much. So any suggestions?

Myksyk

Something like Asics 2120s are within your price bracket and that particular range are regularly voted 'shoe of the year' or some such by Runner's World etc. Ideally you need to know the type of foot you have (neutral, overpronating or underpronating). AmphibKing in Bray will do a quick gait analysis and recommend the general type of footwear.

mloc

Also interested in this, I'm getting a new pair of runners soon and was wondering if theres something that would suit gym activity.

I do a good bit of deadlifting, squats and other heavy free weight exercises, so that would be my primary concern. I'm also starting a bit of running, so something that would do both would great too.

Superdub2

Asics Gel Kayano are generally considered to be the best runner available for runnning from what i hear and i have a pair which i use jogging and can vouch for them as i have had a lot of shin splints trouble in the past and havent had any since using them! As for the gym im not too sure if it is that important what you are wearing

mloc

Superdub2 wrote:

As for the gym im not too sure if it is that important what you are wearing

While it is not as important as for running, I've found that some shoes are much better than others for doing exercises where a lot of weight rests on the feet, for example squats and deadlifts. I was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what would be beneficial? I've seen cork soled weightlifting shoes, but they might be a bit overkill at the moment.

hunnymonster

I really woudn't wear the same shoes for running as for lifting.

For running, do you know what your gait is like? Do you protonate or under-protonate etc. How heavy are you? You will need different types of shoes depending on the answer. Damien Mc Keever who posts in the athletics thread has a gait anaylsis in his shop in Bray and it's well worth the trip

g'em

I agree with hunnymonster, ideally you want totally different runners for lifting and running. When you're lifting, you want to be able to drive your heel down and keep your feet reasonably flat- running shoes will be soled and padded lifted various parts of your foot off the floor. The padding will aslo absorb and dissipate much of the force generated against the floor that should be directed towards moving the weight you're trying to shift. Also the squishier teh padding between your foot and the ground, the more unstable you're likely to become when you're lifting. That's why you see lots of lifters wearing Converse allstars boots.

justsomebloke

hunnymonster wrote:

I really woudn't wear the same shoes for running as for lifting.

I wouldn't be to pushed on wearing different runners, as long as they have a solid heel I wear kayanos or 2110 to do lifting and they don't have any noticable effect. However things like nike air shocks should be avoided like the plague if you do lifting as they can effect your lifting as they compress to much in the heel

empirix

Jeez i find the shox great for training in, don't absorb that much tbh

justsomebloke

empirix wrote:

Jeez i find the shox great for training in, don't absorb that much tbh

god no, I have a pair and I really notice the difference when I am heavy squatting or deadlifting because the heel compress more it is harder to push off with your heel making the lifts a lot harder

Beno

i really wouldnt recomend doing weights in running shoes, i have have a few friends who wreaked their kayanos doing weights on them. If your thight on cash get an old pair of shoes for weight lifting, converce shoes are ideal because they have a flat sole

blorg

Just something to consider if you know your size- I got a pair of Asics Kayanos on eBay (UK) for £43, which is substantially less than retail here in Ireland.

brianthebard

g'em wrote:

I agree with hunnymonster, ideally you want totally different runners for lifting and running. When you're lifting, you want to be able to drive your heel down and keep your feet reasonably flat- running shoes will be soled and padded lifted various parts of your foot off the floor. The padding will aslo absorb and dissipate much of the force generated against the floor that should be directed towards moving the weight you're trying to shift. Also the squishier teh padding between your foot and the ground, the more unstable you're likely to become when you're lifting. That's why you see lots of lifters wearing Converse allstars boots.

You mean there is a use for cons after all??:eek: I've been slating them for years! But I may find an equivalent, thanks for the advice.

empirix

jsb wrote:

god no, I have a pair and I really notice the difference when I am heavy squatting or deadlifting because the heel compress more it is harder to push off with your heel making the lifts a lot harder

Ahhh, one cannot perform squats due to knee injuries, thats maybe whi i don't notice, although i have no problems with deadlifts!

Diamondmaker

I too went amphibian king in Bray. Damian was very helppful and if you go when it is quiet you will be able to spend as long as is required to pick the best shoe for you. You get to run on them in the shop and he analyses your gait in slo mo on a PC screen.

The trainers I now have are excellent, feel custm built. I think I tried 4 pairs on rotation before settling on these Kayanos!