Which Running Shoes to buy?

DaDa

Ok, am not a serious athlete by any stretch of the imagination... but it's always been a goal to complete a Triathlon.

I am signed up to do the Chicago Triathlon (Olympic distance: 1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) in late August this year. My aim is to complete it without keeling over, not race it

I've got the swim distance under the belt. Haven't done any biking yet, but I'm not worried about it as I used to bike 20k each way to work 2 or 3 times per week. But the running... not something I've ever done before and I'm finding it tough. I'm barely up to 5k and still finding it tough. I'm 5'11'' and weigh 15st 9Lbs... on the heavy side for sure.

I've been told that the running shoes could make a big difference. Right now I am running in whatever trainers I had in the house.

So.. where should I go to get good advice and fitting for a pair of running shoes. Not too bothered about the price.. I just want to get someone who will advise well.

Nearest shopping centre would be Blanchardstown.

Thanks!

tunney

You're not going to get anything useful in Blanchestown. Or town proper even.

Head out to Amphian King in Bray. Long trip but here's why - they'll sell you a shoe for your foot. Nothing anyone posts here with regard to "Such and such is a good shoe" is of any use or relevance to you. They'll analysis you gait and foot strike and give you what you need.

DaDa

I work in South Dublin, so Bray would be ok... cheers!

DaDa

For anyone else reading... that's Amphibian King in Bray

http://www.amphibianking.ie/

HardyEustace

They've also recently started doing tri gear as well!

martinl

I heard that some of the guys from Amphibian King are into endurance sport themselves. This is always a good sign as they are then more likely to be interested in the whole area.

They also came along to a south Dublin based gym a few months back and offered advice on shoes.

Maybe give them a ring if they come to some other Dublin based gym in the near future.

Few years back I went to Sports World in Terenure and thought the advice was ok, not sure what they are like nowadays.

In Dublin I got the impression it is relative tricky to find a proper sports/running shoe shop that offeres good advice (having lived in various countries and done a lot of running during the last few years).

HardyEustace

yes, Damien (from amphibianking) is getting ready for an ironman or has just done one(can't remember which). Also ran into him (not literally) doing the half marathon in conneamara this year.

Katie S, glad to hear that you've found a pair of shoes that suit but in this case it sounds like the services of amphibian king are what the OP is looking for.

The mini-marathon was my first ever race last year, loved it so much I ended up doing the marathon. However gear that is fine for training up to 10k runs may not be suitable for tougher/longer training. So I found out to my dismay when I shredded my back after my first 16 mile run. My shorts which weren't specifically running shorts were fine till that distance but then I discovered that the thread, that the label was sewn on with, was ideal as a skin serator over longer distances! Thus it really is worth getting good stuff once you're starting onto longer training!

Have been using amphibian king for over a year now and couldn't recommend them highly enough. Fantastic service and I think it's great to get the opportunity to support an indigenous irish company.

hunnymonster

HardyEustace wrote:

yes, Damien (from amphibianking) is getting ready for an ironman or has just done one(can't remember which). Also ran into him (not literally) doing the half marathon in conneamara this year.

It's still a few weeks off, He is doing Ironman Austria. Obviously he will not be in a position to sell any shoes for these next weeks as he will be spending all his time training, sleeping or eating (only joking).

Kinetic^

Have to agree on Asics. I've always wore adidas/nike/reebok when running but after purchasing my first pair of Asics Kayanos, I'd never go back to anything else.

I've also heard great things about the amphibian king from several people.

tunney

Oh god, I wondered when the first "Kayano is great" post would come.

Yes they are FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE. For others they are utter utter crap.

blah

Hope I'm not hijacking the thread but can anyone recommend a place in London to buy good running shoes?

Also, how often should you buy a new pair. I'm sure it's going to differ for everyone depending on how far/often they run but can anyone tell me how often they get new runners?

Jimoslimos

blah wrote:

Hope I'm not hijacking the thread but can anyone recommend a place in London to buy good running shoes?

There's a place near Covent garden called London Marathon store, my gf got her runners there. I think there's also another place near St Pauls.

hunnymonster

how often varies a little but in general somewhere between 300 and 500 miles is the lifetime of trainers. The lower end if you are heavy with a strange gait, the upper end if you are light and have ideal gait for the trainers.

rubadub

DaDa wrote:

For anyone else reading... that's Amphibian King in Bray

http://www.amphibianking.ie/

great guys, really know their stuff. I went on a saturday morning when it was quiet. tried on lots of types, got videoed running and analysed. got to even jog around the car park in them!

All are at RRP prices or less too.

mikemac

Another thumbs up for Amphibian King in Bray.

Been running about 30km a week for a few weeks in an old pair of runners. Ended up getting a blister and bleeding on my heel too.

Called into Damien in Amphibian King today. Did all the tests and got sorted with a quality pair of runners.
Plan to try them out tomorrow.

He certainly knows his stuff!

Kinetic^

tunney wrote:

Yes they are FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE. For others they are utter utter crap.

Same with everything. If they can support me (6'5" and 115+kg) then imo they're a good runner.

hunnymonster

Kenny 5 wrote:

Same with everything. If they can support me (6'5" and 115+kg) then imo they're a good runner.

Your weight is only one aspect of what shoe you need. You didn't say what your gait was like, how broad your feet are, what level of impact they take....... Tunney's point is valid. Use the wrong shorts and the worst that will happen is a bit of chaffing or you'll look like a ponce. Use the wrong trainers and you risk things like a fracture and a very expensive physiotherapist bill.

Gillo

rubadub wrote:

great guys, really know their stuff. I went on a saturday morning when it was quiet. tried on lots of types, got videoed running and analysed. got to even jog around the car park in them!

All are at RRP prices or less too.

So roughly how much are you likely to spend?
I imagine from a commerical point of view, they have to charge more if they are going to go through a full fitting.

hunnymonster

Best estimate is 100 to 140 euro. The reason being they only stock quality shoes designed for purpose i.e. no nikes for wandering around town looking trendy. They have a loyality scheme with money (a tenner I think) off your next pair.

rubadub

gillo wrote:

So roughly how much are you likely to spend?
I imagine from a commerical point of view, they have to charge more if they are going to go through a full fitting.

as said most are €100-130.
They are out in bray so will have lower rent costs than shops in town. All of the shoes are at RRP or below, but since they are all high cost they must be making enough, also I imagine the majority of people going into the shop are going in to buy (i.e. not full of browsers)

DaDa

Amphibian King is definitely worth a visit. Damien looked after me nicely. The new runners he got me in have made a difference. He was very helpful on all aspects of Triathlon.

There's also a 30 day "not satisfied" guarantee.

He's thinking about opening a premesis on the North Side.. so anyone thinks that's a good idea should let him know if you call in.

puredub

unfortunately footlocker only carry three pairs of tech shoes and they are the oberon 2 colors blue ,orange(asics) ,762 (new balance) .lifestyle carry kayano (asics) and triax (nike) both stability or motion control but wouldnt reccommend these if you dont need them.If you are neutral runner the oberon is a good shoe to get you started,and not as expensive as triax or kayano