advice on runners

Triangle

Hi All,
I've just started expanding my exercises to include running/jogging with the end goal being a Marathon (i've always wanted to do one)

Currently i'm running on a threadmill in a pair of Nike Air's, and have been told i should get a proper pair of running shoes.

Are Nike Air not good enough? What's the general opinions here?

Thanks,
Trig

cfitz

They may be Nike Air trainers that are designed for something other than running. Do you know what the name of the model is?

Triangle

Nike Air Max - I can't find a link to the exact pair I have, but looking at the store they'd fall under the category of trainers.

Are these so bad for running in?

cfitz

Well I doubt they're awful for running in. But they could be designed for tennis, or just walking about in, or running. Depending on what they are designed for they may not be ideally suited to running. They're still almost definitely a lot better than something casual like Nike Cortez or Asics Onitsuka Tigers. Find out what model they are when you get a chance and post it up here.

Triangle

Nike "Air Classic BW" trainers

Nike Store Link

--amadeus--

The standard advice is to go to a specialist running shop if you can or a good local sports shop and get them to recommend a pair of trainers based on your gait. I know nothing about Nike but they don't look like running shoes and you'll potentially do a lot of damage if you run in the wrong trainers.

hunnymonster

They appear to have a properly cushioned sole, which would be a good running surface assuming yo don't need any support or motion control,

However, they also appear to have leather uppers which would be more suggestive of a fashion shoe.

I'm slightly confused by these shoes, tbh, hopefully someone else will have a better idea.


Some people will tell you Nike don't make any running shoes, that's because historically the build quality (or whatever the appropriate term for running shoes is) wasn't great combined with the fact that most of their products are fashion shoes but in the last number of years, the quality has been very good. For example, I'm using Nike shoes for my ultramarathon at the end of March.


More important than the brand, is the fit of the shoe relative to your gait and type of running you do. There have been books written on this very topic but there are various introductory guides online
e.g. http://www.googobits.com/articles/531-finding-the-perfect-running-shoe.html

cfitz

The original version of this shoe (released in 1991) was as a running shoe. Probably a fairly decent if not brilliant running shoe. The current BW model is adapted for casual wear so it's hard to know how suitable it is for running. How much running do you do Triangle? When would you be planning on changing to new runners if nobody had mentioned it to you?

I reckon, if you have buckets of cash, you can head out and buy some brand new brilliant trainers. But if you're not running a whole lot, and you're planning on changing shoes soon enough, then I think you'd be fine running in the Air Max until then. But there are better cheaper running shoes available whenever you are ready to change them.

Triangle

I used to do a lot of swimming, but my routine now includes 3 days of threadmill. I'm also looking to do more roadside jogging and hopefully (eventually) do a marathon.
So the plan is to increase the amount of running I do.

I generally have flat arches and am starting to think i should just invest in a good pair and just goto Dublin and get suitable ones for mystyle.

Thanks for the advice everyone

Trig

mrak

I feel like I am starting to break apart a bit this week (knees, calves, ankles) so I ordered just a new pair of shoes in case that's it - I think that I have about 5 x the recommended mileage on my shoes! I noticed that Buckleysports has a pretty good page on shoe selection:

http://www.johnbuckleysports.com/products/params/2

This bit in particular was interesting to me:

How long should they last?
As a general rule most running shoes provide cushioning up to 500 miles, though many runners may find breakdown in cushioning after as few as 350 miles. Shoes with compression-molded EVA midsoles vary in durometer, or density. This means that the cushioning elasticity and life span of each midsole is relative to the shoe. Most shoes with polyurethane midsoles break down at a slower rate keeping their "feel" for a longer period of time.

Worn out shoes often result in aches and pains in legs, knees and hips, signaling that it is time to replace your shoes. To avoid injuries, it's a good idea to rotate your shoes every 250 miles so that you have two pairs of shoes to wear at all times.

The first pair, the newest pair, should be worn for the majority of your activity, especially longer and high-performance sports.
The second, older pair should be used for short runs, inclement weather, and casual practice or working out.
Wear the second pair until you have compressed the midsole (see "The Press Test" below) and then remove them from the rotation.
At this point, the 1st pair becomes the 2nd pair and it's time to get a new 1st pair. If you use two pairs of the same model, be sure to mark them with some sort of easily identifiable mark so you don't confuse the old and new pair.

The Press Test
When an EVA midsole is compressed, it creates visible lines or wrinkles in the midsole material that can be seen from the sidewall of the shoe. As the midsole is further compressed, the lines multiply and grow closer together. The first appearance of these lines indicates that the midsole is compressing normally. A simple pressure test will help you determine whether or not your midsole is compacted.

Using the broad part of your thumb, push on the outsole upward into the midsole. It should be easy to see the midsole compress into these lines.
As the shoe breaks down, the midsole will compress less with the same amount of pressure.
When the midsole shows heavy lines and the press test yields a minimal degree of compression, the midsole has been compacted to a point where little or no cushioning remains.