New Runners :) :)

journey

It's my birthday next week and I'm getting money to get some new runners and I'm planning on going out to amphibian king to get my gait analysis done.
Just wondering if anyone who has had this done could fill me in on what happens. Do I need to book an appointment or will it be ok to just pop along on Tuesday? Do they give you a choice of runners or just recommend 1 pair? I have a budget of about 130 euro.

Is Amphibian King the best option or is there anywhere else I should consider instead?

Stark

As far as I know, it's okay to just pop along. They used to have an appointments system when it's busy but they're in a new premises with two tracks these days. The gait analysis takes about 5 minutes and they let you try about 2 or 3 pairs of shoes that they think will suit you. €130 should be plenty (my last pair cost €105).

I think Runways and Elvery's in the city centre also do gait analysis btw.

robinph

I've always just turned up, although you sometimes may have to wait a few minutes whilst they finish off with the previous customer.

Krusty_Clown

For the cost of a phonecall, you can get them to save you a spot so you won't have to wait. Bring your existing runners, running socks, and some running gear. They'll recommend about 3 or 4 pairs across manufacturers and at different price levels (thought the emphasis is on fit, rather than price). when you settle on one or two pairs, they'll let you take them for a spin up the road (presumably if it's not raining!). My last pair from AK was €100.

Ol' Donie

Sort of on this topic, how long do you guys think a pair should last? Think i might be due a new pair. Thanks.

rainbow kirby

It depends from person to person really, I know that mine last about 350 miles (but I'm a heavy overpronator that destroys shoes).

Woddle

Ol' Donie wrote: »

Sort of on this topic, how long do you guys think a pair should last? Think i might be due a new pair. Thanks.

I got about 700 miles out of my last pair, this time round I'm starting to feel niggles after 400 miles so I've ordered a new pair.

tunney

Stark wrote: »

As far as I know, it's okay to just pop along. They used to have an appointments system when it's busy but they're in a new premises with two tracks these days. The gait analysis takes about 5 minutes and they let you try about 2 or 3 pairs of shoes that they think will suit you. €130 should be plenty (my last pair cost €105).

I think Runways and Elvery's in the city centre also do gait analysis btw.

Like lab tests, the important thing is getting the test done its the interpretation of the results.

Oryx

Ol' Donie wrote: »

Sort of on this topic, how long do you guys think a pair should last? Think i might be due a new pair. Thanks.

I have over 500 miles on my fave pair of brooks, they feel a little flat, but cause no niggles. Im currently breaking in a new pair though, I wouldnt like to do a lot of long mileage on the older pair.

I tend to keep a few pairs on the go all the time. Allows for them getting wet, terrain, etc.

Ol' Donie

Hmm. I'm just shy of 300 miles in mine. So i guess its a case of HTFU for a bit:)
Having said that

Oryx wrote: »

I tend to keep a few pairs on the go all the time. Allows for them getting wet, terrain, etc.

seems to make a lot of sense.
Thanks for the replies.

Stark

Oryx wrote: »

I have over 500 miles on my fave pair of brooks, they feel a little flat, but cause no niggles. Im currently breaking in a new pair though, I wouldnt like to do a lot of long mileage on the older pair.

I tend to keep a few pairs on the go all the time. Allows for them getting wet, terrain, etc.

I've heard someone say as well that the shoes last longer if you alternate shoes every day. Something to do with the shoes taking two days to "recover" or something. Take it with a pinch of salt but it would be interesting to hear if anyone's heard the same.

--amadeus--

Stark wrote: »

I've heard someone say as well that the shoes last longer if you alternate shoes every day. Something to do with the shoes taking two days to "recover" or something. Take it with a pinch of salt but it would be interesting to hear if anyone's heard the same.

HM has said that a few times. And she has a PhD in scince stuff so it must be true!

robinph

Just found this quoted on this page:

A runner who runs daily should alternate a minimum of two pairs of shoes. Why? Because each time you run, some air cells in the midsole collapse. If you look at the midsole material under a microscope, you'll see material similar to a sponge, with round air cells throughout it. As you run, some of these cells will collapse or flatten out. If you allow the material to recover, by alternating your shoes, many cells will return to a round shape filled with air. If you run daily with the same shoes, these air cells will flatten and remain flat permanently--hence, you experience midsole breakdown, especially if you are a heavier runner. -- George Lecours, Striding Along, February/March 1996, A Publication of the Gate City Striders, Nashua, NH

Dunno if that guy has a PhD in science stuff or not though, but it does make sense.

Salty Dog

Up and Running in Newry also do the gait analysis using a treadie. Was up there this morning. Think I'd give the nod to AK though on quality of service.

mikemac

Big fan of Amphibian King in Bray
And repeat customers get €10 off.

My runner is a Saucony Triumph 5 but is seems it's been updated to series 6 or possibly series 7.
Either way, not on sale until December

Amphibian King kept me updated all the way so I'll hold off and give them the business

OP, you don't have to make an appointment but if you're heading there some day, just call ahead. For the price of a phonecall you'll get an appointment

Running Bing

Im running in the same shoes that I bought last January.

I run 6 days a week and have averaged about 40 mpw.

Tbh I would'nt even bother buying another pair of shoes if they didnt smell god awful at this stage.:D

Having said that I do feel they are less bouncy now but I prefer that tbh.

brownian

+1 for AK in Bray.

I have waited over half an hour when there's only one person on, and there's another customer just come in before me. The flipside is I then get half an hour of attention. But you may be able to skip the wait if you ring ahead.

Incidentally, AK is now at the corner of the old N11, where the Sunnybank Inn used to be. You can get there by coming in on the Bray-Shankill road, passing Industrial Yarns (furnitureland or something these days) and the Soon Fatt Chinese Restaurant, and then taking a right at the lights just as the road dips downhill. Parking on the right just after AK (which is also on your right). Alternatively, come in the next junction from the N11 (badly signposted, sharp left), then left at the roundabout, follow the river into Bray, just before the lights AK is on left, parking just before.