Runners - Any Recommendations

apsley

What are the best runner to get for gym/ running, I have Nike but dont know how much a good pair are and where is the best place to buy. Any advice please. ...

eilo1

Has to be asics for running

digme

cheap light runners will do you fine, but i heard if you pay over 100 quid you will get super fit

ThisRegard

eilo1 wrote: »

Has to be asics for running

Not necessarily, it all depends on your gait. There's a big range of Asics, some of which would suit you, some won't. Same goes for each other brand, best popping into somewhere that can do gait analysis and know what they're talking about. Pop into the ART forum and search there, there's a couple of recommendations of where to go such as Amphibian King in Bray and a couple of Elverys.

captain P

You can generally tell quality by the price, ones from about €80-100 & upwards are what i'd recommend. Asics Kayano are very popular for running, but some people find them a bit clunky. Have a look here.
With Nike, look at any with the Bowerman logo on them, Pegasus are often a good bet - depending on your needs.
I've recently bought a pair of Nike Free, they can be weird to get used to because of reduced cushioning, but I find them great.

Most sports shops will have a half decent range - but if you go to a running shop e.g. Runways on Parnell street, Dublin 1 they'd be able to advise you a bit better & maybe do a gait scan etc.

digme

captain P wrote: »

You can generally tell quality by the price, ones from about €80-100 are what i'd recommend. Asics Kayano are very popular for running, but some people find them a bit clunky. Have a look here.
With Nike, look at any with the Bowerman logo on them, Pegasus are often a good bet - depending on your needs.
I've recently bought a pair of Nike Free, they can be weird to get used to because of reduced cushioning, but I find them great.

Most sports shops will have a half decent range - but if you go to a running shop e.g. Runways on Parnell street, Dublin 1 they'd be able to advise you a bit better.

bullsh!T

ThisRegard

captain P wrote: »

You can generally tell quality by the price, ones from about €80-100 & upwards are what i'd recommend. Asics Kayano are very popular for running, but some people find them a bit clunky. Have a look here.
With Nike, look at any with the Bowerman logo on them, Pegasus are often a good bet - depending on your needs.

Again it all depends on the OPs gait, Kayanos are for overpronation, Pegasus are more neutral than Kayanos.

captain P

digme wrote: »

bullsh!T

I think that's a bit unneccessary.

The OP asked for the best runner to get, and said they didn't know how much a good pair were so I was giving some advice on that.

I'd hate to see the OP going out, spending €30 on a pair, and ending up with a pair of heavy Skechers or Hi-tecs or something that wouldn't suit their needs.
€80 gives a useful guide for someone who is starting out and is unsure of what to look for. Alot of basic mid-range are around that price, and at this time of year, the ones for €100+ are often reduced.

Again it all depends on the OPs gait...

100% agree.

Lantus

Vibram five fingers! Save yourself an injury and get ahead of the game.

digme

captain P wrote: »

I think that's a bit unneccessary.

The OP asked for the best runner to get, and said they didn't know how much a good pair were so I was giving some advice on that.

I'd hate to see the OP going out, spending €30 on a pair, and ending up with a pair of heavy Skechers or Hi-tecs or something that wouldn't suit their needs.
€80 gives a useful guide for someone who is starting out and is unsure of what to look for. Alot of basic mid-range are around that price, and at this time of year, the ones for €100+ are often reduced.



100% agree.

marketing has the better of you.....

Khannie

Digme....can you either contribute, or get out of this thread please.

How Strange

OP, there's no way for anyone to tell you online what are the best type of runners because as others said it depends on your gait i.e. how your foot hits the ground when you run/exercise.

Around Dublin, Amphibian King in Bray are great as are Runways on Parnell St for doing a gait analysis and then giving you a range of shoes to choose from. They usually won't tell you the price until you choose the shoe so you won't be swayed on price.

Personally, Kayanos are way too narrow for me and I lost two toenails on each foot from running in them. I love mizunos but have also tried new balance. I tend to get my gait analysed every time I get a pair of runners because what suited me last time might not suit me again.

Gait analysis is important to prevent injuries especially if you're running. I've been running for 4 years and luckily have had no injuries (apart from the 4 toenails ) but I know other people who buy the popular shoe and end up with knee, leg and back problems because the shoe is not suitable for them.

Khannie

OP: here's what I'd recommend:

Consider the vibram five fingers. They're the latest "in thing" and I've yet to hear a bad review of them. They are pricey however.

The one article that I read that wasn't praising them pointed out that elite runners don't use them for distance running. The author went on to ask some elite runners why and they said that they wanted cushioning for distance work (despite running toe / heel, which the vibrams force you to do).

If you are buying normal runners, the gait analysis is time well spent. I'd also recommend the 80+ euro range for any kind of serious running. I've found cheaper runners fall apart quickly.

If you're buying in a brick and mortar store I'd recommend amphibian king in bray. I travelled out there from Skerries and found the trip well worth it. It's a specialist running store and they do give you a gait analysis.

Personally, I use asics. I'll probably invest in the vibrams at some point though.

There is also a running forum. I can move this thread there if you like.

bungaro79

How Strange wrote: »

OP, there's no way for anyone to tell you online what are the best type of runners because as others said it depends on your gait i.e. how your foot hits the ground when you run/exercise.

Gait analysis is important to prevent injuries especially if you're running. I've been running for 4 years and luckily have had no injuries (apart from the 4 toenails ) but I know other people who buy the popular shoe and end up with knee, leg and back problems because the shoe is not suitable for them.

read a book recently called "born to run" by christopher mcdougal and he interviewed lots of experts from around the world and seems to think that we should be running barefoot or as close to it as possible. as how strange says above its all about how your foot hits the ground and in the book it talks about how since the modern runner came into production (by nike in the 70's) that alot of injuries have come about since its not the natural gait. i'm not a runner myself (bloody shinsplints!) but would definitely recommend this as a read for those interested in the sport

mack32

bungaro79 wrote: »

read a book recently called "born to run" by christopher mcdougal and he interviewed lots of experts from around the world and seems to think that we should be running barefoot or as close to it as possible. as how strange says above its all about how your foot hits the ground and in the book it talks about how since the modern runner came into production (by nike in the 70's) that alot of injuries have come about since its not the natural gait. i'm not a runner myself (bloody shinsplints!) but would definitely recommend this as a read for those interested in the sport

this book is a must read for anyone with even a passing interest in running, one of the central themes, as pointed out above, is that with all the modern technology and high tech runners we have these days there has been no reduction in runnig related injuries, depending on who you believe, a case may even be made that there has been an incresase in them!

its about a tribe of runners who are renowned long distance runners and have next to no injuries (we're talking a marathon as a warm up here) the book postulates that its to do with the fact they wear next to no cushioning on their feet (i think its some flimsy material but can't remember what exactly)

the vibram five fingers are highly recommended in the book too based on the above, i've never tried them though

ThisRegard

The problem I see with the 5 fingers is the lack of cushioning when you run over rough ground, even throdding on a pebble I would imagine could be fairly painful, particularly as most of your weight will be on your forefoot at the time of impact.

cwgatling

I have VFF's and like them but no way in hell would I recommend them to someone just after taking up running. Or as the only running shoe you own.

Has to be Asics? :eek: Just head to a decent running shop like those already mentioned and get whatever they think suits your gait. Best of luck with the training.

Cole

apsley wrote: »

What are the best runner to get for gym/ running

I just wear a decent pair of runners for the gym, need a new pair at the moment and will spend around €40/€50 in the sales.

However for running, it was the gait analysis at Amphibian King and a pair of Brooks. I can't remember the price, but I think it was under €100....about two years ago. I certainly didn't feel that I was paying any more there than I would pay in a 'regular' sports shop and the advice is definitely superior to what you would get in most places. I'm very happy with my Brooks.

AntiVirus

digme wrote: »

cheap light runners will do you fine, but i heard if you pay over 100 quid you will get super fit

Cheap light runners are only good for walking around the place, if you're going to be doing any kind of running invest in a good pair of runners. You would be best asking in the A/R/T forum. You can get nasty injuries running in bad runners.

Khannie

AntiVirus wrote: »

You can get nasty injuries running in bad runners.

I'm not sure that's entirely true. What I've read has said that there has never been a study that has shown that any type of runner reduces injuries.

ThisRegard

The point I think he was trying to make is that the wrong runners can compound an injury, I know that from experience unfortunately, rather than the correct runners reducing injuries.

Earlsie

Drop in to the guys in Amphibian King and get the "gait analysis" done for a start,I got this done about 2 years ago and they matched me up with (asics kayano 14s), not everyones cup of tea but they really suited me.

I am not a runner however, I play astro twice a week and usually do 2 x 8 mile runs during the week to (try) improve the fitness.

menoscemo

Running sops are great and I would recommend the likes of Amphibian King or first timers and to get a Gait Analysis. Another advantage of such shops is that you can try out several pairs of appropriate shoes in a running shop and pick the ones you find best fitting and most comfortable.
However the fact is you will often pay close to €100 (or more) for a shoe and later find them online or in another shop on sale for half the price.

If you do not have this kind of money to spend on runner then you could do your own Gait Analysis here and look for a cheaper pair of runner online absed on your gait.

Transform

exactly - most people could do with spending more time barefoot and to be honest anyon i have delt with that has over pronation problems as poor ankle mobility, poor hip mobility and very tight plantar flexors when rolling them.

If you are just starting out a basic pair of shoes will be fine and then more importantly combine that with plenty of stretching and foam rolling

Transform

ThisRegard wrote: »

The point I think he was trying to make is that the wrong runners can compound an injury, I know that from experience unfortunately, rather than the correct runners reducing injuries.

there is zero evidence that 'correct' runners prevent injuries.

I still agree there is the right show for you foot type but even with the right shoes you could still be putting in the miles and not sorting out tight e.g. glutes, poor ankle mobility, tight IT band etc - no shoe is going to correct any of that.

Naos

I'm very much leaning towards the Vibram Five Fingers at this stage. I'll just be using them for sprints and short distance running (sub 5km).

I'm going to pop into Runways on Parnell St this coming Monday. It's annoying how much cheaper they are in the good aul US!

Barry.Oglesby

I'm just coming to this thread and my one reaction has to be Wow! How the worm has turned. It's not so long ago that everyone would have been advocating getting your gait analysed and getting properly fitted runners and so on. About 6 months ago in fact. What changed I wonder?

My advice would be to buy 2 pairs of whatever fits you best, has a low and not too cushioned heel, and is on the sale rack. Don't wear the same pair within 3 days of each other and you'll be fine. Make sure they're running shoes and not Shox, Springz, Curvz, Ovalz, Abzoberz or whatever they're foisting now.

Khannie

Barry.Oglesby wrote: »

Don't wear the same pair within 3 days of each other

How come?

Barry.Oglesby

takes that long for the foam to reshape after a run.

AntiVirus

Transform wrote: »

there is zero evidence that 'correct' runners prevent injuries.

Try running in a runner that doesn't fit your foot properly for 20 miles, then try running the same distance in a runner that fits your foot properly.

ThisRegard

Transform wrote: »

there is zero evidence that 'correct' runners prevent injuries.

Read my post again, I never said they do. I said that wearing the wrong ones could cause issues.

Transform

ThisRegard wrote: »

Read my post again, I never said they do. I said that wearing the wrong ones could cause issues.

well i would agree on that - sorry my bad.

zAbbo

There's a lot more than just the running shoe which can lead to injury - but it's a great topic for discussion.

Ideally getting advice from someone who actively runs and can get your fit properly with a Gait analysis. Runways & Amphibian King get mentioned most on here.

You can however use this online tool to guide you - http://www.myprecisionfit.com/test/welcome

Once you know your type, it's worth making sure the size is right (I'm normally a 10/10.5 but find running shoes from 11-12 fit me better depending on brand)

From just trying on a runner, all you can really tell is if it doesn't fit - not that it's suitable, you'll find that out after a few mile

More info here for you
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/shoes/choosing-a-shoe-the-very-basics/481.html
http://www.runtheplanet.com/shoes/selection/shoetips.asp

Deedsie

How much does the gate analysis cost? The last time I was running I damaged my tendon. Really annoying injury. I don't want to go through that again. Every step sent a pain up my leg.

Transform

Deedsie wrote: »

How much does the gate analysis cost? The last time I was running I damaged my tendon. Really annoying injury. I don't want to go through that again. Every step sent a pain up my leg.

most places offer it for free

Lantus

You can simulate bare foot running to an extent in traditional running shoes. Chi running as one way it's called and there are vids in the tube to get an idea of what it's like.

I don't agree that VFF shouldn't be worn by beginners. Anyone with the appropriate knowledge of what they should do could easily start to run in them.

I have trad shoes and VFF's and agree that rough terrain would be hard going in VFF's (I have yet to experiment fully in that regard) They say your feet do toughen up to compensate but I'd say it's a painful process to get there all right.

There are loads of vids on VFF with regards to barefoot running, five fingers and the like on the tube so check them out.

discus

Transform wrote: »

there is zero evidence that 'correct' runners prevent injuries.

http://www.dominicmunnelly.ie/?p=459

I'll just leave this here.

eilo1

discus wrote: »

http://www.dominicmunnelly.ie/?p=459

I'll just leave this here.

Brilliant lol

aw poor Transform!!:P

AntiVirus

discus wrote: »

http://www.dominicmunnelly.ie/?p=459

I'll just leave this here.

LOL, classic

physioman

To be honest I wouldn't trust the guys in the sports shop who analyse your gait. are they trained really? I spoke to a podiatrist who recommended insoles and bought a pair of runners for 30 euro and it was fine. My advice seek advice from a professional who can look at your feet, insoles can be worn with any runner.

Chet Zar

AntiVirus wrote: »

LOL, classic

Indeed it is - It's what happens when you do a promotional post for another business and forget you did it

Transform

discus wrote: »

http://www.dominicmunnelly.ie/?p=459

I'll just leave this here.

Discus you seem to have a personal issue with me??

here is what i said in the article -

"I think if you are into doing any kind of running or even walking you would be CRAZY not to get this done as you could be wearing the wrong shoes for you and causing injuries".


That NOT the same as - "there is zero evidence that correct runners prevent injuries",

this means (as i put in a previous post) that even with the right shoes or heck no shoes at all you are not immune to getting injuries (why i suggest people get assessed properly) much the same way that you can do all the prehab work in the world to try to prevent a shoulder/knee/foot injury and still get injured.

Take for example a client of mine that has normal arches and last week went into a lifestyle sports shop and bought a pair of motion control runners (normally given to people with overpronation) because she liked the color of them. This would be a disaster for her as she intends on running a 1/2 marathon. I had another client that was trying to do sessions in Nike shox which were a total disaster for a guy that had hip and ankle mobility issues. This is something i see all the time with new clients buying super expensive running shoes that are either not needed or totally wrong a possibly harmful for their foot as shown in the example above.

that is what i suggested by saying at the very end that you should get it checked to prevent injuries.

THIS is where people get into trouble with wearing shoes that are based on the look rather than what they supposed to be used for and what i outlined in my article (thanks for posting that BTW) and covered already by zabbo above

Hope that clears that up and as the great Dale Carnegie
said - "Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain — and most fools do."

Khannie

Barry.Oglesby wrote: »

takes that long for the foam to reshape after a run.

Why is that important? I'm not picking on you. I just don't want to buy a second pair of runners because I'm a cheap git. If I was shelling out that much I'd probably give the vibrams a lash.

Barry.Oglesby

Transform wrote: »

Hope that clears that up and as the great Dale Carnegie
said - "Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain — and most fools do."

That's a pretty classless thing to say to someone you don't know. You used to regularly trumpet getting gait analysis and in this thread, you are anti-gait analysis. I don't know if you've taken a few quid from Amphibian King in the past and now you've changed your tune or if you just plain forgot what your opinion used to be. Calling someone a fool because they pointed out you contradict yourself is crass.

I've read your response above three times to try to make sense of it, and I can't. I can't tell if you think people do get injuries from bad shoes or not. To be brutally honest, I think that's like a lot of what you post, very open to interpretation, and then finishes up with something no one can disagree with like "I'd just like to see more people exercise..." and now a nasty response to someone who posts a link.

I wasn't going to respond to this (though I thought the link was pretty funny)
but I know the poster who goes by the name "discus" and he is not a fool and I think dismissing him as such because you were made to look foolish was a plain nasty thing to do.

khannie wrote:

Why is that important? I'm not picking on you. I just don't want to buy a second pair of runners because I'm a cheap git. If I was shelling out that much I'd probably give the vibrams a lash.

Why would that be picking on me?
It doesn't make one lick of difference if you're running 3 times a week or less. If you're running 4+ it would probably be best to have 2 pairs due to the nature of eva. The foam gets compressed every run and takes about 3 days to come back to it's shape, so running the next day would have less of a "shock absorber" under you. This problem is compounded in unsuitable shoes like any of the higher heeled runners, which would retain shape in the non-eva section (ie. the heel) and become flatter everywhere else. The higher your heel, the more you'll plant on it. I should point out I'm no expert here but I've spoken to the experts and this is what I've been told.

I've considered buying Vibrams but I just can't stand the look. Everyone I know who owns them loves them but after shelling out €100 on funny socks, I'd expect them to . In terms of the "feel" of Vibrams when they're on though I'd have to say they're the closest things to my old cross country shoes I've worn.

The Davestator

I'm fairly sure vibrams are great but I think they're the silliest looking things on earth!
I trained in an expensive pair of trainers last year but on the day of the halfmarathon, I forgot my trainers and had to race in my dads old painting runners- did a PB!

discus

Transform wrote: »

Discus you seem to have a personal issue with me??

Nope, I just need to understand where you're coming from... I find your views on things ambiguous to say the least. So do some of my friends who use the F-forum. It's nothing personal from me, I'll still introduce myself should I ever see you in public or at an event or whatnot.

That NOT the same as - "there is zero evidence that correct runners prevent injuries",

this means (as i put in a previous post) that even with the right shoes or heck no shoes at all you are not immune to getting injuries (why i suggest people get assessed properly) much the same way that you can do all the prehab work in the world to try to prevent a shoulder/knee/foot injury and still get injured.

Take for example a client of mine that has normal arches and last week went into a lifestyle sports shop and bought a pair of motion control runners (normally given to people with overpronation) because she liked the color of them. This would be a disaster for her as she intends on running a 1/2 marathon. I had another client that was trying to do sessions in Nike shox which were a total disaster for a guy that had hip and ankle mobility issues. This is something i see all the time with new clients buying super expensive running shoes that are either not needed or totally wrong a possibly harmful for their foot as shown in the example above.

that is what i suggested by saying at the very end that you should get it checked to prevent injuries.

THIS is where people get into trouble with wearing shoes that are based on the look rather than what they supposed to be used for and what i outlined in my article (thanks for posting that BTW) and covered already by zabbo above

Hope that clears that up and as the great Dale Carnegie
said - "Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain — and most fools do."

I had a fantastic response to all this, which turned into a bit of a rant about walking-contradictions and the like, so I'll just leave it at that. I even had another Dale Carnegie quote in the mix.

Oh and a genuine LOL at the "thanks for posting that link". Anytime.

Khannie

Barry.Oglesby wrote: »

Why would that be picking on me?

Ah just in case you thought I was trying to question you into a corner or whatever. People do that you know.

Barry.Oglesby wrote: »

I've considered buying Vibrams but I just can't stand the look.

Yeah, they're pretty horrible looking alright. I also like to wear runners for walking around in. Generally my last pair of running shoes become my current pair of comfy shoes. Also, the risk factor of shelling out 100 euro then potentially thinking they're naff (though I think this is low given how people bang on about how great they are) versus the safety of a nice pair of 80 euro asics. Might try some on though and take it from there.

Barry.Oglesby

Khannie wrote: »

Ah just in case you thought I was trying to question you into a corner or whatever. People do that you know.

Ah yes people might have attempted that with me before. I understand!

Yeah, they're pretty horrible looking alright. I also like to wear runners for walking around in. Generally my last pair of running shoes become my current pair of comfy shoes. Also, the risk factor of shelling out 100 euro then potentially thinking they're naff (though I think this is low given how people bang on about how great they are) versus the safety of a nice pair of 80 euro asics. Might try some on though and take it from there.

They're manky looking. It's like someone stood in tar. My mate has a pair of multi-coloured ones and they're no improvement. I think black might be best. There is lots of good evidence to suggest barefoot running and walking is necessary sometimes, but it's impractical. So yeah Vibrams may be the future.

Chet Zar

Transform wrote: »

Discus you seem to have a personal issue with me??

here is what i said in the article -

"I think if you are into doing any kind of running or even walking you would be CRAZY not to get this done as you could be wearing the wrong shoes for you and causing injuries".


That NOT the same as - "there is zero evidence that correct runners prevent injuries",

this means (as i put in a previous post) that even with the right shoes or heck no shoes at all you are not immune to getting injuries (why i suggest people get assessed properly) much the same way that you can do all the prehab work in the world to try to prevent a shoulder/knee/foot injury and still get injured.

Take for example a client of mine that has normal arches and last week went into a lifestyle sports shop and bought a pair of motion control runners (normally given to people with overpronation) because she liked the color of them. This would be a disaster for her as she intends on running a 1/2 marathon. I had another client that was trying to do sessions in Nike shox which were a total disaster for a guy that had hip and ankle mobility issues. This is something i see all the time with new clients buying super expensive running shoes that are either not needed or totally wrong a possibly harmful for their foot as shown in the example above.

that is what i suggested by saying at the very end that you should get it checked to prevent injuries.

THIS is where people get into trouble with wearing shoes that are based on the look rather than what they supposed to be used for and what i outlined in my article (thanks for posting that BTW) and covered already by zabbo above

Hope that clears that up and as the great Dale Carnegie
said - "Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain — and most fools do."

To be fair Transform the above makes no sense. If correct runners won't prevent injuries, then why on earth would anyone bother getting gait analysis done with the purpose of identifying any issues so that they can be fitted with the 'correct' runners?

Either I'm wearing the wrong runners (not having had gait analysis done), or I'm wearing the right runners (having had it done). In each case it makes no difference as regards injuries is what you're saying!

Transform

ok just to clear up a few items -

First - discus i am sincerely sorry for the comment and hope you accept my apology.

Second up - the correct shoes - my entire point in both this thread and my article is to push everyone away from buying runners that could be incorrect for them i.e. if you have normal feet you don't go out and spend €140 on a pair of acics shoes that the guy in the store told you they were the best yet they were built for people that genuinely over pronate or worse still people going out and buying MBT's, spring boost or what ever they are selling this month and try running in them.


All that being said lets say you go for a very flat type shoe that are maybe one step up from vibrams e.g. a racing flat like acics DS trainer, zoots or inov8's then thats great but it's still not going to make you immune from getting injuries if you are not sorting out mobility/flexibility issues. Hence the point on even the right shoes are NOT going to prevent injuries.

Where gait analysis can really help is with the individual that genuinely is over pronating and wants to get out running even though they may not have addressed e.g. tight plantar flexors, poor ankle mobility and poor hip mobility etc

For the record I have never gotten paid buy any running shop to promote their business.

AntiVirus

Transform wrote: »

"you could be wearing the wrong shoes for you and causing injuries".

To say this you must have evidence that wearing the wrong shoe's causes injuries.

Transform wrote: »

"there is zero evidence that correct runners prevent injuries"

If the first statement is true then you have evidence proving that the correct runners will prevent injuries?

That is a contradiction right there. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.