How do I select the right new running shoes?

Hannibal Smith

So sorry if this is a silly question, but I'm new to all this.

In January I took up running and was 4 stone heavier so my 6 year old runners were taking quite a beating from the off Anyhow I've noticed this passed week that my legs are getting tired easier, there seems to be no cushioning in my running at all and I feel every step. I presume this is a sign that I need new runners?

I want to get proper decent runners this time but haven't a clue where to start? I want a proper shoe that will stretch my foot out. I run on paths if that makes any difference?

Alf Veedersane

First off,i'd suggest getting a gait analysis done to assess how your feet hit the ground so they can suggest runners that will help even things out so that you don't end up injuring yourself slowly but surely by running. At the very least,it'll mean you won't make matters worse which can be done if you just go buy your own. But the runners you have are long past their sell-by date. I've done that myself when i was younger+knew less than nothing and buggered myself up training and running a marathon in poxy runners. Plenty of sports shops do gait analysis now. If you Google it,you'll find one near you. Best of luck!

Hannibal Smith

Thank you. Never heard of gait analysis. Just did a quick google and also found an athletics/running forum on here. ..so sorry for posting in the wrong place.

I'll have a further look into this gait analysis. .thanks again.

Challo

Not sure where you live but look up Amphibian King. They are based in Bray but have a few shops around the country. I finally went last weekend and it was worth it, super service and my new runners are amazing! Such a difference to what i got myself in Elvery's and the likes before.

nate19841

I find find that the top brands are really developing better shoe products for the non runner. I think the standard cross trainer is a good starting point for any beginner but if you're serious I would go with Asics hyperspeed or anything by asics depending on the distance you're hoping to run. Adidas Boost are quite good and comfy too

Hannibal Smith

Theres an amphibian king in ballymount...thats close enough to me. Thanks

I saw an asics cross something or other mentioned in a magazine as one of the top running shoes for beginners. So its funny you mention asics. I'll have a look at them.

I wamt to get it sorted asap because running is really miserable now in tgese current ones.

adrian522

I recommend Amphibian king in Ballymount also, make an appointment with them before you head out, they will do the analysis and also let you try running in 6 or 7 different shoes and you'll end up with a great pair of runners for the next while.

Alf Veedersane

Hannibal Smith wrote: »

Theres an amphibian king in ballymount...thats close enough to me. Thanks

I saw an asics cross something or other mentioned in a magazine as one of the top running shoes for beginners. So its funny you mention asics. I'll have a look at them.

I wamt to get it sorted asap because running is really miserable now in tgese current ones.

I'd get the shoes sorted before I'd go running again,if i were you. You might be doing more harm to yourself than it's worth. Best of luck with it!

Hannibal Smith

Im glad you said it, I thought I was being a wuss...but its completely taking the joy out of it. I enjoy my runs and usually go for a 9k run at the weekend but I've been putting it off and putting it off this weekend because its just not comfortable anymore.

I'll give amphibian king a call in the morning and see what I can sort out.

Thanks again for all the tips...I thought it was just a case of getting a recommended shoe. ..id no idea about gait analysis or how personalised it was!

Alf Veedersane

I used to enjoy running and then as my knees ached after a run the next day,I'd wonder why I did it. Stopped running. A few months later,a new pair of runners,and I spent my Christmas holidays running more mileage than I ever did in a week i was training for a marathon. The difference a good pair of runners makes is underestimated.I didn't know but that's cos i'd been running in a pair of 4-yr-old runners that I'd thought had been ok til then. But the soles had zero cushion. A good pair of runners will reignite your love of running!

minzabud

I went back running in January and got the gait analysis done, ended up with the ugliest pair of runners in the entire world.........but my form has gone through the roof and my feet are the last thing to stop me these days, I'm using saucony ride 5 and it was well worth the investment

Hannibal Smith

Excellent. ...cant wait to try out a new pair now! I was fine for ages...my hip hurts afterwards but I thought it was just the shock of being put to work ...but I finally got to the stage where after the 5k runs I felt like I could just keep going...then last week I had to stop on two runs and as I said the 9k was just miserable.

I cant wait to see how I do in a new pair of runners! Do they need breaking in at all?

Alf Veedersane

Hannibal Smith wrote: »

I cant wait to see how I do in a new pair of runners! Do they need breaking in at all?

I've gone with Asics runners the last few years and I've never needed to break them in. That might not be the case for everyone but they feel made for my feet.