Runners for a newbie!

Wellyd

So I'm 3 weeks into a couch to 5k and I'm really really enjoying it so much but I think I need new runners. I want to get a new pair of runners but being such a girl about it I want a pretty pair. I saw a pair of Nike Flex Fury 2.0 and I'm trying to convince myself they're good enough to run in. I'm not running to race or to beat a time or anything just to improve my fitness. I've lost 4.5 stone on the last 16 months through diet change and with slimming world but now I want to get fit. So any advice would be welcome!

bee06

Check out this thread

http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2057558507/1

Ruu

Go to your local running shop, get your gait checked (free in any good running shop) you want a good pair that will last and are the right fit for you. Even though you won't be racing, you don't want to get injured and end up on the shelf. That may mean sacrificing the 'pretty' but colours are more outrageous these days anyway.

Dilbert75

And remember when you're buying your proper runners and baulking at the price that a physio visit generally costs €50 or more and few injuries are resolved with just one or two visits.

bside29

Try looking here http://www.runninggearlab.com/best-running-shoes-for-women/

Asics, Salomon and Nike are decent brands for Girls.

sconhome

bside29 wrote: »

Try looking here http://www.runninggearlab.com/best-running-shoes-for-women/

Asics, Salomon and Nike are decent brands for Girls.

Where do I start with this one..... :rolleyes:

Talk about the influence of marketing. Honestly there is no brand good for one gender or the other. There are male shoes and female shoes. Some brands are gender engineered others are not but it makes little difference.

Get proper advice from someone who listens to you and go from there.

Coffee Fulled Runner

Should really make a "shoes/runners for beginners" thread a sticky. Different versions of this thread keeps popping up.

sconhome

Coffee Fulled Runner wrote: »

Should really make a "shoes/runners for beginners" thread a sticky. Different versions of this thread keeps popping up.

There is a section in the sticky http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056503727 with Advice for New Runners: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=76314039&postcount=5

aoboa

Bad advice (gait analysis) from a 'sports' chain store when I started running got me injured and nearly put me off running completely.
Go to a running specialist and follow their advice.

bside29

sconhome wrote: »

Where do I start with this one..... :rolleyes:

Talk about the influence of marketing. Honestly there is no brand good for one gender or the other. There are male shoes and female shoes. Some brands are gender engineered others are not but it makes little difference.

Get proper advice from someone who listens to you and go from there.

My wife is a runner before we even met, so I'm pretty sure these are good suggestions from a runner. Respect each others opinions. Besides, this thread was created to provide opinions. #MrKnowitAll

sconhome

bside29 wrote: »

My wife is a runner before we even met, so I'm pretty sure these are good suggestions from a runner. Respect each others opinions. Besides, this thread was created to provide opinions. #MrKnowitAll

It's a misinformed opinion. A sweeping statement that 3 particular brands are good for girls is not good advice.

That is your opinion and I disagree with it based on the knowledge that I have about running shoes.

You disagree with my opinion. That's what happens on the internet I'm happy to agree to disagree.

No need for name calling though.

mossym

bside29 wrote: »

My wife is a runner before we even met, so I'm pretty sure these are good suggestions from a runner. Respect each others opinions. Besides, this thread was created to provide opinions. #MrKnowitAll

they are fine suggestions. so are brooks, and saucony, and skechers , all of which are on the link you provided. i know women who run in all of them and they all swear by them.

the point you quoted is valid, rather than picking a brand blindly find the shoe that works for you. running specialist will help with this, rather than big names stores like elverys who will just push the brand they want to

tunney

bside29 wrote: »

My wife is a runner before we even met, so I'm pretty sure these are good suggestions from a runner. Respect each others opinions. Besides, this thread was created to provide opinions. #MrKnowitAll

They are brands your wife likes.

I like brooks and saucony - does that mean that they work for all men? Obviously not. Likewise what works for your wife won't work for all women.

Thing about opinions is sometimes some opinions, like your one here on brands for women, are completely and utterly wrong.

bside29

If opinions are not allowed, then I am not sure what this thread is all about. The author even said "So any advice would be welcome!"

68 lost souls

Think there are enough handbags in this thread it's time to get back on advice on runners.

Where are you based? There are great shops for runners across the country so we can recommend one to suit you.

Get a proper fitting as gait analysis. Bring on the runners you have been using so they can look at wear patterns. All brands will have different models to cater for all genders, running styles and foot shapes.

I find Asics too narrow for me in general, mizuno and brooks work better. I have a neutral stride but I need a drop of at least 8mm. Other people will prefer other brands and models. It really is a personal thing.

When you are in the shop try on what is suggested even if they don't look like you want and then perhaps they can find a different colour or a similar style shoe that you like the look of but functionality is more important in the long run.

When k bought my last pair of Brooks ghost I tried on several pairs of runners and was allowed take a jog around the car park to see which suited me best. Was happy knowing I had the right pair then

uvox

I would get thee along to a running shop and have a specialist on the subject there assess your needs. It doesn't take long. You need to be able to run comfortably, to be the best of our ability, and safely.

Running is like freedom. It isn't free unless you have no intention of keeping it up. So buy smart.

None of the experts on here will cover you on their VHI if you get injured.

ThisRegard

mossym wrote: »

rather than big names stores like elverys who will just push the brand they want to

In fairness, I think it's down to the individual as opposed to the store. A couple of years ago Elverys were doing a pretty good offer on running shoes so I popped in and got chatting to a bloke. He knew his stuff and offered good advice, I suspected he was a runner himself and either got good training or just researched himself. But yeah, your average student who's part time weekend worker might not be as knowledgeable and push only what they know.

_Tombstone_

The dirt of them yokes they want ya to stand on (in Elverys anyway), fungus heaven.

davedanon

bside29 wrote: »

My wife is a runner before we even met, so I'm pretty sure these are good suggestions from a runner. Respect each others opinions. Besides, this thread was created to provide opinions. #MrKnowitAll

The first thing you realise when you join a running club is that everyone has an opinion, and they are far from uniform. They are all 'good suggestions from a runner'. But you can't follow all advice, when there's clear conflicts. You can't both do a 24 mile run in marathon training, and limit your long runs to 18 miles. Your wife's advice is valid, but it needs expanding. Theres' no need to be defensive about it. Those brands are all good shoes. But not 'just for women'. Some women will try them all and not like any. I've never worn Brooks, for instance, only Nike (one pair), Asics, and Saucony. I'm not dismissing Brooks, or any other brand, though, and if someone I trusted wanted me to try them, and I'd certainly give it a shot.