6 replies to this topic

[sarahv]

I know there are plenty of previous threads re when to buy new shoes/what brands etc ...

At the moment I'm running between 15 -20 kms per week, with a view to increasing that leading up to July so I'm ready to run in the 10k at the GCM.

I've been getting sore shins (shin splints??) after each run, and have experienced some minor knee soreness too.

It's been suggested that I might need new shoes.

At the moment I'm running in Asics gels 1110's (i think that's the number) and they're somewhere between 6 and 8 mths old. I've been wearing these pretty much 6 days out of 7 either running or to the gym. Plus I have a few extra kilos at between 75 - 80kgs. so they've had a pretty good workout I suppose.

I went into Ath. Foot yesterday and according to their machine thingo I have a rolling in foot with a high arch. The guy said my current shoes are more of a cross trainer and gave me 3 pairs of new shoes to try on. The ones which felt the best in the shop were a pair of Mizuno Nirvana's at $249.50!

I read the suggestions in other threads to see a pod before getting new shoes - I can't afford to spend that kind of money - my husband won't let me - he thinks running should be 'free' .

So I guess, I'm wondering, how do you know you've got the right shoe (short of running in it, and after that you can't exactly change your mind can you?). How do you know you're not getting screwed by the shoe shop to buy the most expensive pair? How do I know I actually NEED a new pair of shoes?

[Running Angel]

sarahv, on Mar 29 2007, 02:12 PM, said:

I know there are plenty of previous threads re when to buy new shoes/what brands etc ...

At the moment I'm running between 15 -20 kms per week, with a view to increasing that leading up to July so I'm ready to run in the 10k at the GCM.

I've been getting sore shins (shin splints??) after each run, and have experienced some minor knee soreness too.

It's been suggested that I might need new shoes.

At the moment I'm running in Asics gels 1110's (i think that's the number) and they're somewhere between 6 and 8 mths old. I've been wearing these pretty much 6 days out of 7 either running or to the gym. Plus I have a few extra kilos at between 75 - 80kgs. so they've had a pretty good workout I suppose.

I went into Ath. Foot yesterday and according to their machine thingo I have a rolling in foot with a high arch. The guy said my current shoes are more of a cross trainer and gave me 3 pairs of new shoes to try on. The ones which felt the best in the shop were a pair of Mizuno Nirvana's at $249.50!

I read the suggestions in other threads to see a pod before getting new shoes - I can't afford to spend that kind of money - my husband won't let me - he thinks running should be 'free' .

So I guess, I'm wondering, how do you know you've got the right shoe (short of running in it, and after that you can't exactly change your mind can you?). How do you know you're not getting screwed by the shoe shop to buy the most expensive pair? How do I know I actually NEED a new pair of shoes?

Hi Sarah

By the sounds of it you definitely need new shoes, especially if you are getting shin and knee pains. If your shoes are 6-8 months old and you wear them pretty much every day they are probably well overdue.

Just a point to note aswell - running shoes are for running in not going to the gym aswell - this will make them last a lot longer.

Go to a few different shops for advice before buying anything.Ask to try them out on the treadmill - most places should have one. Once you know what you are looking for you can look around for the best deal. My shoes RRP is $240 but Paul's Warehouse in the city have them for $170

How to know if you need a new pair of shoes? Take your old ones with you when you try on new ones and notice the difference in the cushioning etc. Look at the tread on your old shoes compared with the new ones.

Unfortunately whoever said that running was cheap lied!!!

[Ellie80]

Sarah - the podiatrist could pay for itself if they recommend a range of shoes - one of which could be $100 cheaper than the mizunos!!! if you get to the point where you buy a couple of pairs a year (or more!) that is well worth it!!

although they may tell you the mizunos are great...

[Steve 'The Footman']

Standing or walking on a machine will not tell you what your foot is doing when you are running. The best idea is to go to a running specialist store to get expert advice from a runner. You also have the opportunity to run in each pair to compare before buying the best one.

As an owner of a running store our focus is on selling the service we can offer not just a pair of shoes. Running Angel perhaps you should change your name to Running Devil. If everyone was as unethical as you then there would be no running stores and the running community would be much reduced. Running specialists offer a lot of support to runners in many different ways including organising races and training groups. If you value them enough to get the right advice you should value them enough to pay for it as well.

[sarahv]

Steve - I understand what you're saying about the service and the price ... I've considered coming in to see you guys - can you promise me I'll get unbiased advice and the best shoe for me, regardless of price?! I'm happy to pay a reasonable difference between say A mart all sports and you guys for the peace of mind of knowing that I'm getting the right product for a reasonable price.

Also, I'm sure everyone at the store is lovely, But I also would feel a bit funny going to a specialist running shop, not really considering myself a runner ... yet! So I have to get over that first... but I feel like that in a general sports store too - just my own insecurities!

Quote

Sarah - the podiatrist could pay for itself if they recommend a range of shoes - one of which could be $100 cheaper than the mizunos!!! if you get to the point where you buy a couple of pairs a year (or more!) that is well worth it!!

Ellie - ahhh, I know!! This is the dilemma! I just don't want to go to a podiatrist and they say"hey, you need orthotics, here's a bill for several hundred dollars" ...

I just need someone who:

a)knows what they're talking about
has no vested interest in whatever shoes I decide to buy
c) is not going to charge me an arm and a leg for the comfort of advice and guidance

I think I ask the impossible!!!!

[Steve 'The Footman']

sarahv, on Mar 29 2007, 08:06 PM, said:

Steve - I understand what you're saying about the service and the price ... I've considered coming in to see you guys - can you promise me I'll get unbiased advice and the best shoe for me, regardless of price?! I'm happy to pay a reasonable difference between say A mart all sports and you guys for the peace of mind of knowing that I'm getting the right product for a reasonable price.

Also, I'm sure everyone at the store is lovely, But I also would feel a bit funny going to a specialist running shop, not really considering myself a runner ... yet! So I have to get over that first... but I feel like that in a general sports store too - just my own insecurities!

Hi sarahv. I can guarrentee that you will get unbiased advice and the best shoe for you regardless of price.

We have a large range of running shoes from all the major brands. We train our staff to focus on getting the best shoe for each runner regardless of price or brand. One of the things you will hear them say is that it is about finding the best shoe to suit you and that will often be the $160 one rather than the $260 dollar one. There is not much difference in quality between the two anyway. We try not to discuss price at all until you have tried on the shoes and found the best ones. People tend to be influenced by advertising that the shoe with all the gizmos and costs is better and that is not necessarilly the case. If you try on ten pair of shoes and pick three that work - then you can choose on price - and pick the cheapest! Our focus is on making a new customer not maximising the sale. You will not see us trying to sell unneccessary $60 insoles with your new shoes ... and would you like fries with that? We do not put pressure on our staff to sell the most expensive shoes or make the biggest sale possible. No chain store can say that honestly. The only pressure our staff are under is to find the best shoe to suit you.

In the end good value means much more than paying less than recommended retail price. If you get the wrong shoe then it is bad value even if you got a discount. Especially if you have to pay to get an injury fixed as well as replacing the shoes.

While our staff are experienced runners and triathletes they are not elitist. Like our club, the focus is on social and recreational athletes. You should not feel funny about going to a specialist running store. If you are not walking - then you are a runner and walkers are more than welcome at our shop too. We also have two podiatrists in store and three podiatry students working for us. Staff are able to check with us if they are unsure of what type of shoe would suit. We have a free podiatric running biomechanics screening day on Saturday and both podiatrists are working in the store afterwards. You are welcome to book in for a 15 minute screening appointment or see us instore before 1pm. After that we are off to cross country!

[sarahv]

Thanks Steve - I've just spent the last hour reading your articles on the shop's website, and feel much more comfortable about coming into the store and what kind of advice I might get there.

I think I'll give the store a call tomorrow.