15 replies to this topic

[runningman]

I would love your feedabck on the best shoes to and socks to use for the syd marathon. It will be my first and want ot be best prepared. I currnetly do my 1/2 marathon and 10km runs in basic asics :cheap $120 pair and normal sport socks. Please give my names and styles: Im keen to spend the money if I need

[Colin]

First find out what sort of shoe you need, neutral/stability, wide/narrow etc then buy the shoe. If not err on the side of a neutral like the pegasus (around $140-150) or Nimbus (around $200?) , two trusted shoes.

You don't have to spend $260, especially if you don't need that particular shoe. Instead, spend $100 now on a podiatrist,get your gait analysed, take shoes with you to see wear pattern, and save on the shoes and injuries in long run.

I don't use socks, so can offer no opinion on that.

Happy running.

[beatlloydy]

If you are comfortable with Asics then stick with them.. Choice of shoe really depends on your style and gait. If slight pronation issues then the GT21** series is always a good all round shoe. I think the Kayanos are way overpriced now and are not that much better than the GT21** series...Wait until Paul's 2 for 1 sale is over and see if you can get a pair of -1 gen shoes there for up to $40 cheaper.

If you run close to 4 min/km you may want to chose a lighter shoe over a stable shoe but the tradeoff is possible foot problems.

The ASICS DS Racer and the DS trainer are highly rated but they seem to have a narrower fit than the GT21** series. I really like (for all round comfort) the Asics speedstar...I dont think they make them anymore but sometimes Paul's has them. The tradeoff is they wear really quick.

I cant comment on other brands as I am reluctant to change as I dont currently have problems.

Whatever shoe you choose make sure you do a few longer runs in them to decide if they are the shoe for you. Once you have them "broken in" put them away and maybe only bring them back out a week or so prior for a couple of runs.

As to socks any with Coolmax should be good...You dont have to spend big $....Target sells some good Coolmax socks. However, if you want named brands expect to pay $20+ a pair as opposed to $5. I find the lighter the socks the better. I don't like a lot of padding underneath. If you get blisters on longer runs (I always start to get them when hitting the 30+ mark unless I take preventative action), consider taping problem areas with elastoplast prior to running or using some Vaseline but it really messes up the socks long term.

[kleph]

sockwise you need to look around a bit and find what you like and works for you as well. i've discovered that when it gets into anything more than about... say, one hour on my feet, the type of socks will have a major impact on how well my feet hold up.

personally i've found that balga socks are optimum for me. very thin and seamless. i like them so much i buy a new pair for every long run. some runners who have battled blister issues swear by wrightsock double layer running socks. their sizing doesn't work for my foot so i can't comment on their effectiveness.

but, as beatlloydy said, you need to do a few long runs in the ones you decide on to see if they hold up under combat conditions.

[Jogger]

I would wear whatever socks and shoes you do your training in. Keep it simple. No need to spend too much money.

[Morley]

I agree with JoggerKev. I have found my ideal sock shoe combination (Coolmax and Asics 1100) and use them in all training runs and all race distances. Tried more expensive shoes and have come back to the ones that suit me best.

[Oakley]

I run in SOF socks and they are great.
Make sure you run for about 2 weeks in them before doing your race though.

[Stu Mac]

Read all above and you will be fine! Wear good shoes and wear what suits your feet, try the formula of good shoes and socks, wear them in and then put them away and wear occassionally and all will be well for the big race!

[rohan]

novelty socks are the way to go...

particularly the ones that play little tunes when you press the noisemaking part.

[runningman]

Appreciate the advice much appreciated. I will stick with Asics and go and trial a few different sock types. May trial one or two Asics styles. Cheers

[brads_20]

Has anyone seen or heard of these socks?

http://www.injinji.com/

[beatlloydy]

I am a sucker for anything that will LEGALLY assist me in improving my performance. Sometimes I dont know whether a given product has a real or a placebo affect. Today I bought a pair of X Socks for the exhorbitant price of $25. I tried them on and they are light but have sewn in cushioning on all the places where I usually get blisters on long runs. They feel very comfortable but then so do my $5 target coolmax socks that are several years old.

I will try running in them on the weekend for my 35km long run. If they prove to be as good as they initially feel I will put them away and not bring them out until the GC marathon.

I checked out the INJINJI site from the previous post and the toe socks look weird. Is it a gimmick or does it really help? I spose in the end it is up to the individual as I have friends who like to run in very thick socks whilst I prefer thin ones.

[beatlloydy]

Well I tried the X socks on my 38 km run and NO BLISTERS...definitely work. They are going away for the longer races as too expensive to run in every day. Yesterday I did a (crappy) 10km Time trial at the track wearing a pair of normal coolmax socks and you guessed it the blisters started coming back. Admittedly the pace was a little quicker but still 40 min compared with 3.5 hrs...I think the X socks have paid for themselves....but I have also ordered some SPORTSHIELD and BLISTERSHIELD just in case...not taking any chances

[Curty]

I did my first marathon last year in socks/shoes which I did much of my training in. Although I was aware that they were slightly tight - I didnt realise until about 30km in the damage they were doing to me. This didnt show up in my shorter (<30km) training runs. Lesson learnt: be completely sure that the shoe fits, or pain will result. In my case, much bruising and subsequent loss of five toenails!

[red rover]

Hi, I agree with joggerkev wear what your used too,personly I don't wear socks as I always get blisters on long runs, since not wearing them no blisters.

[Jordan Mitchell]

brads_20, on May 23 2007, 09:25 PM, said:

Has anyone seen or heard of these socks?

http://www.injinji.com/

Brads_20

These things are fantastic, definately not a gimmick. Refer to my post on "foot glove socks"