6 replies to this topic

[btothec]

Hello everybody. I've been lurking here for a little while but this will be my first post. A little bit of background if it helps with advice. All my life I have been over weight but 5 months ago I finally decided to do something about it. So far I have lost just over 30kg mostly though weights and cardio work in the gym.

I have been running at the gym on the treadmill. I'm starting to venture outside Yesterday I went for my first run out in the elements. Did just under 8km in 47 minutes which I was quite happy with.

To cut to the chase if I'm going to get serious about running I need some good running shoes. I don't live in the city but will be heading there (Melbourne) on the weekend. One of the instructors at the gym recommended "Active Feet". Are they good for advice? Any pro's or con's to them? Or do any of you have any suggestions yourselves with any good shops I should go check out.

Thanks In Advance.

BToTheC

[Peterhorse]

Hi there BToTheC
welcome to CR and congratualtions on making such a massive gain in a very short time.

for sure it is a good idea to get shoes which will suit you so that you avoid the prospect of unnecessary injuries.

the popular consensus is to get propoer advice and find a shoe that suits you as an individual.

there are some Podiatrists, Physios, Drs and Shoes stores owener on CR here and they will all have a better knowledge them me but i would be thinking as a new runner, in the absence of paying for proper advice, the back up plane would be to get a "supportive" type of shoe. my this i mean rather than go get something that looks pretty and is popular brand etc, have a look at the charts and look for a shoes that gives to "motion control" or "support". These shoes have more weight and generally pretty solid but as a new runner i am thinking you will most likely avoid injuries. i honestyl have no idea if a supportive shoe can casue you problems if you don't truly require it. but the opposite seems pretty liekly to me and is my own experience - i.e. get a light weight trendy looking shoe when you need support and you will get injured...and i did...and so do many i know.

cheapest in the long run is pay for advice from a podiatrists early and save on mistakes made thorugh trial and error and well meaning but unqualified sales people in certain stores.

best wishes
PH

[walshy2]

In my view if you go straight to the shops you may be getting"advice" from someone who actually knows less than you!
I would recommend going to a Podiatrist and getting an assessment on what shoe is best for you
I did end up with an achillies injury about 18 months ago from using the wrong type of shoe, so would strongly recommend expert advice

rgds

[wombatoutofhell]

G'day btothec -welcome to coolrunning.
I'd recomend Active Feet. I buy most of my shoes there. The sales staff are usually podiatry students and the store is owned by a pod. They do an analysis of your running by putting you on a tready and video it so they can go through it with you. They then grab the shoes they think will suit you and try you on the tready with them. Last time I was there (Heathmont store) I couldn't decided between 2 shoes (nike structure and brooks trance) so they suggested I go outside for a run in each pair. Can't complain about that kind of service. I believe they'll change the shoes over within 30 days if they get it wrong-I'm not 100% sure on this but it's worth asking.
Sportsco in Dandenong have a similar setup. The staff have no qualifications except they do a day course in how to fit people with a treadmill setup. I believe this will eventually extend to all sportsco's-it may allready be at others but I dont know where. One of my workmate was fitted there and he has nothing but praise for them. I had a fitting as well and I thought they did a great job but I wanted to see a pod before I bought shoes so I didn't buy any at that time.
There's also Complete Feet-I dont know alot about them but their website looks good and they seem to offer the complete package including podiatry. Worth a look. In fact I think I'll go for a look myself-I need new shoes!
Like people have allready said it's worth a visit a pod and get some proper advice. Then take his/her list and try a few on and get fitted properly. If you feel that your feet aren't bad and it's worth a shot getting a fitting without a pod then go to a specialist! Good Luck!

[btothec]

Thanks everybody for the advice so far. Your all spot on the money. Well and truly want to avoid any injuries. So far I've been pretty good with only a few small ones which were fairly easy to get over (knock wood this continues) but don't want to push my luck to far. Might go have a look in "Active Feet" for something to do today has anyone had a better exprience/advice from one store over another in Melbourne? Please keep the advice coming.

Thanks
BtoTheC

Edit
"Complete Feet" sound like a good place. Has anybody had any dealings with them?

Edited by btothec, 23 August 2008 - 08:14 AM.

[Spectre]

8Km in 47 minutes? Wow that's great for a first run! You're going to be seriously cruising out there with a bit of practice under your belt.

I also recommend Active Feet. Personal one on one fitting service from people who seem to know their stuff. The video camera behind the treadmill gives a great insight into the biomechanics of your style, although treadmill running is just that bit different to running in the wild. I can't think of any cons with them offhand. Once you buy a pair of shoes from them you go onto their VIP list and they email you with upcoming discount periods which usually last a few days. My last few pairs of shoes have been from them and I'm quite pleased with them.

Look forward to seeing you out there btothec

[btothec]

Ended up going to Active Feet in Prahran. Can't fault there service at all. Got shown four different shoes. Tried all four on the treadmill and then three of them out into the real world to narrow the selection down. They were super busy while I was there but the level of attention and service that they gave to all there customers was amazing. Ended up getting a pair of Asics Gel Foundation 8's. Will defaintly be going back there and recommending them to anyone who asks.

BtoTheC