6 replies to this topic

[axa]

I'm looking to get a second pair so that I can alternate between pairs. But I'm not really confident in diagnosing the right shoe for myself.

I understand Running Science has podiatrists instore - don't think I've read about any other shoe store offering such service in sydney. I went through some old threads and it seemed people felt a running gait analysis was not of much use without podiatrists.

I was at Harbourside on Darling Harbour where they have a massive sports clearance sale running with a lot of major brands stocked (little off in the sizes though) for about $70 though they probably don't have all models. Ideally, I'd really love to go and pick up the model I want for a low sale-price, but I suppose I need a good diagnosis done once.

I bought my current pair from Paul's Warehouse, where the guy looked at me walking barefoot and told me to get New Balance 765s, which are pretty decent in running feel but I wonder if I should get a more thorough analysis done. But I also don't want to promise my first-born in exchange :D Any idea about the prices over there?

Is this the best option or should I try something else (say other running stores minus podiatrists)? Any advice appreciated :)

[lulu]

Hi Axa

A few comments:

Why do you need two pairs of shoes to rotate? I mentioned I was going to do this to my podiatrist and he advised me against it. He said it used to be an old theory that it stopped injury but his advice was to find a model of shoes that suits and stick with it. I suppose you could have two pairs of shoes the same to alternate. I'm sure others will have a contrary view to this as I know many of the runners here have more than one pair.

Running Science is a good shop and he does offer a very good service. He stocks new balance, Asics, Adidas and a few others but he doesn't do discount lines so expect to pay $180 for a pair of Asics. I just took my niece there and he does put you on the treadmill and has a look at your gait etc before recommending a shoe. As he's a trained podiatrist you are more likely to get a shoe that suits you.

Having said that both my husband and I are now happily running along in our Loco shoes (we both have xpressos) and can highly recommend those and they are a good deal at $150. I have orthotics and they have been great with those and my husband, who does a lot more mileage, has been extremely pleased with his pair.

If you are happy with your current shoes and you don't have any injuries or niggles perhaps they are good for you and you could just look for a bargain on a second pair.

Hope that helps

Louise

[axa]

lulu,

Thanks for the long reply :-)

I thought I'd get another pair just to ensure that the the shoes "recover"... air out, etc. I had these other ones which caught on a fungus or some other sort of growth. So I figured maybe if I alternate them that might give more time for the shoes to dry out.

I wouldn't really mind having two of the same model; I just figured that running specialists might do a better job of telling me which is the right one for me. I meant to do it with my last pair but then a friend wanted to go for a 2-for-1 deal at Paul's Warehouse and split the cost, and I couldn't resist getting shoes for 1/2 off. I haven't ever had running store people or runners find a fit, it's been rather hit or miss. And general department store people don't seem to have that expertise (some might).

Don't know much about Locos except that they're shoes "made by runners." Where do get them around sydney? Although, I'd have the same issue of not knowing which ones would be right for my feet. I'm really not bothered about how they look.

[lulu]

Hi again Axa

Having two pairs based on your logic sounds like a good idea.. maybe a good excuse to buy a second pair myself ;)

It's definately worth having someone who knows about running have a look at how you run etc.

Locos come from the US and Kevin Tiller who runs this site is selling them in Australia. Check out the website for more details by clicking on the ad on the home page of coolrunning. KT will come to your house and you can try on the range and see what suits you best and he can advise you based on the sort of running you do etc.

Otherwise there are a few more running shops around that are recommended - the one in Edgecliff centre is very good and also there are two in Clovelly - one is just called the running shop I think and is on Frenchmans Rd. I used to buy my shoes there and they seem to be pretty good. However, because of the level of service you get you will pay close to the RRP.

Hope that helps.
Lulu

[Lynde]

If you are looking for a good podiatrist only (they don't sell shoes they can recommend shoes to you) try Belinda Martin and Owen Stewart at Shire Podiatry Gymea ph 95262900. They are both runners and I have found them to be great.

[DRFC]

Lulu,

I have bought all my running shoes at the Runners Shop in Clovelly for the past 3 years and have always got 20% off RRP - even for the first pair I bought.

DRFC

[Oli]

Wow! Where's this shop in Sydney with the in-house podiatrist? That would be really handy before I buy my first real pair of running shoes.