11 replies to this topic

[It's Go Girl]

Hello,

As a "just past beginner runner" I would welcome some advice on what to look for when buying a pair of running shoes. I run 2-3x per week for between 5 and 10 km each time and will be doing more in the lead up to the C2S. Shoes seem so hi-tech, it can be confusing. Also, do I need to pay top $ for a pair?

[Grey beard]

There seems to be a lot of science and pseudo-science about running shoes. It is worth taking an old pair to a good shop and having them check your wear pattern to determine if you over-pronate. Things like cushioning are more individual preference (depending on how much you weigh etc). And fit depends on how well the shoe last matches your foot shape.

One place to start is http://www.epodiatry...nning-shoes.htm You can also check out shoe reviews in running magazines. Another site that explains things well is http://www.ausrun.co...shoe-buying.htm

You don't have to pay top dollar - one of my favourite pairs cost $50 from the New Balance factory outlet near where I live.

[silver fox]

IGG

If you are anywhere near town can I suggest a visit to Damian Tancred at the Sydney Running Centre at Edgcliffe.

He really knows his stuff, is interested in putting you in the best shoes for you(not the most expensive) and is probably as cheap if not cheaper than Rebel.

He is also a very nice fella and a bloody good runner!

(edit no financial interest, just a very satisfied & loyal customer!)

[haitch]

Ahh a subject close to my heart - I will not try and educate on the technicality of shoe design. Most people will agree that the best shoe starts with footfall analysis followed by fit.

I hear there is a store in Burwood that does treadmill analysis of footfall so if you are a beginner this would be a good place to start. Someone else will need to give me a hand with the name and address.

You dont need to pay top $$$ but dont try and save a few $$$ for the sake of it. Any money you pay for a good shoe will return its benefit on investment many times over.

Go to a store you feel comfortable trying on lots of shoes. Try and go outside peak shopping times. Leave shoes on a while and get a feel. Stores should 'let you have a short jog in them'. Stand still in the shoes and close your eyes. How do they feel?? Do you have enough room. No matter how good the shoes are supposed to be unless they feel good they are not the shoes for you.

Finally, when you find shoes that suit you - stick to them. But. Dont assume that every year they will be the same and always try them on first.

[It's Go Girl]

Greybeard my weight is 62-63 kg (I don't weigh myself so can't be exact) and now of course I will never be able to reveal my true identity with all of cool running knowing my weight !!

What is the reason for your comment re cushioning and weight ?

[ally]

Tell you what I strongly recommend?
I recommend asics and asics only!
I train every single day and asics are the only shoes that feel comfy and don't wear out quickly. The asics that I have now are nearly 2 years old. They have done so many kilometres (well I do 75k's weekly)and have always been superb shoes. I love my asics.

[tim]

MattieO I have heard Nike are good in that respect.

[queen_bee]

It's Go Girl, I wouldn't worry too much about posting your weight... you will find much more sordid information about female runners on CR.

Good luck with your quest for shoes. If you are in Sydney Running Science in Rozelle is highly recommended as well as other running specific stores that others have mentioned.

[trek52]

I have all sorts of problems, bow legs, fat gut, lack flexiblity etc etc.

I have come back to running after 7 years and have returned to my faithful Air Peagus. Neutral shoes plenty of cushioning.

You are not running major k's so a pair of neutral shoes wont hurt you, run in them for a while see where they wear and upgrade from there.

I am going to a running clinic in Nth Syd on tues to see what they recommend for me. Will let you know.

[42.195]

Asics and Brooks make great shoes.
Never pay top dollar for a shoe!!!
You can always find it somewhere cheaper - keep an eye out on the message board as people tend to list good buys.
e.g. You can pay $249 for a pair of Asics Kayano, but it isn't too hard to find a pair for $189 or less.

[Grey beard]

IGG there are shoes out there designed for solid meaty six foot guys (the Brooks Beast comes to mind) and others that are more geared to more petite people such as you (and me ;) ). Many shoes claim sophisticated designs for cushioning (dual density soles are common and there are some unusual and innovative designs like Mizuno's wave sole). Some feel very soft (eg Nike Air Pegasus) and in my experience are fantastic for walking but don't necessarily give you much spring as you run (absorbing the impact more than bouncing back). Then there's thick and heavy soles vs thin and light, different amounts of forefoot cushioning depending on how long you run etc.
The main point I was making is in the end it's personal preference - you will probably have to try a few brands to decide what suits you best. But shoes tend to wear out in 6 months (for me) or 800 kms so if you run for a few years and especially if (like me) you're a sucker for a special on sale you'll get to try a few makes and models. The best popular makes (ie readily available, hence regularly discounted) are probably Asics, Brooks, New Balance and Nike. If you wanted a recommendation for a good basic all-round shoe to start with I'd suggest the Asics 1100 or the Brooks Adrenaline.