Recommend me some running trainers...

[Triumph Man]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for advice for a pair of running trainers, for a reasonable price, before anyone suggests all singing all dancing shoes for £200! Budget is negotiable though for the right pair of shoes.

The trainers I currently use leave terrible blisters on my instep, so anything over 6 miles becomes extremely painful! I think my style is a little flat footed, and I suspect I need instep support. So I'm essentially looking for trainers that don't give me blisters.

I do actually enjoy running, and think I could push myself a lot harder if I didn't have this blister issue. My problem is I'm not a natural runner, I'm a cyclist!

Hope you can help guys, I want to enjoy the sport! haha

[ewenm]

You need to go to a specialist running shop and ask their advice. They should ask you what sort of mileage and terrain you run on, assess your foot-strike (either visually or using a pressure plate/video) and recommend a few options. Unless you know what works for your feet I wouldn't buy off the internet untried. Running:Bath in Bath (obviously!) are excellent but there are now lots of specialist shops around.

Personally I like Asics as they fit my feet well but everyone is different.

Edited by ewenm on Monday 31st October 20:48

[Sarkmeister]

I agree with the above. During the marathon training earlier this year I was fitted for some new trainers. All the knee pain I was getting disappeared straight away, and I only spent £78 I think. It's quite interesting seeing the videos of your feet and how the trainers affect it.

[0a]

ewenm said:

You need to go to a specialist running shop and ask their advice. They should ask you what sort of mileage and terrain you run on, assess your foot-strike (either visually of using a pressure plate) and recommend a few options. Unless you know what works for your feet I wouldn't buy off the internet untried.

Personally I like Asics as they fit my feet well but everyone is different.

I'd second this. I did this once, subsequent pairs I purchased from the internet. It's worth it, since getting the right pair I've not had injuries/pains etc.

And OP don't be disappointed if the right pair comes in under budget

I pay around £80 now.

[Lotus Notes]

Blisters can be quite simply down to the socks you wear. As for running shoes, go to a specialist shop near you and take your last pair of running shoes as they will have a look and suggest a few.

For training, look for a supportive shoe, not too light and with a heel support that suits. Stability is the key to using less energy and feeling confortable.

I swap between Asics and New Balance as I have no preference between the two.

Tell us how you get on...

[anonymous-user]

as others have said, given everyones feet are different andd thus running styles will vary, what works for me may be uncomfortable for you. you need a specialist shop who can get you on a treadmill and watch what your feet are doing. for the record i wear saucony and x-socks, the "run sky run" socks are fantastic. try to get to a shop in the mid afternoon when they are likely to have time for you and not be too busy.

[Melchett]

Whichever trainers you buy, consider investing (£15) in some proper footbeds (insoles).

[lost in espace]

Melchett said:

Whichever trainers you buy, consider investing (£15) in some proper footbeds (insoles).

Melchett could you expand on this its new to me, whats wrong with the ones in the trainer?

Cheers!

[ewenm]

I'd have thought that a properly fitting pair of running shoes shouldn't need an extra insole. I've never needed extra insoles in my trainers despite doing up to 100 miles a week.

[anonymous-user]

ewenm said:

despite doing up to 100 miles a week.

wow.

[anonymous-user]

Melchett said:

Whichever trainers you buy, consider investing (£15) in some proper footbeds (insoles).

i have a mixed opinion on this as i spent some time working in a shop that sold trail runners and walking boots and only in the boots with a very stiff (crampon compatible) sole did we recommend it and find it improved the comfort assuming you mean something like sorbothane or superfeet (which closer to £30). its rare that in something with a very flexible sole like a running shoe that an aftermarket insole is going to be result in an increase in comfort. if the insole needs replacing from the outset, i would imagine its the trainer fit itself and a mis-diagnosis with support around the arch.

i would just advise caution with replacing an insole the manufacturer spent time designing to work in collaboration with the rest of the shoe, with something designed completely external from that particular shoe?

[Ayahuasca]

I got a pair of these:

New Balance Minimus



I over-pronate quite badly so always used to get 'stability' running shoes, but with these all that is unnecessary. Love 'em.

[anonymous-user]

Ayahuasca said:

I got a pair of these:

New Balance Minimus

Are they a kind of barefoot running thing?

[0a]

Does anyone have any sock advice? I must admit I'm lazy and just use standard sports socks (though I have a pair of running ones somewhere, can't remember the brand).

[Ayahuasca]

el stovey said:

Ayahuasca said:

I got a pair of these:

New Balance Minimus

Are they a kind of barefoot running thing?

Believe so. Just not as extreme as Vibram 5 fingers (or as daft looking).

[anonymous-user]

0a said:

Does anyone have any sock advice? I must admit I'm lazy and just use standard sports socks (though I have a pair of running ones somewhere, can't remember the brand).

as i said, i use x-socks run sky run for pretty much everything over a mile or two and they are awesome (well as awesome as a sock could ever be!) really comfy, lots of padding, last for ages and are very breathable.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/reviews/clothing/soc...

[Torquey]

As above - go into a shop and get fitted correctly.

I went from a pair of Asics 2140's (which give me blisters on the instep) to a pair of Nike Lunar Eclipse Plus.
At first i wasnt convinced in Nike but they are absoutely perfect for running. I've since doubled my distance over a few weeks.
http://www.startfitness.co.uk/product.asp?strParen...

I personally find thin socks better than twin skins etc...
http://www.startfitness.co.uk/product.asp?strParen...

Edited by Torquey on Tuesday 1st November 13:13

[Melchett]

lost in espace said:

Melchett could you expand on this its new to me, whats wrong with the ones in the trainer?

Cheers!

The ones supplied with the trainers are usually thin and flimsy. They offer little support to the heel and arch. The best thing I can suggest is when you get in the shop compare the two and try them in the trainers you fancy. You should be able to try before you buy. You will feel a world of difference.

I need neutral support but also plenty of shock absorption, so I have Asics Nimbus 12. Before them I had Nimbus 11. Cracking shoe with Neutral support. Get your gait checked, you may pronate.

I have proper insoles in all of my sports shoes: Asics trainers, Inov8, Meindl & La Sportiva walking boots (B2 and B3), Look cycling shoes and Shimano SPD shoes. Personally, I would always use them. If you remove the insole in most shoes/traniers, you will see that where your heel sits is basically flat from left to right. Your heel is not flat. Trainer manufactruers dont spend much money on developing their insoles by the looks of them. All in all, some will like them, others not. Experiment yourself and them you can make the best decision based on how your feet feel.

Good luck!

Edited by Melchett on Tuesday 1st November 15:48

[Tiggsy]

Ayahuasca said:

I got a pair of these:

New Balance Minimus



I over-pronate quite badly so always used to get 'stability' running shoes, but with these all that is unnecessary. Love 'em.

What surface do you run on in those/did they take much getting used to?

I've always run in Asics with huge support and played ball in £120 Nikes with Air in the heel and, after 20 years of it, I'm convinced it's just left me over reliant on the shoes....to the extent I have loads of shin/knee issues and rolled my ankle 6 weeks ago. After LOTS of reading I'm getting cheaper (no air to roll around on) balling shoes and some "minimal" runners.....been looking at the Inov8 range but these look good.

I am starting to regard the whole shoe/scan your foot/over pronate/etc industry as being like Gillete and their attempts to get us to shave with 9 blades when a 40 year old DE blade is still best.

[Ayahuasca]

Tiggsy said:

Ayahuasca said:

I got a pair of these:

New Balance Minimus



I over-pronate quite badly so always used to get 'stability' running shoes, but with these all that is unnecessary. Love 'em.

What surface do you run on in those/did they take much getting used to?

I've always run in Asics with huge support and played ball in £120 Nikes with Air in the heel and, after 20 years of it, I'm convinced it's just left me over reliant on the shoes....to the extent I have loads of shin/knee issues and rolled my ankle 6 weeks ago. After LOTS of reading I'm getting cheaper (no air to roll around on) balling shoes and some "minimal" runners.....been looking at the Inov8 range but these look good.

I am starting to regard the whole shoe/scan your foot/over pronate/etc industry as being like Gillete and their attempts to get us to shave with 9 blades when a 40 year old DE blade is still best.

All surfaces although I believe they are designed as 'off-roaders'. With these you need to avoid landing on your heels, so it takes some getting used to until your calf muscles build up a bit. I have been running like that for over a year (in ordinary trainers) but they say you should break into it gradually. As well as over-pronating I also developed 'runners knee' due to traditional cushioned trainers. No foot / knee problems whatsoever with 'barefoot running'.