First running trainers - how to pick?
Discussion
Last year saw me focus on my fitness in a way I haven't for a pretty long time...
Really struggling with not being able to train with my group at the moment, and want to work on my aerobic endurance.
So - running. Something I've just never done, other than a few PE lessons or towpath runs I'd manage to avoid when rowing.
Couch to 5k is loaded. Got loads of training kit that'll be fine for running, but no trainers!
Looking online, seems a minefield. If I look at my ancient (5 years plus) skate shoes, I mildly wear the outer heel more.
Budget - £100 reasonable?
Is it just a case of pick something and give it a go? Relying on returns policies?
Really struggling with not being able to train with my group at the moment, and want to work on my aerobic endurance.
So - running. Something I've just never done, other than a few PE lessons or towpath runs I'd manage to avoid when rowing.
Couch to 5k is loaded. Got loads of training kit that'll be fine for running, but no trainers!
Looking online, seems a minefield. If I look at my ancient (5 years plus) skate shoes, I mildly wear the outer heel more.
Budget - £100 reasonable?
Is it just a case of pick something and give it a go? Relying on returns policies?
There are loads of options and can get very confusing especially as shops are shut and you cant try any on. £100 will buy you a very good pair of running trainers from all the major brands.
Brands to look at are Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Saucony, Brooks, Asics, Hoka, they are have middle of the range running shoes that will work. Go for something cushioned and neutral.
https://www.runningshoesguru.com/reviews/all/cushi... is quite a good site. They have buying guides for all the major brands, and help identify the trainer names and what category they fall into.
Also pop into the running thread in the Sports section. Loads of good info and trainer discussions are common. I run twice a week, and normally wear Nike Pegasus, but just ordered some Reebok Floatride Energy Trainers.
Brands to look at are Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Saucony, Brooks, Asics, Hoka, they are have middle of the range running shoes that will work. Go for something cushioned and neutral.
https://www.runningshoesguru.com/reviews/all/cushi... is quite a good site. They have buying guides for all the major brands, and help identify the trainer names and what category they fall into.
Also pop into the running thread in the Sports section. Loads of good info and trainer discussions are common. I run twice a week, and normally wear Nike Pegasus, but just ordered some Reebok Floatride Energy Trainers.
Cheers guys. Also asked on the running thread thanks to the tip on here, and it's feeling much less of a minefield.
Nike seem handy due to easy free returns within 60 days (I know some others do too) - think a pair of pegasus will get me started.
Will get them a half size up from my normal fit, and some decent socks and undercarriage hammocks!
Nike seem handy due to easy free returns within 60 days (I know some others do too) - think a pair of pegasus will get me started.
Will get them a half size up from my normal fit, and some decent socks and undercarriage hammocks!
Certainly to get you started, although they've been fine for me so I haven't moved on.You need to have a basic understanding of your feet biomechanic to choose a pair or running shoes. Some easy test can be done at home to find out how much support you might need.
To give you an idea:
Neutral: Air pegasus, Asics Cumulus, Brooks Ghost.
Mid pronation to pronation: Air structure Triax, Brooks GTS, Asics Gt 2000
Heavy pronation: Brooks Beast, asics Kayano.
You can as well go different routes with minimalist running shoes where your gait will not matter as much.
Enjoy
To give you an idea:
Neutral: Air pegasus, Asics Cumulus, Brooks Ghost.
Mid pronation to pronation: Air structure Triax, Brooks GTS, Asics Gt 2000
Heavy pronation: Brooks Beast, asics Kayano.
You can as well go different routes with minimalist running shoes where your gait will not matter as much.
Enjoy
I don't know what the rules are at present but assuming you can't go into a physical running shop for to verify the type of shoes you need e.g: neutral or pronation then one other suggestion might be to check a pair of trainers you have used previously for running and see where the wear-patterns are...do they track down the centre of the shoe or on the outside etc I can't think of any other way you can really without some trial and error.
I have a wide forefoot, medium-high arch and narrow ankles. The following are my go-to options:
Mizuno Waverider 21's - got two pairs, luv em. A bit firm at times but never let me down and a nice secure fit. Very good for the wide-foots amongst us, roomy toebox both in width and height
Nike Vomero 13's - discontinued version but comfy albeit don't feel as stable as the waveriders and less collar support for the ankles
Saucony Ride - I messed up sizing on these so hardly wear them! Lower drop too so I tend to avoid these.
ASICS Cumulus 21's - haven't used these yet but picked them up in a sale last yr, v accomadating for my wider foot but quite a firm sole.
If you have a narrower/standard width foot then you probably have more options that would work well including Adidas. As already mentioned, probably can't go wrong with Nike Pegasus, they are a staple for many runners and have been for years..and tend to be heavily discounted if you look around.I find they run a bit narrow for me personally.
ASICS,Brooks,Saucony- between any of those brands you can't go wrong..something on either brand will work for you. Not forgetting Nike, Adidas or Hola either!
I have a wide forefoot, medium-high arch and narrow ankles. The following are my go-to options:
Mizuno Waverider 21's - got two pairs, luv em. A bit firm at times but never let me down and a nice secure fit. Very good for the wide-foots amongst us, roomy toebox both in width and height
Nike Vomero 13's - discontinued version but comfy albeit don't feel as stable as the waveriders and less collar support for the ankles
Saucony Ride - I messed up sizing on these so hardly wear them! Lower drop too so I tend to avoid these.
ASICS Cumulus 21's - haven't used these yet but picked them up in a sale last yr, v accomadating for my wider foot but quite a firm sole.
If you have a narrower/standard width foot then you probably have more options that would work well including Adidas. As already mentioned, probably can't go wrong with Nike Pegasus, they are a staple for many runners and have been for years..and tend to be heavily discounted if you look around.I find they run a bit narrow for me personally.
ASICS,Brooks,Saucony- between any of those brands you can't go wrong..something on either brand will work for you. Not forgetting Nike, Adidas or Hola either!
Edited by VR99 on Wednesday 3rd February 00:18
During lockdown last year I returned two pairs of Nike's after going for a run in both.
No issue or hassle with refunds which I like in the current climate.
Pegasus 37 I find are great and another to look for in the current conditions is the react shield models. They are waterproof and have been the most hard wearing soles I have experienced.
No issue or hassle with refunds which I like in the current climate.
Pegasus 37 I find are great and another to look for in the current conditions is the react shield models. They are waterproof and have been the most hard wearing soles I have experienced.
OP I'm not surprised you find it a bit of a minefield as an awful lot of people seem to want to overcomplicate it. Since you're starting out I'd just get a fairly cheap pair from a recognised brand - I've always got along with Asics but many others are available - and see how you go. No need to spend £100 or have a gait analysis. just start off with steady and short runs and build up gradually. If you do get aches and pains that clearly you shouldn't then stop and only at that point start worrying about getting super-duper shoes or calling in the scientists.
I'm pretty sure I've never spent more than £50 on a pair of road shoes - I just go for whichever Asics are being flogged cheap when I need a new pair - and I've never had any trouble. In fairness I do most of running off-road and do spend a bit more on my fell shoes; still knocked out a 35.xx 10k though so not a total plodder on the road.
I'm pretty sure I've never spent more than £50 on a pair of road shoes - I just go for whichever Asics are being flogged cheap when I need a new pair - and I've never had any trouble. In fairness I do most of running off-road and do spend a bit more on my fell shoes; still knocked out a 35.xx 10k though so not a total plodder on the road.
Roger Irrelevant said:
OP I'm not surprised you find it a bit of a minefield as an awful lot of people seem to want to overcomplicate it. Since you're starting out I'd just get a fairly cheap pair from a recognised brand - I've always got along with Asics but many others are available - and see how you go. No need to spend £100 or have a gait analysis. just start off with steady and short runs and build up gradually. If you do get aches and pains that clearly you shouldn't then stop and only at that point start worrying about getting super-duper shoes or calling in the scientists.
I'm pretty sure I've never spent more than £50 on a pair of road shoes - I just go for whichever Asics are being flogged cheap when I need a new pair - and I've never had any trouble. In fairness I do most of running off-road and do spend a bit more on my fell shoes; still knocked out a 35.xx 10k though so not a total plodder on the road.
You can do your own gait analysis at home with some wet feet.I'm pretty sure I've never spent more than £50 on a pair of road shoes - I just go for whichever Asics are being flogged cheap when I need a new pair - and I've never had any trouble. In fairness I do most of running off-road and do spend a bit more on my fell shoes; still knocked out a 35.xx 10k though so not a total plodder on the road.
https://www.runnersneed.com/expert-advice/gear-gui...
I’ve done this and ordered some Reebok ones that were on offer. They feel so much better than the ones I got from Sports Direct.
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