The FastDay Forum

Any runners out there?
I need some new running shoes - my trainers are bald on the bottom!
But I can't afford a pricey pair, and I need something that I can run off road in - trail shoes?
Anybody got any recommendations?

Cheers

It's tough to recommend running shoes since the best ones will depend on how you run. If your old ones are really worn, take a look at the wear pattern on the bottom and see if you can figure out whether you pronate and what to what extent. That will help you figure out how much support you need in your shoe. Trail shoes can be good - but only if they're going to support your feet in the right way. I lost a toe nail to badly fitting trail shoes. Remember that running shoes should generally be a half size bigger than normal shoes.

Badly fitting running shoes can have impact on your ankles, knees and back so don't just grab the cheapest pair; it could cost you a lot more in physio/pain meds. If you've got a good sports shop nearby (eg Sweatshop) then go in and see them. They'll check out your gait (and/or your old shoe wear) and advise you. Even if you end up buying a pair from them full price - you can always get future pairs (old seasons) online afterwards.

I run in vibram 5 fingers. I guess you could say I'm a follower of the barefoot/minimalist school of running. But I'm a newbie runner, currently doing c25k for the second time so don't really feel qualified to make recommendations. All I can say is I love my vibrams

There was a panorama programme a while back that included a bit on trainers and barefoot running:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0 ... _Products/
The relevent segments are at 20 mins and 39:40

Bascially the program says buy shoes that you find comfortable and run with correct technique.

I bought a pair of trail shoes recently they were Adidas Kanadia.

http://www.very.co.uk/adidas-kanadia-5- ... lResults=1

I've posted a link for a a ladies pair but I'm sure there are loads more on line elswhere.

P.S. They have them on Amazon too.

Were these the shoes that fell off in the mud?

Were these the shoes that fell off in the mud?

Well...yes they were but.....I had foolishly replaced the original laces with a set of elasticated laces of the type I use for my road running shoes, without any problem I might add. When the mud got to work on them the elastic gave way a little and off they came.

I replaced the original laces for the 12k off-road I did on Sunday and they were fine. I wore some padded compression socks with them and only managed to get one small blister which I successfully treated with Sudocrem (an essential item in a runner's kit, both as a preventative and a cure).

Sudocrem (an essential item in a runner's kit, both as a preventative and a cure).

ooh, thanks for the tip! I'm starting on Saturday with a friend and we're both complete novices!

Like Applespider says, it's a good idea to buy shoes half a size bigger than your normal shoes. I find that wearing two pairs of socks helps with comfort and stops blisters.

Compression socks are good too. they help against calf strain and shin splints. they also have padded areas around the toes and heel. I then wear a pair of football socks over the top of them for extra padding and to reduce the friction on my feet. The friction is confined to one sock rubbing against the other.

Advice followed, Trainers etc bought... excited to start!!

Had my first run today!! LOVED it! I'm so glad that I came across this thread when I did... my new trainers were sooooooooo comfortable... we were out for over 2 hours, running in intervals and I can't believe that I don't have ANY blisters whatsover! Can't wait to go again. It wasn't easy but since fasting I can now see how much more energy I have now and it's a miracle! I really didn't think I'd be able to run let alone enjoy it. An amazing feeling.

Well done, chichi!

There's one other essential bit of kit for female runners; invest in a good sports bra to give your boobs some support!

funny you should say that.... That's the one thing I didn't buy.... and then realised I should have! But I wore a good sports top today that has a supportive bit around the chest and that seemed to do the trick... not that there's much to support anymore anyway!!

What sort of running shoes did you go for in the end chichi13?

I went for trail runners because we'll be mainly running off-road to avoid being seen for a while!! silly innit! The guy in the shop was really helpful but I found myself pretending I've been running for years as I felt embarrassed to admit I'm a novice! God knows where that came from.. It's laughable really, I was trying on various trainers and bouncing about!! Ah well, all good stuff in the memory bank!

Hee hee!