Advice on choosing new running shoes

It turns out I desperately need some new running shoes.

I run 3-4 times a week, in total approx 24 miles. I hope to up this next year to train for my first marathon in June.

The majority of running will be on roads/pavement followed by canal towpaths. The marathon will be a trial one, so I expect I'll need some separate trainers for that too, closer to the time.

My current shoes (Nike Air Trial Ridge) are 7 years old, and have covered approx 1600 miles in the last 2 years. I know this is too much (but until recently they've been extremely comfortable). However, I've started getting twinges in my knees (as per my other thread) which I'm hoping is as a result of using the worn out/unsuitable footwear, and nothing more serious.

I'm wondering:
- how much I should be looking at spending on a new pair of trainers for the use I've described above (e.g. £60-£80, £80-£100, more???)
- if it should be road shoes I look for (despite the canal miles each week)
- if anyone has any recommendations for good places to get fitted, around the North-West (Wigan) that won't be extortionate.

Also, I've already been to one shop, who said they no longer do analysis of your running before recommending shoes, and simply recommend picking a shoe that feels comfortable. Is this the norm now? (A wet foot test suggests I under pronate).

Comments

  • SHADESSHADES ✭✭✭✭
    Go to a running shop and try on a few pairs and find what is comfortable for you.   Find a good running shop with knowledgeable staff that can advise on the various models available.
  • JGavJGav ✭✭✭
    And yes 1600 miles is probably too much for a pair of shoes.  The foam starts to break down, how long it takes is dependent on lots of things, like you weight, cadence etc.  But you've realised that given you feel a difference.
  • Hi, I'm pretty new to all this and definitely no expert but if you can, spend whatever you need to get the best shoes possible for you particular type of footfall. Running shoes are the single best and most important piece of kit you can buy so try and get it right. I went to a proper running shop where they do the gait analysis and got some advice. Great service and shall definitely use them again.
  • The issue is given my mileage, it looks like I'll need new 2 pairs a year.

    If spending £130 is necessary per pair, then I will (my knees are quite useful - I'd like to keep them that way!), but what I'm wondering is how much IS necessary, and how much is it just about getting this season's shiniest, newest, swankiest pair.
  • Okay I can't work out how to post a new thread so I'm going to ask here - I'm sorry to hijack a thread!

    I need to replace my running shoes. I currently have a pair of Saucony Omni 14 and they are literally perfect for me - I massively over pronate (I wear orthotic insoles in my day to day shoes as well) and I feel like a 'normal' person when I'm wearing them, plus haven't hurt my knees at all. I was going to just buy another pair but can't find them anywhere in my size because they've released newer versions. So - I was going to buy the Omni 16 instead but have read loads of bad reviews from people who liked the older versions. Does anyone know if the new ones are really that bad, or have any suggestions for similar shoes for over-pronators?
  • SHADESSHADES ✭✭✭✭
    over thinker - you might have to pay a hefty price for your first pair from a running shop.  But if you're happy with those shoes then you should buy them on the internet, as the newer model is released the older models are sold off a lot cheaper in the sales.   My shoes retail for about £120 but I usually pay £65 for them.  I just bought a lovely pair of Saucony shoes for training, they were £30 reduced from £90.

    Copperkettle - I would stick with what is perfect for you.  You won't know if the changes in the Omnis will affect you, unless you try them.

    Have a look at this good review website  https://runrepeat.com/ranking/rankings-of-running-shoes

    If you select the Omni 16's, at the foot of the page they suggest similar shoes that might suit.
  • senidMsenidM ✭✭✭
    Over_thinker, if you got to a race or running club you'll see runners with every make of shoe going, there's no magic shoe thats "the One" . 

    Its a matter of personal preference and you may have to go through many different shoes until you find "the One" for you. For me its a Mizuno Wave Rider, which I've worn now for about 10 years, so every so often, or when they bring out the next model, I buy a pair of the older model going cheap online, so +1 with Shades.

    Sometimes the upgrade is actually a downgrade in terms of what suits you but that's just the manufacturers always trying to get us to buy the latest "improved" model. Life's never perfect.

  • Help please :) Hi!

    hope you can help. Trainers are a pain aren’t they?! So, I have done the wet test and my feet are kind of neutral - certainly not pronating but perhaps a little more supination. Some trainers make the
    outside of my feet hurt along the side, particularly the left foot (at the moment) and some make my 4th toe go numb. I like good cushion under the ball of my foot and flexible, light shoes. I tend to run 5-10k 4/5 times a week. Any advice on the right shoe for me?
  • Hello all,

    I'm also sorry to hijack a thread. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on buying some faster shoes? I pronate, so have been running for a long time in shoes like Mizuno Wave Inspire, Brooks Adrenaline, Asics GT2000 and Saucony Guide 13 etc.

    So, I'd love to know a) would it be ok for a runner like me to just buy a pair of Vaporfly next % for a race, or would that be too much of a shock for my running style?, and b) is there a faster running shoe out there for tempo runs etc as a pronator?

    Thanks guys!
  • SHADESSHADES ✭✭✭✭
    guy - the shoes you have are for a mild overpronator so you could probably do fast stuff in a neutral shoe.   Saucony have just launched a new speed shoe and as you already use the Guides so they might be a good fit.

    https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/shoes/a32578203/saucony-endorphin-pro/
  • Thanks so much for the advice Shades! Think I’d love to give them a go 👍👍
  • SHADESSHADES ✭✭✭✭
    Guy - they're a bit pricey though.

    I wouldn't risk buying the Nike shoes without trying them on first.   Maybe the running shops will reopen in June. 

    I use all the shoe models that you do but I haven't yet found an Adidas or Nike shoe that is the right fit for me.   But I haven't tried the newer Nike models.
  • Hello everyone, 

    <span>Just started getting into running and bought myself a pair of Nike zoom fly 3 for under £100 in the sale. Ive just got them today and had a quick check over  them. When i took the insole out there were two strange holes/tears in the material under your foot. They were the same on both feet which made me think they're supposed to be there, however they're scruffy and the material is fraying. I spent an hour on the phone to Nike and the man on the phone said its part of the style and fashion of them. He clearly knew nothing even after seeing the pictures. I've got the email chain from Nike now saying its normal so im covered. However have any of you seen these before or have them in your  own Nike runners? 
    </span>
    <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6027274/uploads/editor/2r/jy0flhldzj67.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6027274/uploads/editor/5f/at811qpfv8wb.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6027274/uploads/editor/6i/i1nl6oj761j7.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6027274/uploads/editor/tb/kxfnfn6nr0pm.jpg" alt="">
  • SHADESSHADES ✭✭✭✭
    Can't get those links to work for the pics.

    Just post the photos using the insert an image facility, you can do it from a phone.
  • <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6027274/uploads/editor/cb/pizpdzgg6t1i.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6027274/uploads/editor/tq/of1kouw1rffp.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6027274/uploads/editor/dj/b1zy2v1cd4ca.jpg" alt=""><img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6027274/uploads/editor/na/zdqryj9p0ibs.jpg" alt="">
  • SHADESSHADES ✭✭✭✭
    Thanks, can see the pics now.

    I haven't got any Nikes but just looked at a pair of Asics and they look fairly similar, without the holes that you mention.   But to be honest I wouldn't worry about it, the insole goes on top of that so it's not as if your foot is in contact.   I wonder if it might be where they put a spot of glue to hold the insole in place.

    There's a forumite on my training thread, she runs in Nikes I'll ask her to pop on here and advise.
  • Cal JonesCal Jones ✭✭✭
    Beanhead - it's normal - all my Nike shoes have that hole.
  • Cheers for the feed back. Does anyone else find it odd? 
  • TRTR ✭✭✭
    Odd that you are looking under the insoles.
  • Is it 🤔. I change the insoles on most shoes i buy. Be that walking shoes, my issued millitary boots or running shoes. I always check the whole shoe for damage as soon as i get them. Makes sense to take out a removable part and look underneath. Thought this was a grown up forum, didn't expect poor attempts at insults. 
  • SHADESSHADES ✭✭✭✭
    Don't be offended.   I've never heard of any runner removing the insoles to inspect a new running shoe either.   

    I look at the shoe, check the model and size, change the laces to elastic ones, then out for a run.

    My first couple of pairs of Hokas arrived with alternative insoles and I did change those for the more cushioned ones.   
  • TRTR ✭✭✭
    Insults ? None meant.

    You asked if anyone found it odd...i find it odd you were even looking, i find it odd that you'd pay for an expensive pair of running shoes and change the insoles, i find it odd you thought i was insulting you.

    If i was buying a car id make sure the brakes worked  and the car stopped efficiently in a straight line, i wouldnt take the wheels of to look at the brakes.

    Still no insult meant.
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