What to look for in my first serious pair of running shoes?

Hello. I live in Somerset in England and run in my spare time purely because I enjoy it.





I'd like to run more seriously, however, and maybe competitively over 5000m. I've never bought a proper pair of running shoes, though.





What should I look for in a good pair, and how much should I be looking to pay? I can spare about £50, maybe £60 at a push.





Thanks!

What to look for in my first serious pair of running shoes?
First things first:





Typically, most shoes will work if you are just running here or there. However, once the miles start ADDING up, and believe me they add up pretty fast, your body will start to complain if your shoes are not right.





Most people feel free to use whatever they want at first. But once your back, knees, feet, legs, shins and or other parts of your body start complaining, I'd seriously look into getting fitted for a great pair of shoes. It's honestly better to go before this starts, however, anytime is better than never.





Check it out, different styles of running demand different styles of shoes...I recommend going to a specialized running store, even if you are a beginner. It's never to early to take care of yourself.





The best thing you can do is go down a Running Lab. In fact there's a place by that name "The Running Lab", they are FANTASTIC! And they have all different brands of running shoes.





They will have you take off your shoes, watch you walk, and even take an imprint of your foot. After doing so, they will spend a few minutes analyzing everything. They will ask you a few questions about your running style and your level of running.





Once they have finished they will direct you to a wall of shoes, that has ALL different brands of shoes on it and say something like; "These are what we recommend for you based on your foot's shape, the way you run, where your foot actually impacts the ground and the width of slimness of your feet.





After they show you the selection, try a few pairs on, take them for a "test run" around the block and once you've found a pair that you like, then get them.





The benefit of getting a fitting is that you get a shoe that conforms well with your foot.





When my spouse got back from the Running Lab her expression was, I feel as if I have a spring in my step!





It increased her confidence and she didn't have any shin splints.





The "Running Lab" doesn't charge you extra for their evaluations and the shoes are competitively priced.





Hope this helps...
Reply:"What to look for in my first serious pair of running shoes?"





Your feet?
Reply:The best thing would be to go to a specialist running shop and have them asses your running style (how your foot comes down etc.) They do it for a living so they know what they're talking about. If you get the wrong shoe you're going to do yourself some serious damage.
Reply:Things you can do at home, before deciding which running shop to drop a disproportionate amount of money in (wink) include:





Observe the arches of your feet and decide whether they are high, normal, or flat. If you're not sure, compare your feet to those of your mates.


The 'lasts' that good running shoes are built on are specific to arch types among other things.





Check the soles of an old pair of shoes, even those that you've only walked in.


The wear patterns will indicate what type of runner you may be, and what type of support you'll need.


Wear on the outside edge of the sole and forefoot may indicate overpronation: a common but easily corrected problem.


Bring that pair of shoes with you if necessary. A good salesperson at a reputable shop will know how to read that wear pattern and suggest the proper support.





Once you're in the ballpark as far as support and tracking, try on several pairs of that style. Even ones that are out of your price range. This will give you an idea of what is offered for more money. You may discover that you don't ever need many of the extra bells and whistles.





Sizes do not translate throughout the brands. Although the UK sizing system is more universal (e.g. 43 vs sz.11) widths and toebox sizes are specific to the shoe itself, not just the maker. This can only be determined through wearing. So don't base a decision on the first pair of a specific brand.





If you happen to have slim feet through the midfoot (arches) and a wider toebox (forefoot) don't be embarrassed to ask to try on women's versions of the same shoes.


They are usually offer a better fit through the midfoot without having to crank the laces each time you put them on.


I myself wear women's shoes and I've yet to experience any issues. Very rarely can you tell the difference in appearance.





Spend some time running in each pair, even if it's just down the store aisle and back. You'll feel any tight spots, and get a feel for the cushioning each shoe offers. Remember too, that they will feel a little different after 50 miles or so.





If you find a craicing pair, save enough money to buy a second pair exactly the same. Shoe models often get discontinued, as what happened to my favorite, even the best pairs, and are often replaced with a similar model that isn't quite right anymore.





As far as how much you should spend; A higher price doesn't necessarily provide a better shoe. It's all very subjective.


If you find a pair that feels right when you run, fits perfect, and doesn't cause any leg problems (I say "leg", because an ill-fitting shoe won't just affect your feet) and is durable and you only pay $20: Great!





Treat your feet right, and they'll rarely complain.





(P.S. I swear by Brooks Burn 2's. Sadly, the new 3's just aren't the same.)



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