New Shoes for GB!

[gymbunny87]

Hi guys,



Just wanted to say that last weekend I finally went out and got myself some new runners! I have been using the same single pair of Dunlop "Liz Ellis" crosstrainers since August 2008 and thought it was high to to replace and buy some better shoes.



I was initially planning on going to Athlete's Foot and getting the fitprint done and all that jazz and getting the perfect shoe.....I was out at Point Cook Town Centre (which is my local shopping centre which is great cos I can walk/run to it) when I decided to buy my shoes. I realised they didnt have a proper shoe store apart from Williams, and I knew that if I went to Athlete's Foot etc i would be forking out upto $300..... so I kinda bought two cheaper pairs.



I have heard its a good idea to have two pairs on rotation? So now I've got two.

I bought an $80 Lynx lightweight pair of from Williams which has that cantilever thing going on. They feel beautiful to run in.

And I bought a $40 Spalding pair from Target with raised cushioned pads on the heels.



What does everyone think? Its not like Im running marathons every week but should I still have forked out top dollar?

[Kat can run]

Well - I am no marathoner - I just did my first half marathon. In the past 12 months (that's when I started running) I have run 3 5k'ers and 2 10k'ers races so I am not a hard core runner yet. I run up to a max of 5 times a week (mostly 3-4). I have gone through at least 3 pairs of shoes in that time. I got fitted for shoes and I am a big believer you don't mess with cheap shoes. I did at the beginning and paid the price for the next 7 months having problems with my feet. You can buy "expensive runners" at outlet stores at about half price, once you determine which shoes are best for you. Don't mess with your feet - if you wanna keep running.

[Em]

I believe you get what you pay for, hence I stump up for the expensive shoes, though careful shopping means I never pay full price for them.



I think it's best to go to a specialist running shoe store and get fitted by someone who knows what they are doing. Then again I am one of those overly cautious types and sadly I have also not been blessed with perfect biomechanics.



Then again, you may have great bio-mechanics and be one of those lucky souls who can get away with wearing light weight shoes all the time, in which case what you have purchased may be perfect for you.



However the fact that you've been running in a pair of volley's all this time may have contributed to those shin spints you've been having, they don't have much by way of support.



There are also some who are happy to run about barefoot, I wish I could but I fear my legs may shatter

[gymbunny87]

However the fact that you've been running in a pair of volley's all this time may have contributed to those shin spints you've been having, they don't have much by way of support.

Sorry I think u misunderstood me.



I wasn't running in Volleys lol.



They are the dunlop brand but not volleys lol.



What type of person would run in volleys?

They were just dunlop joggers Em.

[Em]

However the fact that you've been running in a pair of volley's all this time may have contributed to those shin spints you've been having, they don't have much by way of support.

Sorry I think u misunderstood me.



I wasn't running in Volleys lol.



They are the dunlop brand but not volleys lol.



What type of person would run in volleys?

They were just dunlop joggers Em.

Me! In high school they were our standard PE Kit, I ran in them from 6 years and played Basketball in them too and they do have a cult following amongst the minimists.



But no, certainly wouldn't run in them now.



Irrespective of that the Dunlop Joggers probably didn't provide much support either and may have been a contributing factor to the shin splints.

[Rowey]

Hi



Gb was maybe thinking of the KT26 model which I reckon is a good shoe...my first model and one I wore for years...... Tim Mc Cartney Snape wore a pair from the Bay of Bengal (dipped in the ocean) to the base of Mt Everest ( before climbing to the summit, NOT in running gear).... the first person to do sea level to summit, solo.



cheers



rowey

[tiger boy]

GB - I would say that you get what you pay for.

Cross trainers, and other non specific running shoes will allow you to get by for a while, and if you're not doing a whole lot of mileage (or should that be kilometreage), then you may be ok.

The more running you do, the more specific you will need to be with your shoes. There are many types of running shoes, and most are designed for different biomechanics. e.g. designed to help over pronators, or supinators etc.

It would be like me going out to play cricket hoding a baseball bat. I might get away with it in the back yard with the kids, but in a competitive match I would need the right bat (along with a modicum of talent).

You may fid you have been lucky in your choice, but if you start developing any injuries, don't discount your footwear as a possible source.

[ajh]

Agree with Em and TB, don't skimp on shoes. I have used Active Feet for proper fitting and shoe selection. I always buy a pair there when I use their services, but also agree that once you know the shoe you want you can get them cheaper elsewhere (for example I wear Sauconys which are always cheap at Converse stores). With the Aussie dollar strengthening buying from overseas on the internet is also attractive.

[gymbunny87]

Thanks for all your advice guys.



Ill see how I go in these and if my feet/legs dont like them then I guess I will have no choice but to splash out!

[Clarkey]

This thread just got me thinking again about my shoes in high school. Apart from running spikes, my other 'runners' were just whichever pair of sneakers I had at the time...... there would definitely have been not thought to injury protection or anything.



Once I had some money of my own, I bought my first pair of Nike shoes - Air Icarus - because they were Nike & in my price range



Sometimes I wonder if we over complicate things, or if things get complicated as we get older because our 'proper' shoes (ie work / dress / fancy / casual etc etc) play havoc, so we need supportive shoes to try and undo the damage we caused.



As kids - how many of us had more than 2 pairs of shoes? How many of us had any issues with feet and/or associated issues?



No real opinions on this from me -- just thoughts I had while reading the above.

[Em]

Good point Clarkey



I wore Black Dunlop Volleys for all sport right through high school, from basketball to cross country to hurling the discus and sprints on the oval.



I didn't have a "proper" pair of runners until I started running again in my 30s, didn't get injured from running until I was in my 30s either



Then again I didn't do anywhere near the volume of running back then as I do now.



I did run in super light track spikes for the first time on Saturday, I thought they would be really uncomfortable but they were wonderful to run in, they felt really natural, likewise I always feel good running in my XC spikes too.



I don't think my body would let me get away with minimalist shoes all the time though.

[gymbunny87]

Thanks to a VERY nice awesome generous person I have some new -actual running - shoes: Mizuno Wave Inspire Fours. I ran in them for the first time this morning and they are lovely.



I am very grateful



No more cheap and nasties for me!



I vow to buy proper shoes from now on and not be a tightass!

[mik]

So, ar ethey better than what you had before, by a bit/lot or a different planet...



Got my 1st pair of Nikes in grade 7, roadrunners... I had to endure playing basketball in volleys while everyone else had converse... NEVER AGAIN...



had a mate who swore by the volley, couldn't convince hime otherwise... till I let him try my new balance 1500's many many years ago... he just couldn't believe it, was gobsmacked, I did admit 1 pair was $30, the other $300...

[runjanerun]

No more cheap and nasties for me!



I vow to buy proper shoes from now on and not be a tightass!

I think that is a VERY good idea. Shoes can make a massive difference regarding injuries etc.Especially since you are now starting to spend more and more time on your feet too!

i overbuy shoes (just bought two more on the weekend beacuse they were such a bargain) but i just put them away until needed



I used to buy cheap n nasty ones, now i look for cheap places online to buy GOOD shoes.

[Stu Mac]

I agree Jo, you do buy a lot of shoes!

[gymbunny87]

i overbuy shoes (just bought two more on the weekend beacuse they were such a bargain) but i just put them away until needed

LOLOLOLOLOLOL

[gymbunny87]

So, ar ethey better than what you had before, by a bit/lot or a different planet...

Yes - by a lot - yes to the different planet.



The back of the shoe feels low compared to what I am used to (not a bad thing) and they have much more stretch on the top of the shoe and my foot feels less constricted and is able to breathe better.



Have also noticed a more even foot landing and range of motion for my toes.

[mik]

That's a good good thing..

[gymbunny87]

I have done 472.9km in these shoes

[Stu Mac]

Not time to replace them, but time to look for a second pair to compliment the current ones.

[gymbunny87]

okay now I have done 583.2km in these shoes

(yes Stu that figure is going to stagnate for a while!)

when do I replace?
I have not yet got a new rotational pair....
since I have got Mizuno wave inspires does that mean I need to get mizuno wave inspires again??

[Kat can run]

I have been buying the same running shoe for the last 2-3 years (adidas adistar control 5). I even bought 2 or three pairs at a time when I saw them at the factory outlet stores on special. Well they have finally run out and have stopped making that shoe. The shoes replacing them are adidas salvation's retailing at $250. I picked up a pair at the DFO at South Wharf (city) at Adidas for $130. They feel great but won't be buying a few pairs just yet - will wait until I run in them.

[tiger boy]

okay now I have done 583.2km in these shoes

(yes Stu that figure is going to stagnate for a while!)

when do I replace?
I have not yet got a new rotational pair....
since I have got Mizuno wave inspires does that mean I need to get mizuno wave inspires again??

GB - Time to get a pair to rotate, becuase the current ones are approaching the end of their time.
You have a couple of options. First - get the same shoes, they work for you and as a newer pair they will have a different feel to them. Even if you get 2 pairs of the same model at the same time and alternate them, there will still be a small difference in each shoe.
Second option - pick another brand but with a shoe that performs the same function (i.e. is it desigend for a nuetral,pronating or supinating foot etc.). This way if the other brand works for you, then you have options when it comes to getting your next pair.
Ultimately the choice is yours, after all they're your feet, you just have to be sure the decision you make is one you are comfortable with.

[gymbunny87]

bought new shoes (discount online of course)

mizuno wave inspire 6's..... hot pink man!!
womens size 8.5
can't wait to get them!!

[Stu Mac]

Great buy!