Any Runners out there?

[Pantani]

I'm looking to buy a pair of running shoes. Not planning on running a marathon but hoping to build up to running a 10K.

 

Any suggestions on what to get? I don't have much of an instep so the shoe needs to provide good arch support. I probably pronate but judging by the wear on my cross trainers and existing running shoes (never run a kilo in them) I seem to wear shoes pretty neutrally.

 

So, any suggestions? Quite like the look of those Asics Gel-Kinsei

 

[Cois]

I have a pair of Addidas.  Did a 7 km jog in them 2 weeks back.  Will love to get more info as running is as much fun as cycling.

[Red Zone]

Cant go wrong with Asics, not sure what model but sounds like you could use some mobility control.

[AndreZA]

My New Balance's soles feel a bit hard for me. Looking as Asics.

[GIRR]

I do a fair amount of xcountry running at school and have never had any troubles with Nike or Asics

[niterider]

Head down to a professional running store and get them to help you pick the right shoes.

 

The Runner group is very good -

The Runner Group

 

 

Fourways Value Mart

Fourways

+27 11 467 4972

 

[Buff]

Best bet is to go talk to someone who's into running at Sportsmans Warehouse. Asics is the most popular running shoe in SA for a good reason, so you won't go wrong there. I run with Asics Cumullus and I'm very happy with them (just bought my 3rd pair) but I'm a neutral so you'll probably use a different model.

[David #7]

Dont be silly guys, you put funny wedges in your cycling shoes , spend a fortune on correct set ups etc, go to an expert running shoe shop and get sound advice from the experts. The runner group of running shops are always very good.

You dont want to pick up an injury from using the wrong shoes and ruin your whole cycling season.

[ZeroPlay]

Don't do it! Cyclists are a fragile lot and you will get injured for sure!

 

Next thing you know you will be racing against Ernst van Dyk.

 

New Balance make some good quality shoes too.  I think the majority of serious runners go for Asics or New Balance.  Not sure why I think that, though.  The wife is a runner, so I might not be talking out of my rear.

 

[slowpoke]

i agree with the guys who say to go to the Runner Group.

 

i use new balance for trail and adventure racing and my previous running shoes were also new balance. my new running shoes are saucony and i have to stop myself from wearing them as everyday takkies they are so comfy. i don't run regularly (i run less than i cycle and at the moment we all know that injuries have got the better of me this year) but with the saucony's i can literally pull them on and go run 5-7km and my feet and knees are fine.

 

BUT i overpronate quite badly so these are perfect for stability - as to neutral i can't talk from experience. asics also have a fantastic reputation as do nike.

[Willehond]

I agree with the 'speak to the experts' idea. (Runner group).  Running shoes are WAY more important than anything on a bike.  Remember you only have one pair of knees and the wrong shoes can give you permanent problems.  Running has lots more impact and the right shoes are imperative.  Let them measure your instep (flat/normal/high arch?) as well as your gait (supanate/neutral/pronate).  Then try out the relevant shoe.

 

I have a neutral gait, but I find Nike's work for me (Pegasus are my favourites).  I crave Adidas, but the hurt my soles, Asics are also nice for me, but I have Nike feet.  Moral of the story: find an expert and find out what suits YOUR feet.  You do not want shin splints/ITB/achilles inflamation/ingrown toenails/sore arches!  Phew, the list goes on!  Good luck and welcome to a whole new world.

 

Prolly better to just forget it and get the blingest Sidi's you can get.  Better an uber-cool cyclist than a nerdy runner...

[porky]

AH- HAH, - says I as I scratch my chin - as an old runner myself I have learnt a few things over the years regarding shoes.

 

Firstly I would suggest you stay well clear of the sportsmans warehouse group for advice on shoes, their market is very mass orientated and their advice will reflect this.They will sell you something that reflects a commission to the salesman and not something suitable for you. 

 

As a new runner, you really need specialist advice, as you obviously want to prevent early injuries, drop in at a specialist shop like the "Bedford runner" or similar, they will watch you trot down the pavement and see if you are neutral or over or under pronate ( by the way very few folk are neutral) and will suggest a shoe specifically for your style.

 

Very often they will ask to see an old pair of shoes to see wear trends, so take a pair of used shoes with you.

 

As for brands and models, Asics is by far the most popular running shoe,  simply because they have a wide range of models for all styles and are highly regarded as specialist running shoes.

 

They would be my first choice.

 

Reebok also has an excellant range to suit most styles.

 

To be honest Nike is not considered a specialist running shoe, they have other more commercial markets.

 

     

[Willehond]

Nike, not a specialist running shoe?  You lost me there mate.  The Bowerman series is the mother of all running series.  Yes, Asics are pretty cool and the geek's choice as they only make running shoes, but saying Nike isn't a specialist running shoe is a bit ignorant.  Yes, they make shoes that you should'nt run in, but Shimano make fishing reels you shouldn't cycle with!!! 

Some of the technical running shoes made by Nike are top notch, and they have taken a lot of running magazine prizes (top shoe last year!) for their innovative designs.

Saying that, I would not say Nike is the best, again; it depends on your feet, but saying they they are not specialist running shoes is sweeping at best and ignorant at worst.

 

Here is the lowdown on my favourite, the Pegasus (and yes, lo and behold; I am that rare thing: a neutral runner.  Gasp, they DO exist!)

 

Product Description:
Nike Men's Air Pegasus Plus 2007 Running Shoe by Nike

Simply on of the best runners on the market today, the Nike Air Pegasus+ running shoe for Men has ticked off many awards the last two years. Best Running Shoe- Editor's Choice Award 2006, Runners World. 2007 Runners World-Personal Best Award- Best Cushioning.

Willehond2007-12-18 14:26:02

[Cois]

O ja.  Invest in a good pair of socks.  I have a pair that makes my feet go numb if I run.  No problem with the others.  And get some running shorts.  It isn't cool to run around in your cycling shorts

[Thug]

Blingman, I'd concur with all the above advice.

 

Go to a specialist running shop so they can determine what type gait you have.

 

I'm a neutral runner and have used Asics Cumulus for many years and obtain extremely good mileage out of the them (1 200 km +).

 

[Paddy]

Agree with WH,  Have tried most makes of running shoes and the Nike range seems to fit my feet the best.  I have also found that some salesmen have a fixation about a brand and will try to convince one to buy their suggested shoe even though I have been running injury free in my nikes.

 

Like Thug says  go to a specialist running shop.

Take your trainers with so the salesman can get an idea of the wear pattern and try a number of pairs on.

 

remember the brightest ones may not be best for you