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With so many shoes, and so many things to consider, shoe-buying is a skill in itself. But does the price tag average of around £75 to £85 represent good value for money? Will the right level of cushioning, tread, mesh and position of your laces make the difference between a personal best and a personal worse? Do you need to spend more to run well?
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I think so. I would rather spend a few more pounds on a pair of shoes that are comfortable and well made than risk injury (or blisters) in a pair of cheap shoes.
I have been told that a good pair of running shoes are an essential piece of kit for every runner.
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I think it's important to have a good pair of running shoes that support and protect. Having the "latest" is not that important to me. Mine were £40.00 and are superb. Saucony Progrid Guide 3.
The difference in running in my Asics running shoes compared to my regular trainers is imeasurable..
Of course they are. I wouldn't put cheap Nissan Micra style tyres on my top of the range BMW M6 (if I had one) so I have running shoes for running - the best I can afford because it's the only body I have and don't want to break it, walking trainers for power walking and cheaper trainers for leisure
If these companies really want people to be healthy and start running they need to make good shoes more affordable. I always buy last years model to save a few $$$
They seem to come in a wide range of prices and you don't need to get the most expensive, top of the range snazzy shoes. They're a good, decent investment and no more expensive then other decent shoes out there. It's not as if they're costing £200. I spent £30 on my first pair which were on sale and not very good cos I didn't get them properly fitted at a shop. When I knew running was my thing I paid £90. I don't usually spend that much on shoes, the most being £60. However, considering what goes into these shoes and how comfortable I feel now when I'm running compared... read more
They seem to come in a wide range of prices and you don't need to get the most expensive, top of the range snazzy shoes. They're a good, decent investment and no more expensive then other decent shoes out there. It's not as if they're costing £200.
I spent £30 on my first pair which were on sale and not very good cos I didn't get them properly fitted at a shop. When I knew running was my thing I paid £90. I don't usually spend that much on shoes, the most being £60. However, considering what goes into these shoes and how comfortable I feel now when I'm running compared to before, that isn't a great deal. It's all about prioritising what you spend your money. Save up for a few weeks... and £90 not really that far out of the ball park. And as other people mentioned here, you can get a good pair for even cheaper...
If you want something decent, be prepared to pay for it. If you want to get something for nothing, you can't expect to always get something that is good.
prestige pricing - this is a real technique and is as apparent in sports equipment as it is anywhere.
Google it, but ultimately, two products can be identical in functionality but one is priced higher to give the effect of being a better product. It isnt.
If you pay more than £70/£80 for running trainers, you're a victim!
Shoes are really the only good piece of kit you need to go running and you don't need to spend a fortune on them.
Recently bought trainers solely on the cheap price, best pair I have now!
Ya kidding me....runner Shoes and value for money in the same sentence!
As an overpronator, I have no option to pay slightly more, but would rather pay a few extra pounds knowing that my feet are ok,
Asics - the only shoes that really suit me. We've done a few miles together now!
Good shoes make a big difference. If you are serious about your running then why take a chance to save a few quid.
Absolutley yes, feel far less pressure on my knees!
OOverpriced and over glitzed. i used to get the same performance out of £40 or £80.
That is until i got my £120 isaccs on the cheap.... now im super quick.... :-)
Hello, as a Biomechanist Podiatrist your running footgear is the most crucial bit of kit you will invest in. They carry your weight, transmit forces, adapt to your terrian and withstands the changes in weather. Really think about what you put your trainers through? They get wet expand and dry out... There is a lot expected of them. In my opinion you get what you pay for! Many of my clients require new Footgear becuase they have purchased inappropriate footwear for their activities. The problems I have to deal with range from bloody nails, blisters, and callosiites to joint and ligament injuries... read more
Hello, as a Biomechanist Podiatrist your running footgear is the most crucial bit of kit you will invest in. They carry your weight, transmit forces, adapt to your terrian and withstands the changes in weather.
Really think about what you put your trainers through? They get wet expand and dry out... There is a lot expected of them. In my opinion you get what you pay for!
Many of my clients require new Footgear becuase they have purchased inappropriate footwear for their activities. The problems I have to deal with range from bloody nails, blisters, and callosiites to joint and ligament injuries. What would cost you more?
My knee was starting to hurt after running in my old trainers - since buying new ones fit for purpose as I run slightly in on the right - I feel great, so although they cost £100 I won't be risking injury or physio bills!
Absolutely. I've seen (and experienced) too many injuriries as a result of wearing the wrong shoes.
Definitely, I use the Mercedes Benz of running shoes as I'm looking for comfort,support and a neutral shoe
with a bad knee it is very aimportant to have the best shoe money can buy, you only get what you pay for.
Started running in 'general' trainers. Result was two very black looking toe nails and a sore hip and that was only over short distances. A month after went and got some New Balance (about £80) and no more sore toe nails (although the damage was done- a great summer look :-( ) and my hip is fine but my distance has tripled. Worth every penny.
todays expensive shoes are the ones in 6 months that will be 50 % off. A shoe that fits your feet perfectly is better than a more technical and expensive shoe that does not quite fit your foot
Don't think you need the latest model necissarily, or even the best looking/ nicest colours, but a pair that fit well is important - last year's model seems to have worked fine for me (at 50% of this year's model, too)
A lot of tech and research goes into modern running shoes and I think it shows in the quality of the results. Just make sure that you get a proper gait analysis every now and then, otherwise it can be easy to waste money on shoes that aren't right for you.
started running 11 weeks ago with £20 trainers ankles hurt like mad friend advised to buy proper running shoes spent £65. best money ever spent like running on air
Although I believe overall they do offer value for money through reducing injuries etc it would be nice if they lasted a bit longer - I don't know what wages are like in the UK but in New Zealand a pair of shoes can cost almost haf the average weekly take home wage
Spent £90 on a pair of Asics 2170 as I was having pain in my knee and foot when running in my cheaper trainers. Since the purchase no problems at all, can now run 10k plus, regularly with no problems. Well worth taking the time and effort to get the right running shoes even if they are expensive.
You don't need to pay top dollar. Buy last year's model on-line. Forget the ridiculous, over-engineered "diving boot" style of shoe with its unnecessary "support" and "cushioning" and just buy racing flats. That's what I do, anyroad.
I don't think it is necessary to have the latest shoe but definitely a good one - I always wear Saucony - they don't make me any faster but so far I have not suffered with any blisters.
When you compare the cost/benefit to the runner enjoying improved health, fitness and state of mind, then the value is clear. If however you consider the costs of making products like running shoes and particularly to the amount many running shoe factory workers will be paid then their value for money is much less certain.
I bet these shoes get made for peanuts
Totally.
I have spent a lot of time running in the wrong shoes, and it always ends the same way in PAIN and time on the couch. yes they are expensive but how much is a month off laid on the couch worth, when your going mad trapped in 4 walls only wishing you could get out running . I rest my case ;-]
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