Hi, last year I done my first 10k run, I've signed up for 2 this year and I'm looking to beat my time. I bought a cheap pair of asics but was wondering if I would benefit from a decent pair of trainers? What kind and what price should I be looking to pay?
Cheers Adam

I do a load of running, and yes to all of the above!

But also, if you fancy relearning how to run look up 5-Finger Vibrams. Been running for years, got a pair of these and Jeeesus! You really do relearn how to run, but putting my tried and tested old shoes back on - I've never ran faster, or with better form.

I'm doing 3 miles in the Vibrams, 1 days recovery (you will need more when starting - like a week!) then 5/6 miles in my normals. After 4 weeks I couldnt believe how fast I'd become. Really worth the effort.

Echoing the above ^^^ get your first decent pair in a running shop that specialises in running shoes. They'll be able to look at your feet, possibly get you running on a special mat to see how your foot lands and then recommend a variety of shoes that you can then try out for size. My old local one in both Plymouth and Exeter would make you go outside and run up and down the street in them, rather than just trying them on in the shop.

I'm a big fan of saucony, but that's purely because I'm 'powerfully built' / front row hooker size and therefore like the extra cushioning that saucony provide over say brooks or asics.

Trainers will last for about 500miles before they start to lose the support and cushioning. Once you've found a shoe that works for you, you can then go trawling the internet and amazon and get the same one at internet prices.

Thanks very much for the replys guy. The asics trainers I got were only £30 and I'm 14 and a half stone so don't think they would last. Done 8k on Monday and my legs are still sore! Was just wondering if good trainers would help. I'm a big fan of you get what you pay for. Going to speak nice to the wife this weekend am try go to Edinburgh at the weekend, I'll let you guys know how I get on.

Cheers Adam

Another vote here for a shop with treadmill and analysis (eg Up and Running).

And add in proper running socks with variable support in relevant areas.

Helps carry my 19 stone.

Echoing the above about the vibrams, I follow a similar style of training and the difference is incredible. My normal shoe is a nike free which is a very flexible shoe so also good for form.

As much as people stress about gait analysis and getting a shoe that fits your pronation is the best thing to do, it doesn't solve the problem. Get a shoe that builds up on one side because you over pronate is going to keep you in that bad habit. I'd go for a neutral shoe and do some barefoot grass running as well and make sure your form is spot on.

I'd love to agree with the above about feet doing as they're supposed to without tons of fancy shoe aids... But I fear most knees simply couldn't handle the battering after years of abuse.

Plus learning in Vibrams, or whatever, is fking HARD and I'd say more than likely to put people off.

Like I say, i agree with the sentiment, but the practicality is questionable.

Buy both!!!!! : )

Well I went to a running shop and got trainers after they had me on the treadmill and I'm still getting shin splints?? Heeeeelllp! What do I do now?

Do you heel strike or toe strike?

This....trust the millions of years your feet evolved over.....not some bloke with a running machine and stock to clear!