Discussion
Decided I was going to start doing some jogging as that is the only form exercise that is convenient at the moment (no space for equipment at home and no gym).
I bought myself some cheap running shoes as a starter - I've never had these types of trainers - they feel really soft/padded which helps in comaprions the the other sport trainer I normally wear (astro turf shoes which are very flat soled but flexible).
Since then I have seen a bit of debate on the net as to whether one should go for very flexible 'natrual' style shoes which let the foot act as naturally as possible - or more rigid shoes which provide support but may stop the foot acting naturally.
Anyone have a view on this?
I bought myself some cheap running shoes as a starter - I've never had these types of trainers - they feel really soft/padded which helps in comaprions the the other sport trainer I normally wear (astro turf shoes which are very flat soled but flexible).
Since then I have seen a bit of debate on the net as to whether one should go for very flexible 'natrual' style shoes which let the foot act as naturally as possible - or more rigid shoes which provide support but may stop the foot acting naturally.
Anyone have a view on this?
soft/padded is NOT a running trainer 
I run in inov8s, very thin and light. Generally if you find you need padded shoes it's because you are doing it wrong.
With your last set of running shoes, look at how they wore down. you should be putting all the pressure through the ball of the foot. if they are wearing at the rear or sides then IMO you need to change your style.
I run in inov8s, very thin and light. Generally if you find you need padded shoes it's because you are doing it wrong.
With your last set of running shoes, look at how they wore down. you should be putting all the pressure through the ball of the foot. if they are wearing at the rear or sides then IMO you need to change your style.
Efbe said:
soft/padded is NOT a running trainer
I run in inov8s, very thin and light. Generally if you find you need padded shoes it's because you are doing it wrong.
With your last set of running shoes, look at how they wore down. you should be putting all the pressure through the ball of the foot. if they are wearing at the rear or sides then IMO you need to change your style.
So all the ultra runners who use Hoka are doing it wrong? I run in inov8s, very thin and light. Generally if you find you need padded shoes it's because you are doing it wrong.
With your last set of running shoes, look at how they wore down. you should be putting all the pressure through the ball of the foot. if they are wearing at the rear or sides then IMO you need to change your style.
Roger645 said:
So all the ultra runners who use Hoka are doing it wrong?
I'm no ultrarunner. I've run in Hokas and Newtons, and on balance I prefer the Newtons. A couple of main reasons: first, I feel like I'm in the Newtons, but I feel like I'm on top of the Hokas, if that makes sense. Secondly, I am pretty sure I hit the ground harder in the Hokas. I think - but I'm not certain - it's because the Hokas let me. Sort of similar to how heavily would you land on a trampoline vs a running track vs a pavement vs gravel. I don't doubt that if you're an ultrarunner you have good form, or at least form that works very well for you, dialled in so deep to your muscle memory that these things cease to matter. At that point I can see cushioning becomes more important over a very long distance, where your ability to absorb impacts may become compromised due to fatigue. But at my very lowly status, I tend not reach for the Hokas unless I've got a lot of base miles in, and I'm going for a long slow run and feel I want a bit of help.
ETA: for the OP, working out how you run, and then trying to find someone who can constructively teach you better or good running form is probably a better first step than focussing on your shoes. Efficient, fast running isn't quite as easy as it looks.
My preference is flexible shoes, medium to low drop (heel to toe height difference) with moderate cushioning, and doing most of my running offroad. Is there one "right answer" for everyone? No, of course not. I've been running competitively for 25+ years and have trained and raced in everything from big cushioned shoes to track spikes (flat, no cushioning at all). Having decent form and ok core strength is at least as important as choosing the right shoes.
I may be wrong but judging by the OP's comments (jogging), I don't think this is something we need to be discussing in so much depth. We've already got him into race shoes and pose running technique 
As mentioned, you don't need to spend a fortune (£60-90) but you do need to go to a decent running shop that can check your gait first. No point in buying for the look as you may need support, or like me you may be a neutral runner. But without getting checked first you will never know and could run into all sorts of problems (see what I did there?)
If it's then something you enjoy and seriously want to improve, maybe then think about running style. But it takes months of work (and sore calves) and wont happen overnight.
http://www.asics.co.uk/running-advice/preparation/...
As mentioned, you don't need to spend a fortune (£60-90) but you do need to go to a decent running shop that can check your gait first. No point in buying for the look as you may need support, or like me you may be a neutral runner. But without getting checked first you will never know and could run into all sorts of problems (see what I did there?)
If it's then something you enjoy and seriously want to improve, maybe then think about running style. But it takes months of work (and sore calves) and wont happen overnight.
http://www.asics.co.uk/running-advice/preparation/...
I only do two to three 5Ks a week and nothing competitive so might be a bit similar to you. Definitely helped getting my gait looked at - Decathlon do this now, not just sweat shop etc. Ended up with a flatter heel, lightweight running shoe. I also had shin splints before which haven't returned since having the new trainers. Off the top of my head I think they were New Balance 750v1.
Edited to add: To answer your question, I much prefer to run in the newer ones than cushioned and supported ones. They aren't completely devoid of support and cushion, just not as much, especially on the heel.
Edited to add: To answer your question, I much prefer to run in the newer ones than cushioned and supported ones. They aren't completely devoid of support and cushion, just not as much, especially on the heel.
Edited by Alapeno on Monday 21st July 11:31
Mojooo said:
Well there is another argument that you don't need insoles to try and correct over pronation etc as your body is your body (I spsoe that is an argument for 'natural' shoes.
Or can you get minimalist shoes with insoles as well?
You can work on running form and muscle strength/balance to reduce form issues - "natural" shoes won't do that for you of course. You can put your insoles in any shoe you like.Or can you get minimalist shoes with insoles as well?
Efbe said:
does it sound like the OP is ultrarunning? No. Therefore ridiculous question.
heavier shoes, poor on ankles, hoka blisters. whats not to like...
Wasn't suggesting the OP was doing ultras, just picking up on your sweeping statement that soft and cushioned means you are doing it wrong. heavier shoes, poor on ankles, hoka blisters. whats not to like...
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