Hi There folks,

I know I am going to ask a few questions here that may have well been answered before so I apologise in advance.
Firstly its a question about footwear.
I don't have much money as i was made redundant after 20 years working in the TV industry just before Christmas (nice).
Running will be a way of liberating myself from the depression of being at home all the time.
I would like to know for a man, what the best brand, for a reasonable price?
This will also help with my second question.
I have a bad right knee which I had surgery on a year ago (miniscus and cartlege removal) Now I find cycling fine and walking ok so the footwear woud help this as would a knee support maybe?? Should I wear one or allow my knee to become strong by itself?
I also have a bad back (Scoliosis) which is a twisted spine, it doesn't pose too much of a problem unless i walk in high winds where i suddenly i get screwed into the soft ground
So, I am always conscious of my knee and my back.
I will certainly adopt the walking then running mantra as discussed in the sticky.
There, I think that is enough questions for now

Thanks all,

Good health

Chris

Welcome, Chris

I am also a runner on the tightest of budgets...
Today, for example, I ran with two tops bought in 1997, two pairs of (bad) gloves that cost me about £0.40, shorts that were free as part of the goodies' bag in a Marathon, socks from an equivalent to the Co-op and shoes from the sales...
Brand/price? For me it's a matter of sales... But never sacrifice your health in order to save money.
Not always I get the cheapest option. I do get the cheapest THAT WILL BE GOOD FOR ME!
What's the point of saving £100 on running shoes and then getting injured and not running?

As for your knee, the support may help as what was removed had exactly that "job", to stabilise your knee.
Avoid uneven ground when running and you will avoid trouble.

Hi

I kind of knew that would be the answer

I will look at the supports that have been recommended on this forum and will throw out there... If I need to spend the correct amount of money on trainers.. What would be the recommended brand?
I live in Warrington, what kind of shop should I be hunting for to help me find the correct shoe. I am probably guessing that Sportsdirect.com is not the correct choice

Cheers

Chris

.

Hi Chris..
You can run in any clothing you want but you must get a good pair of shoes.

You do not have to pay £100's but realisticly you will spend about £50 /£60
for a pair of last season's colours (brand new but old stock).

I would advise going to a good sports running shop and get you posture
or gait analysed. The will video you on a treadmill and then recomend
suitable shoes. With your knees and back you do need good footwear.

I know I ran in boots for months and I always had ankle, knee and calf problems.

all the best ozone

.

__________________
Beware of the man, who comes to a knife fight armed with
a fork, he is either very good with a fork or very mad indeed.

Hi Chris,
Shoes are worth every penny spent but it's not about the brand. I went to a good Running shop in Cork where my foot shape and arch height were analysed before a few options were offered. I have a high arch and a broad foot and was offered Nike's for €150 and Asics for €80. When tried on, the Nike's won for comfort and fit but that was purely a personal choice. Any other kit can be improvised or not purpose specific - eg T-shirts/Jerseys, Shorts etc but the correct footwear is a MUST for yourself - given a history of Knee and Back injury.

Finally, don't take on too much - build up gradually and Fulmar's advice is good - keep on level surfaces to help with minding those injuries... Good Luck

On the Knee / support issue it might be wise to consult a doctor for advice (Also worth getting advised on taking up running at the same time)

Dunno about brand (I only started in October and run in Asics, which are great - for me), but your best bet would be to go for last seasons models as they'll be discounted to make way for the latest bling.

__________________
28th March: Hartlepool Marina 5 Mile Done: 42:34 Earn cashback on your online shopping: Greasypalm
3rd May: Tees Barrage 10k challenge: sub 52 (courtesy of wozzaaah) Nearly: 54:24
25th July: Marske 10k
5th September: Middlesbrough Tees Pride 10k

Thanks all.
I have started my search for a local running shop.
I have to see the Doc soon anyway so i will ask about the knee support...Although last time I went to see him with ear trouble he suggested inhaling steam (His response to everything, even if your leg is hanging off!) and putting warm olive oil into each eye!!!
Think he may have got slightly mixed up

Regards

happy running


Chris

Must be fun going for an appointment with that doctor

Have a look on the internet for the type of shoes you need. Have a look at doing a 'Wet Test' and then you can see what you type of shoes you need.

Then, to keep costs down, see if you have a factory outlet you can get too. I am lucky, as I have one on my doorstep, and I can get a pair of Nike's for £29 (usually £50+).

__________________
Start weight May 2009 - 15st 6lb
Weight in Jan 2010 - 12st 13lb
Target weight 12st 6lb

Thanks Guys,

I have tracked down a running Shop in Manchester and will pop in there within the next week to get my walk and run measured and hopefully they may have some older, last season shoes

At least my doctor, although slightly mixed up, is nothing compared to a spine surgeon I once had who wanted to use a spring system Think it was called dynasis or something) drilled into my spinal vertebrae to help support it, ... I made for the hills - I would have ended up like Zeberdee from Magic roundabout. I also assume he operated from a dungeon deep inside a castle!!

I will let you know how I get on

Regards

Chris