Recommend me a make of trainers please.

[PaulG]

I'm in need of a new pair of trainers but am muddled by the makes and prices, and indeed where to buy them.
I suffer a bit with the soles of my feet so comfort is a major consideration. I have no younger family members to lean on
for advice on this subject, hence this post.
.
Thanks in anticipation.
Paul G

 

[helli]

It depends what you need trainers for.
Sketchers are often recommended for walking the but they would not be suitable for running or walking long distances through uneven paths.

 

[Deb_l]

It depends what you want them for but here are my mad ramblings:

Running shoes - best buy are Brookes but very expensive. Can't really go wrong with Asics or Mizuno (if you can still get those).

Every day - can't go far wrong with Sketchers. They have a very comfortable memory foam insole. Sketchers also have a lot of choice of colours and styles and don't break the bank.

If you plan on walking a lot (like I do), buy 'trail' trainers, which are a cross between walking shoes and running trainers. They are fairly light to wear but more supportive than regular trainers. I'm currently on a pair of Hi-Tec ones and they are fab.

Decathlon are a good shop but I would highly recommend Go Outdoors. They have very helpful staff who aren't kids (sorry to the kids). Only places I wouldn't recommend are Mountain Warehouse and Sports Direct. They NEVER have enough staff available to help you and the staff are very moody.

Don't buy online - you are likely to be disappointed. You need to go in a shop and try on.

 

[Sally71]

I practically live in trainers and my favourites are Nike Revolution - comfortable right from the outset, no need to break them in, and I know what size to get without having to try them on. The pair I’m on now has lasted well over a year which is a bit of a record for me. They are soft material uppers though and I only use them for scuffing around in, I don’t do any “serious” walking e.g. in the countryside.

 

[PaulG]

Well I can't walk far due to COPD so I'm unlikely to break into a gallop.
I recently had stents fitted in my groin, the right hand a success but I still get pain in my left calf.
I've had a look and on the recommendations so far come up with these.
Thanks, but feel free to carry on. Paul G

 

[PaulG]

I have a "Braintree Village" group of shops 12 miles away with all manor of retail outlets.
It looks like I might pass some time there this afternoon.
Thanks again.

 

[mitchsi]

I’d recommend taking a pair of shoes/trainers that you mostly walk in and go to a running shop and let them look at the wear pattern on your shoes. They can then inform you what type of shoes/trainers/inserts you need depending on your walking gait. You may over or under pronate or flat footed etc… might be a useful 1st consult for free, you can always leave with out buying by saying I’ll have think about it ;-)

I bought a pair of running trainers based of a recommendation not realising it was wrong for my foot pronation and it hurt my knee for ages.

It’s very personal and if you have mobility issues then it’s best to understand exactly what you need.

 

[grovesy]

I personally think foot wear is very individual .

 

[Leadinglights]

I would recommend you always try them on and walk around the shop for a few minutes to ensure they are comfortable.
I have bought on line thinking they are the same as ones I already have but there is a subtle difference and they are not comfortable.

 

[rebrascora]

I personally think foot wear is very individual .

I totally agree. I have broad feet and a high instep. What is comfortable and suitable for someone with narrow or flatter feet is unlikely to be good for me and vice versa.
I absolutely dread buying new trainers but some of my best ones have actually been second hand where someone else has broken them in for me. I have also bought from Lidl when I have been doing my grocery shop and had some really comfortable ones that way for everyday use. I have a brand new Lidl pair at the moment that are really comfy. I wear trainers pretty much every day in the dryer months and do quite a lot of walking and outdoor working in them in quite harsh environment... my stables and paddocks and the steep uneven bankside between there and home, so mine don't last beyond a year.
I currently need a new pair of walking boots. I have had my old Gortex ones for 24 years and the sided are now splitting, so that is going to be a big ordeal replacing those and I am not looking forward to it at all.

@PaulG Wishing you a successful shopping trip at the Braintree Village. You really have to go and try them on to find what is comfortable for you but don't let the sales assistants talk you into something that is far more expensive and high tech than you need if you are just wanting them for everyday social use rather than high level exercising.

 

[Leadinglights]

I totally agree. I have broad feet and a high instep. What is comfortable and suitable for someone with narrow or flatter feet is unlikely to be good for me and vice versa.
I absolutely dread buying new trainers but some of my best ones have actually been second hand where someone else has broken them in for me. I have also bought from Lidl when I have been doing my grocery shop and had some really comfortable ones that way for everyday use. I have a brand new Lidl pair at the moment that are really comfy. I wear trainers pretty much every day in the dryer months and do quite a lot of walking and outdoor working in them in quite harsh environment... my stables and paddocks and the steep uneven bankside between there and home, so mine don't last beyond a year.
I currently need a new pair of walking boots. I have had my old Gortex ones for 24 years and the sided are now splitting, so that is going to be a big ordeal replacing those and I am not looking forward to it at all.

@PaulG Wishing you a successful shopping trip at the Braintree Village. You really have to go and try them on to find what is comfortable for you but don't let the sales assistants talk you into something that is far more expensive and high tech than you need if you are just wanting them for everyday social use rather than high level exercising.

I find that some are too high at the sides and catch on my ankle bone so it is essential to try on. It is awkward if you are in between sizes as some don't come in a half size.

 

[grovesy]

I have in the past bought the same make and size as previously owned and the fit is not the same and uncomfortable.

 

[Deb_l]

Well I can't walk far due to COPD so I'm unlikely to break into a gallop.
I recently had stents fitted in my groin, the right hand a success but I still get pain in my left calf.
I've had a look and on the recommendations so far come up with these.
Thanks, but feel free to carry on. Paul GView attachment 30741

You won't go far wrong with Skechers but definitely go and try them on. Just another thought, Pavers are fairly good as well for low impact activities 🙂

 

[PaulG]

I went to Braintree Village knowing there was a Sketchers shop. However it had closed down and a map with a large arrow pointed to the new shop ...... but that hadn't opened yet. BAH !
All was not lost as there was a shop called "Sole Trader" that sold Puma , 40% reduced. Result 😉

 

[PhoebeC]

I think it was @Northerner who recommended salomon running shoes to me, and they did years of 3 x 5K a week, and then have lasted me 5 years of walking and running in the very damp Peak District. They lasted about 8 years and only recently gave up.
Where a bargain find in a sports direct for £25

I have just, last Saturday picked up a pair of under armour running trainers. Another bargain from TK Maxx this time £35 which is about half price. But I’ve not worn them yet, work / hypos / rain all have jumped in at the planned times and stopped me getting out this week. But will report when I get out in them.

I wouldn’t rate Decathlons trainers but their rugby / football boots and welly boots are great. Again have had these and they have lasted and my grandma (still driving ponies and carts in her 80s) swears by their riding / horse stuff so maybe I had a bad batch of trainers.

 

[PhoebeC]

There's a shop in the Trafford centre, I will try and remember the name that have a treadmill you can use and try them out in store. That’s handy actually.

 

[PaulG]

Owing to the lack of a Sketchers shop I bought these Puma ( £52 )
Thanks for all the help.
Paul G
( Edit to add. The leather toe tops will be good for gear changes on the Bonneville. )

 

[nonethewiser]

Need wide fitting footwear & recently purchased couple of pairs of Fitville trainers, not high end but extremely comfortable as I do fair bit of walking .