Where to get running shoes

[SingingWilks]

Hello all

I'm running my first half marathon in October (in fact my first race other than a 5k!) and for my birthday present my husband is getting me some running trainers. I wondered if any of you have had positive experiences in either Run and Become or Runners Need or any other shops in London where they do gait analysis?

I'd be grateful for your thoughts. Thank you.

[taper]

Runners Need I've used and found to be pretty good. Their staff are usually runners, know their stuff and use video gait analysis. Run and Become didn't do video analysis when last I went. They have you running outside the shop and do it by eye. Very experienced staff though. Take some old trainers so they can look at the soles.

London City Runner near St Pauls I like too.

Once you have a shoe that works for you, I then buy of the Internet as it tends to be cheaper.

[Pickle]

I've used the Runners Shop in Beckenham a number of times. Friendly, knowledgeable staff with a good selection. I'm not sure if they offer video gait analysis or not, I've always taken my old shoes in with me and as Taper mentions they have watched me run.

http://www.runnersshop.co.uk/index.php/contacts/

[DulwichFox]

Decathlon Surrey Quays

Here

Fox

[Oxalis]

I've used Runner's need several times (Camden and Liverpool st branches) and had good advice by knowledgeable staff. Video not available on one occasion but they watched me run and I was happy with the shoes. As others have said take your old trainers with you.

I'm thinking of doing the Windsor half marathon in October. If you're looking for company for training let me know. My aim is to complete it!

[Undisputedtruth]

http://www.profeet.co.uk/location

http://www.sweatshop.co.uk/

http://www.runnersneed.com/

I've used all three shops where they give good advice. Personally, I would not want to rely on one person's advice. Profeet gives video gait analysis.

[Applespider]

I had a mixed experience in Run and Become. The first set that they put me in ended up giving me lower back pain after 20 minutes. They were very good about changing them though and I ended up with a pair that I ran my half-marathon in.

Had an amazing experience in Sweatshop though (the one nr Fulham) where the guy looked at me standing barefoot, correctly diagnosed that I'd once badly sprained an ankle and identified shoes accordingly (strangely, or perhaps not, the same trainers that I was already running in despite me not telling him)

[SingingWilks]

Thank you for all your thoughts and advice, I really appreciate it. Shopping day is Saturday and sadly, I'm really looking forward to it! Thanks again.