A specialist shop that doesn't sell what I would call fashion trainers like JJB / JD / Sports Direct (or whoever hasn't gone bust yet). Will have a treadmill and sometimes a video camera to analyse your running style in slow-motion. Staffed by runners, not PFYs.

I linked to Bourne Sports in my first above, but there is SweatShop who have multiple shops in the UK plus lots of other independents like Running Bear, Natterjack and Pete Bland (to name three I know of).

 

http://www.runandbecome.com/Home

in Victoria Central London

bought my first pair of shoes there, they do not have a treadmill though

they don't think you need it

http://www.runandbecome.com/Expertis...-Gait-Analysis

it was few years ago now but the service was top notch - you start by wearing a neutral shoe, then they watch you run up and down the road and get you to try on as many as you want and they suggest

I have been fitted on treadmills too, tbh I would not get too het up on videos etc, just get someone knowledgeable who watch's you run and takes time with you

 

Do these types of shops do training shoes and gym shoes etc, or usually just running shoes?

 

Depends a bit - some are just good independent sports shops that do several types of shoe, some are full on running shops with just running kit. The latter is best if you can find one.

 

Many thanks for the advice, I will look those places up.

 

They must do. I can't see any shop making reasonable income by just selling running shoes only. There're more walkers than runners in the world.

 

Some really good advice here,especially in relation to getting your gait looked at.
When I started to run a couple of years ago,I bought some Asics-good shoes but completely wrong for me as an over pronator.
I had constant pains in my legs and even though they were the right size,I could feel my feet moving within the shoe.
I initially went to Decathlon as they have in store gait testers.They confirmed my over pronation.I then followed that up by going to an independent running store and they filmed me running on a treadmill and then had me running in various different shoes to confirm my gait and see what I prefer.
I only run in Saucony Hurricanes now as they are perfect for me.As distances have gotten longer,I have a shoe that is a half size bigger because of my feet swelling.
I don't run big distances,I'll be doing my second half marathon at the end of the month.Getting the little stuff sorted early doors will save money and pain in the long run.

 

I think it helps to have fit-for-purpose shoes for running, but when you see those Ethiopian runners beating everyone in running, including our Mo Farah recently, it makes you think. That Ethiopian did have good shoes on for that North Run, but an Ethiopian sportsperson told me that they often do practice runs with no shoes on, or just with any shoes on (no flip flops or sandals, I imagine), and are still so damn good at it. I don't think they get so well-nourished for purpose either- knowing Ethiopia.

 

Black people are better at running which gives them the edge, a bit like how white people are better at swimming.

 

Yeah, but that shouldn't be used as an excuse- not that you suggested that. What I think is that people should keep running regardless of what shoes they're wearing; especially when " It is behind you".

 

Its a bit of a tradition and it's relatively high up isn't it?

they all tend to be quite slender, apart from that Bekele geezer and maybe the feet have been handed down to them

 

3000m, that's 1/3rd the way up Everest to you and me

 

Black runners superiority is mainly due to a better Achilles and leg structure. However their naturally lower fat levels and less flexible ankles and lower legs make swimming harder.

 

The one thing no one has mentioned is that trainers/running shoes wear out quicker than you think, the cushioned soles lose their "bounce" which means you get more shock through the leg, a person that runs say 10 miles per day for 5 days a week should be replacing their trainers every 3-6 months, just be aware of this or you could end up with stress injuries

 

Well I had a run in my salomon speedcross 3 this morning and have to say they are good.
The grip on the trails is confident,and the quicklace up keeps nice and and tight and don't become loose.
I did a steady jog 6.5 miles just to give them a bit of go through grass,mud,Tarmac,gravel,couple shallow streams,the odd cow ****,oh and a sand quarry.
Kept my feet lovely and dry throughout,and just wanted to keep going in them.But this ******* flu got the better of me towards the end...

 

What do you mean? He doesn't look exactly obese from where I'm sitting.


Black people generally seem to have good physique. I lately saw an M&S promotional show in one of my neighbouring town's shopping centre. The black male model was the best among the lot. Other posers were just prancing about, whereas he was giving it loads with his killer moves on music. He was very well-sculpted, so that also helped.

 

What type of music was playing...

 

Apparently it's to do with the slave ships, at least where the jamaicans and americans are concerned, as to why they have such good genetics and why a lot of black people sweat.

The trip killed off the weakest and those that were sweating a lot naturally coped with the heat below decks as well as sweating out toxins so the gene pool is strong, which makes sense when you think about it.

I suppose it would also explain why the ones that have good running genes are still in africa as they were able to escape their would be captors by running away, not all of course maybe some are good at hide and seek.

 

Can't remember, DYK. His dance moves were magnetic enough to keep one just watch him, and take no notice of what music he was dancing on.

 

Oh, right.

Black people look good even with their sweat on. Their perspiration looks like diamond dust in the mysterious night sky. Beautiful people.

 

I remember I had one black mate when I were younger and he was bloody crap at swimming,so crap one time the lifeguard asked him to stay in the shallow end of the pool,quite good at running though...