Do we really need expensive trainers?
We spend £7 billion pounds a year on sportswear and a large chunk of that goes on shoes, yet the research is patchy at best. Two experts argue the case for posh trainers
FIRST WORD
THE HEALTHY DEBATE
Is fancy footwear worth it?
Words Laura Potter. Photograph Shutterstock
YES
Says Barry Crane, a physiotherapist and runner who’s worked with elite athletes
I see so many stress fractures and tendon tears from ill-fitting shoes.
There’s no exact recipe for buying the perfect shoe, but seeing someone with specialist knowledge makes a huge difference.
‘Of all the kit you’re buying, footwear is the most important, because your foot is in contact with the ground, so insufficient cushioning or support can cause horrible injuries. I’ve seen two people this week who won’t run again because they’ve torn tendons, thanks to lack of support. I read medical journals and reviews daily, and there’s no concrete proof for anything, but the best evidence says analysing your gait makes sense.