General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed? Rss Feed  
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2013-04-19 6:05 PM

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Subject: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?

Just made the move from the Brooks Adrenaline's to the Saucony Progrid Guide 6.  Having some foot problems that require a wider toebox and nothing but mesh on the side (bunion issues).

The Saucony's have an 8mm drop as opposed to the 12mm that I have been running in for years.  Is 4mm difference enough that I should ease into them like I would if I was going to a minimal shoe, or do you think that it is not to big a difference.  Planning on running a 10K tomorrow and don't want to end up messing up my calfs.



Edited by dodgersmom 2013-04-19 6:07 PM


2013-04-19 6:58 PM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?
I think anytime you make a shoe change that involves different characteristics you should proceed with a little caution especially if you have a history of injuries.  Sometimes small changes in a shoe can magnify a problem.  I certainly would not run a race without having some confidence that the shoe was right for me.  I have made this mistake and strained my Achilles tendon.
2013-04-20 12:42 PM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?

I own a shop, and the difference in the shoes is not huge. For most runners, you won't feel any difference in the two drops. The biggest challenge comes from going from a 12mm to a 4mm drop. That is a really big change and can cause calf and Achilles soreness so I advise runners to start slow by running a normal run (not long) in the new shoe then switch back to the 12mm drop for the next run and do this for about 2 weeks to allow yourself to adjust to the new drop. Having said all this, if you are concerned about the drop difference, just alternate your shoes for a couple of weeks and you should be good to go. Hope that helps

2013-04-20 2:03 PM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?
I went from the Nimbus (11mm?) that I used for years to the Triumph 10 (8mm) and didn't experience any soreness.
2013-04-20 2:06 PM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?
popsracer - 2013-04-19 6:58 PMI think anytime you make a shoe change that involves different characteristics you should proceed with a little caution especially if you have a history of injuries.  Sometimes small changes in a shoe can magnify a problem.  I certainly would not run a race without having some confidence that the shoe was right for me.  I have made this mistake and strained my Achilles tendon.
. I agree, ESPECIALLY before a race!
2013-04-20 2:53 PM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?

As with anything the easiest answer is "it depends." But with the smaller drop you're going to have a higher tendency to strike more forward on your foot than you would in the 12 mil and that will most likely result in your soleus (part of your calf) working more and resulting in some soreness.

My suggestion would be to take them out for one of your shorter training runs before jumping into anything longer. Use that run as a guide to whether you feel like you need to work into them or if you adjust quickly to the new 8 mil drop.



Edited by funkj25 2013-04-20 2:53 PM


2013-04-20 4:37 PM
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2013-04-20 6:19 PM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?

I unknowingly went from 12 to 8 when my new Saucony Ride's changed and I wasn't aware of it.  No problems at all.

That being said, had I known I was making the change I'd have eased into it a bit.

 

Brian

2013-04-20 6:24 PM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?
Saucony changed the drop from 12 to 8 in the model I run in.  I was worried enough to try a Brooks that had a 12 mm drop, hated them and went back to the Saucony model with the 8.  For me, no issue.  But, it also may be an individual thing.  I was worried though about the change, because I've had a history of Achilles issues.  But, I haven't had any problem.
2013-04-20 8:56 PM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?
Ran 3 in them today.  Not sure what happened, but I was stupid fast.  Like averaging 30 seconds a mile faster.  I an also a heavy footed runner and with these I could hardly even hear my feet hitting the ground. Being a definite heel striker, maybe just that 4mm difference will start me on the path of mid-foot.
2013-04-20 9:20 PM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?
This is funny- I had run in Saucony Hurricanes and Brooks Adrenalines for years.  I went to a running store and they watched me run, looked at my old shoes, and suggested the Guides.  I had no idea there was a difference in drop and have run with them in my rotations for a year now.  Glad they are working for you!


2013-04-21 7:03 AM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?

Having done both in the last year (Asics to Saucony was 12-8, then back to Asics and Adrenalines and just added Newtons in last week for a 12-8), a couple observations.  I overpronate and have VERY flat feet, for background.

12 to 8 just felt good.  Didn't notice a difference and really liked the Saucony.  The LSS (local shoe shop?) took a vid of my running and recommended going back to Asics or Brooks Adrenalines and I did (about 3 months ago).  Brooks feel faster than Asics (Adrenaline vs. Kayano), but neither as "natural" as the Sauconies.  No soreness or any noticeable difference, except I like the feel of the Saucony, the Brooks feel less cushy, and the Asics feel like a cushy slipper with a thick heel (not sure I like that anymore, but anyway).

Just added Newton Motions last week, so 12 to 4ish.  I LOVE the way those shoes feel!  It's all I can do to keep myself from going long and going fast in them.  That said, I did 1-1.2 miles in them three mornings in the last week, and my calves are sore.

So, yes I notice the difference going to 4.  Never noticed going 12-8.  4 feels AWESOME and I'm going to work to get them into the rotation as my regular shoe.  I might bring the Saucony back in for longer runs, too.

n=1, so YMMV

 

Best,

Matt

2013-04-21 8:04 AM
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Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?

When I switched from an asics 12MM to a Saucony 8MM drop I could feel the differance on the first couple of runs with the accillies streaching just a bit further, but after that Not at all, the adjustment was Quick and didn't really require any special adjustment period.

I just wouldn't wear them out for the first time on a long run, do a couple of you regular distance runs first.



Edited by RRH_88 2013-04-21 8:05 AM
2013-04-21 9:52 AM
in reply to: #4707652

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Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed?

I just remembered that my switch to the Saucony shoes was done in a very much NOT recommended way.  I bought them the day before my first HM and then ran the HM in them! Surprised  What a maroon…  Tongue out

Really, though, I didn't feel anything but good in them - all the soreness from that race was in my quads (but I might not have noticed a little tightness in my achilles by comparison).  Sometimes being clueless works out, although I now realize I dodged a potentially significant bullet!!  If I'd tried that with the Newtons, I'd be hurtin'

Live and learn...

Matt

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 12mm drop to 8mm drop - slow break in needed? Rss Feed