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Running shoe question
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Go with what the new local store is telling me
Go back to original store and discuss issues with them
Check out another running store and see what they have to say
HTFU and hope nothing breaks
get a neutral shoe, high arch=neutral..

2008-09-22 10:49 AM

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Davenport, IA
Subject: Running shoe question

Ok, so I've been running in Mizuno Wave Inspires for a while, just started wearing in my 3rd pair.  I was fitted for these shoes at a respected running shoe store close to the last town I lived in.  They had me run on a treadmill, and video taped it, and said since I pronate I needed these shoes.  Ever since I started running in them I've noticed odd muscle fatigue/tightness issues in my soleus muscle, mostly towards the outside of my legs.  The first pair I had to replace because the tongue ripped out, but this last pair I wore out (in 150 miles) and took into the local running shoe store.  He looked at the shoes and at my foot on the sizing slide-ruler thing and said that these shoes were bad for me because I have inflexible high arches so these shoes are exaggerating my natural tendency to roll to the outside of my foot.  That makes sense to me, especially considering where I have pain.  But he never took the time to watch me walk, let alone run.

So the question is: How do I determine which store to believe?  

Right now I can't run more than twice a week without my legs feeling like they are going to fall apart, and that isn't letting me build a very good base for the longer races I would eventually like to do.

Thanks



2008-09-22 10:51 AM
in reply to: #1688138

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Runner
Subject: RE: Running shoe question
Try second store's recommendation.  If it helps, problem solved.
2008-09-22 11:12 AM
in reply to: #1688138

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Elite
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Alturas, California
Subject: RE: Running shoe question
I was wearing the same shoe and then they changed the desgn from 3rd edition to 4th. The 3rd edition was fine, but the 4th version sucked big time. I got blisters whenever I ran in them and they broke down super fast like 100 miles. Not that they behaved much differently new than broken in than just plain broken. I changed brands entirely and have had no further problems. The one where they have you run on the treadmill should let you "try out" like 5 or 6 different brands of shoes. If one isn't working they should be able to recommend another one. I am not sure how the 2nd shoe store can say how your foot mechanics work without watching you run though.
2008-09-22 11:21 AM
in reply to: #1688138

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Expert
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Virginia
Subject: RE: Running shoe question
When i first started running a few years ago, I just picked up a pair of nikes on sale and went at it.  After a while started getting some bad pain in the ankles.  Went to a running store and the guy recommended shoes based on my old shoes and me describing my pain, lo and behold, no problems.  Fast forward a few years, went to a fancy running store that watched me run, ect.  They recommended the same shoe I already had from the guy who didn't watch me run or walk, just recommended based on the evidence so to speak.    I guess some people know shoes/body mechanics.  I'd try it out, can't hurt more than the current shoes.
2008-09-22 12:08 PM
in reply to: #1688143

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Lethbridge, Alberta
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Subject: RE: Running shoe question
Scout7 - 2008-09-22 9:51 AM

Try second store's recommendation.  If it helps, problem solved.

x2

I've had stores, good stores, recommend different types of shoes from what I like. Twice now, from different stores at different times, I've tried the recommended shoes and both times they've made my feet hurt. What I like may not work for you but I feel better in and prefer neutral shoes, especially the really light weight trainers or flats. In spite of their well-meaning attempts to change my mind, I've learned to insist on what I know works for me.

You should be the final judge of what feels right for you. If it's not right, try something else. Be careful though and ease into anything different until you can tell if it's going to be OK or not. Build up carefully again after any big change.
2008-09-22 10:41 PM
in reply to: #1688138

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Veteran
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100252525
OHIO south of Dayton
Subject: RE: Running shoe question
The Mizuno Wave Inspire is a "Stability" type running shoe, which means that it tries control the inward roll of your ankle relative to your heal (pronation). This shoe is marketed for those who have average arches and medium build. Higher modulus (harder) EVA on the inside of the heal contact zone and softer EVA on the outside of this zone is supposed to control pronation.

Those who have higher arches actually tend to supinate -or- their ankle rolls slightly outward relative to the heal (opposite of pronation). In your case, if you have a high arch and run in stability type shoes it can exagerate the supination or outward roll (ie the harder EVA material on the inside of the heal plate forces your akle to roll out even more). Any motion of the ankle relative to the heal only transmits up your leg, into your knee and then to your hip. I imagine that you have pain on the outside of your knee and possibly even high on your outer hip (tensor or iliotibial).

It sounds like you could use a cushioned / neutral type shoe......but do a wet test to find out your arch for sure. Wet your feet then step onto a paper bag for about 10sec. Step off and look at the image....a narrow contact or a thin band connecting the heal and forefoot indicates a high arch.

Sounds like the second store could be on the right track.....


2008-09-23 6:33 AM
in reply to: #1688138

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Elite
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Connecticut
Subject: RE: Running shoe question

I have had a lot of experience lately with new running shoes.  I tried a shop closer to home (instead of my normal shop an hour away) and they recommended a shoe for me.  It felt good in the store so I buy it and off I go.  I wear it for a run and they tear up my feet.  I return shoes and get another pair that was pretty much thrown at me.  The employees were almost put out that I was returning the first pair.  Whatever, right?  So, I take the second pair home and run in them.  Yup, they tear up my feet.  Bad blisters.  I try to HTFU for awhile but after putting about 20-25 miles in them, the knee and hip pain started.  So, I call the store and there is only a 7 day return policy.  Screw it, I cut my loses and go back to my regular store.  I get my third pair of running shoes in three weeks and now my feet are happy. 

Moral of the story, whatever you decide, make sure of the stores return policy.  My normal store has a 30 day, no matter what return policy.  I learned this the hard way.  It is worth a shot to try a new shoe, especially if your old one's were wearing out so fast.  But, make sure of the return policy.  Ask lots of questions and it should work out.

2008-09-23 6:42 AM
in reply to: #1688200

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Pro
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the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Running shoe question

Baowolf - 2008-09-22 12:12 PM I am not sure how the 2nd shoe store can say how your foot mechanics work without watching you run though.

The same way the mechanic can tell your wheels are misaligned - by the wear patterns.  In fact, unless the first store used high speed video taping and slowed down the action, I'm not sure that their approach would really have been better.  More high tech, and maybe in the end gives the same result, but not better.

2008-09-23 8:08 AM
in reply to: #1688138

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Expert
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Carmel
Subject: RE: Running shoe question
Everything changes and your stride may have changed a bit to where the shoes that you have been wearing are not right for you anymore. Go with what the new guy said. Videos and everything else are great and can help but if someone knows running sneakers they dont need all that fancy gadetry.

After a few years a bike fit should be tweaked and Im sure that the same can be tre for running sneakers.

A little tip that I learned was to get 2 pairs of running sneakers for training. One pair with the stability that you need for long runs and one pair with a little less. Do shorter runs with less stability to help correct any muscle imbalances. I use the Brooks Adrenaline for most runs and then I have Brooks Axiums for shorter runs. Just helps mix it up.
2008-09-23 8:50 AM
in reply to: #1688138


108
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Subject: RE: Running shoe question

I don't think its as simple as one store is right and one is wrong.  I think as you try different shoes, its a process of gathering information and continual improvement.  And you see big changes every year in the same shoe as they release a new series.  I think you should try on and be fit in shoes every time you buy new shoes.

I say go back to your new store, try on lots of shoes that they recommend for you, ask lots of questions, and ask them if they need to watch you run.  Don't just go with the first pair they recommend. 

 

2008-09-23 9:10 AM
in reply to: #1690199

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Master
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Port Moody, BC
Subject: RE: Running shoe question
NC Runner - 2008-09-23 6:50 AM

I don't think its as simple as one store is right and one is wrong.  I think as you try different shoes, its a process of gathering information and continual improvement.  And you see big changes every year in the same shoe as they release a new series.  I think you should try on and be fit in shoes every time you buy new shoes.

I say go back to your new store, try on lots of shoes that they recommend for you, ask lots of questions, and ask them if they need to watch you run.  Don't just go with the first pair they recommend. 

What he said...this is why I bought 4 pairs of the Asics I'm in right now. Find a great shoe...buy them ALL!  Hope it works out for you!



2008-09-23 9:13 AM
in reply to: #1688138

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Davenport, IA
Subject: RE: Running shoe question
Thanks for the advice everybody.  Going to the new local store to try some out tonight.
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