Running shoe size

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2005-04-19 7:27 AM

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Cary, NC
Subject: Running shoe size
A guy manning a runner's shoe store this weekend told me that a running shoe should be about a thumb-width (about an inch) longer in the front than the big toe. He said that it will give my feet room to expand when I run.

So I bought the shoes. Went for a run, and they just feel too big. Is there any rationale to the salesman's thinking? Should I get used to this size or get a size that feels good?

Thanks,
-MTBonker


2005-04-19 8:37 AM
in reply to: #144369

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Subject: RE: Running shoe size

1 inch sounds like a bit too much, but you definitely want space round your toes in your shoe.  If that space isn't there you're toes end up hitting the front of the shoes and that can put a lot of pressure on your nails (whihc hurts for a while, then your nails fall off).

If you aren't feeling comfortable in them go back to the shop and discuss it with them - did they check the shoes on you when you bought them or leave it to you?

2005-04-19 11:21 AM
in reply to: #144369

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Master
2005
2000
South Florida
Subject: RE: Running shoe size
I wear a 7 in regular shoes, an 8 in running shoes...you can mess with the lacing to help snug them up a bit...thumb width is a good rule of thumb - pun intended. BTW, my thumb is not an inch wide, I'm sure-is yours???
2005-04-19 12:37 PM
in reply to: #144392

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Subject: RE: Running shoe size
andyc - 2005-04-19 8:37 AM

If you aren't feeling comfortable in them go back to the shop and discuss it with them - did they check the shoes on you when you bought them or leave it to you?



They did. I asked for a one-size-smaller shoe than the one he was targetting me for, but it still feels too big.
2005-04-19 12:44 PM
in reply to: #144521

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Subject: RE: Running shoe size
Mimir98 - 2005-04-19 11:21 AM
BTW, my thumb is not an inch wide, I'm sure-is yours???


Believe it or not I actually measured mine with a ruller before posting, and it is exactly 1 inch wide. You have to count the meaty part as you push the thumb in.

Thanks for advice.

-MTBonker
2005-04-19 12:50 PM
in reply to: #144369

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Swindon
Subject: RE: Running shoe size

I agree witht he post above - playing with the laces can make a big difference.  Also the amount of room you think you have depends on the width of the shoe as well as the length.  I have a pair of Asics and my feet feel cramped in them (length is fine) and a pair of Reboks which feel huge, but that's just because they're quite wide (which suits me, so the Asics are gym only shoes now)

Have another run in them and think about whether they feel comfortable, as opposied to feeling different from your last pair.  If they feel comfortable then they're probably fine, just pay attention to your body and if you get any aches and pains that you weren't getting before go back to the shop and tell them about it.

2005-04-19 3:49 PM
in reply to: #144612

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Master
2005
2000
South Florida
Subject: RE: Running shoe size
[Believe it or not I actually measured mine with a ruller before posting, and it is exactly 1 inch wide. You have to count the meaty part as you push the thumb in.

Wow! I'll have to get out the ruler, but I'm sure it's not THAT big!!!
My shoes are quite big in the toebox. When my feet are fresh in the am, my shoes feel very big up front. After a run, they are just right...If you don't have room to grow, you can end up with black toenails, feet problems, knee problems, hip problems, etc...If they don't slip on your heal, your probably fine..If they do slip, try different lacing. I do a simple loop up top and slide my laces through ~ your store should know the tricks...

I always hate getting new shoes! Almost as bad as a new pair of levi's! Good luck.

-
2005-04-19 5:33 PM
in reply to: #144752

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Subject: RE: Running shoe size

Mimir98 - 2005-04-19 8:49 PM [... I always hate getting new shoes! Almost as bad as a new pair of levi's! Good luck. -

Buy Diesel then ;-)

2005-04-19 8:56 PM
in reply to: #144369

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Master
2005
2000
South Florida
Subject: RE: Running shoe size
Blasphemy!!!!
2005-04-21 3:57 PM
in reply to: #144369

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Subject: RE: Running shoe size
Well, it depends....
What time of the day did you fit the shoes?
As you run/walk your feet change in size. At the end of the day or your long runs you should expect your feet to be swollen.
It depends on how you like your shoes. Some people like them very loose, other people (including me) like them somehow fitted... I leave room (equivalent to my index finger) or little over 1/2 inch) from my longest toe (my second toe) I like my shoes to feel fitted on my heels. It also depends on the brand and the model, in general Nikes and Asics are narrower than New Balance or Adidas....
Also, did you fit your shoes with heavy socks at the store? socks make a big difference.
Finally, you can change the way you lace your shoes. Check this website, they talk about this topic.
http://www.wcsportsmed.com/education_htm.asp?EducationID=2

2005-04-21 9:18 PM
in reply to: #146115

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Cary, NC
Subject: RE: Running shoe size
CL,

Thanks for the tips. Great advice!

Who would've thought there were that many ways to tie your shoes?

-Bonker

2005-05-01 9:28 AM
in reply to: #144369

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north europe
Subject: RE: Running shoe size
i think that you should take about 1/2 inch bigger than your size
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