Lessons learned? (About shoes)

[JaySeeSkinny]

My single pair of running shoes were past their best at 1,000 km. Well past their best. So this month I kitted myself out with new runners, 2 different pairs. Breaking them in, however, is not that easy. My muscles are protesting as loudly as they did in the first weeks of c25k. My shins are sore, I'm stiff and only now, about 2 weeks into the process are things easing up. I don't remember having these problems a year ago when I first ran with the old pair. But I'm consoling myself with the fact that I'm running further than I was then and using 2 completely different types of shoes (minimalistic and "normal"). One thing is clear though, I'll stagger the process in future and kit myself out with shoes before the old ones give up the ghost.

You never know I might end up with 4 pairs like Oldfloss 🏃🏃

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

I am never going to live that down am I ? They were all at sale price!

I bought them so I could wear them in in turn... I hope you settle to yours soon... happy running beckons

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Ha, ha! Yes, it did make an impression. But I always looked up to you and those shoes give me something else to aim for!

[Bazza1234 Graduate10]

I have 16 pairs of running shoes!! Why do I have so many? Because I have yet to find a satisfactory pair. I have been to running shoe specialists ( and now believe that they can only sell you what they have - and what they have may not be the best shoe for you) . It usually goes something like this - try on a pair of shoes in the shop, have a good walk around in them - take them home and go for a run and "things" seem to show up. For example, I recently purchased a pair of ASICS. In the store, it clearly said that they are a neutral shoe - however they are NOT a completely neutral shoe and definitely are designed to provide some "guidance" . I know - I could and should take them back

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Bazza1234]

Have you tried the minimalist shoes? They certainly don't provide "guidance"!

[Bazza1234 Graduate10 in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

I actually got these new ASICS shoes to walk in only - am not running at the moment nor probably for some time yet - but am hoping to walk a 10K event in 5 weeks time - - I do prefer to run in lightweight minimal shoes like the NIKE Free5.0's ( except that they are a teensy bit too narrow for my wide feet.) Unfortunately NIKE don't seem to make their lightweight shoes in wide widths. The only comfortable light neutral shoes i have ever found that I like are the Skecher GoRuns .

[Tomas Graduate10]

Earlier in the year I had 6 pairs on the go. I have managed to wear one set down and have chucked them out, and the next one probably only have 100 km or less left in them. So I'll soon be down to Oldfloss -levels

Breaking them in early is a good idea. And of course now that you've got two pairs on the go it becomes a lot easier, because one of these will probably need replacement sooner than the others, and that way you get the staggered schedule without having to think about it.

[Hidden]

Thanks for this advice; it had never even occurred to me! This is why this forum is so fab!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Glad we could help! There's so much to think about with this running lark!

[jaybro28 Graduate10]

I've got a more minimalist pair that I love on our sand/dirt roads that I do all my running on (except races). I switch them out with a 'road' pair that has a lot of cushion for my 'not used to pavement' shins. I alternate running with the Nike's 3/4 the time, but keep wearing the Saucony's at least once a week so when a race comes, I'm not getting used to them all over again. I really like both pairs.

[ancientrunner Graduate10]

It is really difficult isn't it - and they aren't cheap. I got some new ones earlier in the year and although they aren't now specifically causing me problems , I just don't like them much, but feel I must get my moneys worth. The buying experience wasn't brilliant either with me having to try and explain that much as I understood the important thing was the shoe if I didn't like the colour it wouldn't work so something visible from the ISS wasn't for me. Hope you settle into yours soon.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to ancientrunner]

I always find a nice muddy puddle is the best thing to run through when I don't like the colour 😉

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10]

Ouch! Look after yourself.

I need to look for new shoes soon, not looking forward to it as my preferred shoe is no longer made 😕 and even sale sites don't have my size in stock.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Maddee_6333]

It really is difficult isn't it? I think it was Ok last year because I was running about 13 -16k a week, now it's more like 25k. The first longish run (10k) in my new Nikes turned one toenail black, bruised the end of my toes, hurt my shins and had me aching for days. But I did it again on Sunday and had no problems. I walked in my old shoes yesterday, and they felt funny aswell!

I am enjoying my Vibrams though!

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Ouch! Are they definitely big enough? I like walking barefoot, but I don't know that I have enough spare money to investigate barefoot running.

[misswobble Graduate10]

Four pairs! I will soon need a bigger house for mine 😃 Some are in boxes, snaking their way up the walls either side my bedroom window, concealed by the curtains 👀 I am going for a shoe wall 😁😎.

A pair of new shoes = a new set of blisters 🙄

😃🏃‍♀️👍✔️

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Fortunately I'm not really prone to blisters. Not on the distances I do, anyway!

I like the idea of your shoe wallpaper!