Raises eyebrow. Twirls martini glass. The name is Flipper. Flat Flipper.

[HelenkaZ]

Hi everyone. Still plodding on along here, keeping up with the three times a week and astounded and so chuffed I’m still going. Not the fastest snail on the ground but I’m increasing the time I’m running and gradually trying to increase the speed a little to the extent of even incorporating some inclines on the old dreadmill (more on that another day). BUT, in the meantime - any advice out there regarding footwear for a weirdo like me? I had a gait analysis and confirmed over pronation (well, there’s a surprise) and I need a good supportive shoe. So new shoes bought with some assistant advice that indicated these were the most supportive for me, but I’m not convinced so far. While the one half of my foot with the toes resembles something akin to Coco the Clown (flat, splayed necessitating a wide fit for the old tootsies) the other upper half and around my ankles is more in the Cinderella (ok – ish) shoe camp, in being a bit daintier.

A few weeks down the line and I just CAN’T get it to fit right with the more overly pronated left foot: tried more inserts, adjusting the shoelaces (I counted about 17 stops the other day before I gave up completely), different socks etc. They weren’t cheap but willing to give up on them if they are going to do me a mischief. The left foot is half size smaller (not unusual I know) but I think that is just adding to the problem (maybe should have gone for a snugger fit on this foot and tried to stretch out the right foot with time). I’m also worried this is increasing my chances of tripping over. I expected to be a bit sore over a few weeks as I’m going be using the muscles slightly differently. Any ideas on how much longer should I try getting used to them or just bite the bullet, use them for something else, put it down to experience and just get some new ones and trust the gut instinct a bit more? Any recommendations, helpful hints I could try?

[misswobble Graduate10]

Take them back if youre not happy. They will get you fixed up hopefully.

I have normal width feet but a really wide forefoot I’ve got some Altra Torins which look most clown-like of any shoe ive seen They do various models 😃

[HelenkaZ in reply to misswobble]

Really.? You think so? Ok. I'll try that, thank you👌

[SlowLoris in reply to HelenkaZ]

I agree. Take them back. After all, they suggested them.

[HelenkaZ in reply to SlowLoris]

Seems to be the consensus so far. Thanks. Appreciate the support (pun totally intended).

[rancher]

Sorry to hear your troubles

I have ‘problem’ feet too but have found that the right set up helped things improve very quickly so I agree-don’t wait too long!

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

Sounds like you need to take them back. But with regard to sizing, it doesn't matter so much if they are too long, they should tighten over the bridge of the foot and you want the heel locked in, but extra space at the toe end is actually desirable as it allows your toes to both move a bit and also room to swell. Generally you want a size to 1.5 sizes larger than your regular shoes. You will get used to the clown look and soon forget it as long as the shoe is a good fit for you.