Last weekend I bought my first pair of running shoes. Up until then I'd been running in normal trainers. I went to a running shop and had a gait analysis. That showed I am a neutral runner, and I was given lots of shoes to try. I eventually settled on Brooks Ghost 13. I was advised to have one shoe size larger to allow my feet to expand when running. They checked when I was trying them on and said they fitted correctly.
On my first proper run in them (5K), afterwards the top of my left foot hurt a lot especially when walking on it and flexing it. I believe it was my fault for lacing my new shoes too tightly! After 2 days my foot felt better so I had another run, making sure I didn't tie the laces too tightly. But I felt like my shoes weren't tight enough so I stopped and put the laces through the very last holes. That helped but I noticed at the end of the run (when my feet must be at their biggest), that if I pulled my shoes at the back I could make the back of my feet move up and down, especially the left one. They didn't feel like they were moving while running. Is that normal? Should my shoes be more secure around the ankle? How do I do that? Or are my shoes too big? Any advice gratefully received.
Written by
5210Runner
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
When I bought my shoes I was shown a few fancy lacing tricks to stabilise my ankle - can't remember them all now, but I'm sure Dr Google will oblige! Be careful with any pain on the top of the foot, too tight lacing can bring on extensor tendinitis, which takes me out for a few weeks every so often (not due to too tight lacing in my case, but possibly was initially - I'm not entirely sure what brings it on now, but the frequency indicates I'm obviously susceptible)
I love my brooks ghost and no problems, size larger and don’t fasten tight but I will check out how mobile my foot is in them when I run tomorrow- mind you, maybe a little late as I’ve done 700k since I bought them🤣 maybe phone the shop and explain your worries. Hope things work out ok and you get lots of happy running 🤗
I recently got new running trainers after gait analysis and was advised to try lace locking (probably the technique Ethelbert mentioned - do try Googling it) as this keeps your trainers secure at the ankle and should stop any slipping and therefore blisters too. I was also told to tap my heels on the ground in my trainers before I tied the laces to get my feet as far back in the shoe as possible. Finally, to make sure I wasn't doing the laces too tight, they suggested I raise my toes while tying them.
Sorry, that's quite a bit of information but hopefully it will help a bit, maybe!! 🤞
Top of foot pain is often tight laces as you’ve identified. If they’re too loose feeling, there are lacing techniques that can help. runrepeat.com/top-10-runnin...
Hopefully one of these will have those great kicks working perfectly for you... if not, go see the store again and I’m sure they’ll sort you out.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
New shoes, running errands and an ‘all day’ 10k
NRC Bests of the Year run and new shoes 👟 
A funny ol' week of running...and new shoes!😍
First 5+ K run (with hills), new route, new shoes
Who Buys New Running Shoes When They Can’t Run?
