Running shoe question

[Just-Breath]

Hi folks who are more experienced than me.

I completed C25K in 2021 and ran for 8 months 3x week. Then life happened.

I restarted again in January 2022 and ran again for 8 months 3x week. All this was done in the same pair of shoes - Mizuno brand (size 7) light and very breathable (cloth) shoes. I had no issue with these shoes - ran in them on light snow, on hard surface and on grass and had no niggles. But towards the end of summer 2022, I started to feel my Achilles. My routine was still the same about 5-6K 3x week. So.... I thought maybe I need new shoes.

I ordered ASICS Women's Gel-Contend Sl Running Shoe. I am in Scotland, and this time I wanted something what I could run in light rain and occasional puddle without getting soaked immediately. I also wanted them in black/ grey and dark soles as I travel often and very light (Ryanair under-seat), and I want to wear them as 'normal shoes' with slacks (CLARIFICATION: I do not use to walk in them at home, but do so when I have to fly for 2-3 days and wish to fit a run in that time period, but can't pack an extra pair of shoes. Hence I don't want bright pinks or white-soles!). I tried them in house, and then for 3 km on a very 'clean' path (just in case I would need to return, as this was an expensive purchase for me). All seemed find. But when I started to run 5K, my toes would go numb. At about 3K, they would start to tingle and I could hardly feel them at the end of the run. It was the same size 7 shoes. So, I donated them for the local community group.

Scared of another problem, I went back to Mizuno - the same brand that worked for me well. The shoes I had originally were no longer available, so, I ordered Mizuno Wave Stream 2 Running Shoes (in the photo), same size 7. It was the same size and the same brand (Mizuno) that worked perfectly for 18 months before. But.... once I ran 5K, my toes started to go numb again.

The shoes do not feel small - the toes are not touching if I stand still. They are still very light and soft shoes. Albeit they are slightly harder then the first pair as there is a bit of 'rubbery' material at the top of the toes.

So, sadly, I try to run now in my really beaten pair from 2021. That is far from ideal and gives me other problems.

Any advice? After wasting £180, I am now hesitant to buy yet another pair.

Do my toes going numb is really a shoe problem (appears so, as it does not happen with the old pair)? Do I need them larger (but why would it be so, if it is the same brand)?

Any advice much appreciated.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10]

Do you have a sports shop near you? I've been running for 9 years and would never buy a pair of shoes with out advice...

Gait analysis is worth so much, they tell you which sort of shoe you need..

[backintime Graduate10]

Could it be that your older shoes have stretched out a bit after use? My feet definitely seem to expand during a run.

Another possibility could be that your feet are hitting the front of the shoe during a run, are they laced differently? I had to change the lacing on my new shoes.

My old new shoes were horrible until I replaced the innersoles...

All my shoes seemed fine when I bought them and I continue to use the ones I don't like to run in for dog walking as they don't bug me when I walk, only when I run.

Good luck - you could maybe buy some cheaper Decathlon shoes if you're worried about the cost? Mine are all mostly Decathlon, cheap as chips and work fine for me up to 18k (haven't gone beyond 18k in them yet ) They do different shoes depending on your kms/week so maybe just check them out to get an idea of price (on their website).

[Just-Breath Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

Thank you for taking time to respond! I will check Decathlon if they have anything in black/grey at all.

[Just-Breath Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

Just to clarify: do you mean Decathlon as a retailer? I initially understood as a 'brand', but I can't find their own shoes. And if you meant a retailer, then prices can vary tremendously, right?

[backintime Graduate10 in reply to Just-Breath]

yes, as a retailer

I look at their offers, like this one which are good for up to 1 hour or so

decathlon.co.uk/p/confort-k...

Kalenji are their own brand, but they often have others on offer if they're end of the range

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

You may also find this useful

walkwithoutpain.com.au/how-...

[Just-Breath Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you very much. I had no idea that lacing might have any impact.

[Cmoi Graduate10]

Hi Just-Breath , you might find these FAQ posts from the C25K forum useful:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Asbackintime suggests, do check it's not just lacing causing the problem. Googling will provide you with lots of suggestions for lacing patterns to alleviate problems with otherwise well-fitting shoes.

I also agree that Decathlon shoes can be great value, but personally, if I were in your situation (and the problem is the shoes not the lacing) I wouldn't be buying any more shoes without specialist advice. While Decathlon provides online advice about choosing running shoes, in my experience their shops aren't geared up to offer the sort of help and service you should expect from a specialist running shop.

Or, at the very least, read up online about different models of shoes. When manufacturers change models, it's not just necessarily cosmetics that they change - they may well also make alterations to the materials used, the drop, the toe-box, the heel, the width and other aspects of the fit.

I also always size up for running shoes. See the FAQ for guidance, but as an indication, my normal shoes are usually a UK 5, or sometimes 4.5, but my running shoes are 5.5.

Hope you find a solution!

[Just-Breath Graduate10 in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you for taking your time to respond. I did take my time to choose my first Mizuno pair (even they were bought on-line as we were in the middle of the pandemic). And since I had no issues for 18 months (I guess lucky!), I was surprised when the problems started to occur.

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to Just-Breath]

It sounds like the first pair you chose were OK, and were simply wearing out, so not really surprising that you started to get problems. Try different lacing patterns with your current Mizunos, at least that should give you an idea as to whether it's the shoes or the lacing, and it's free.

[Mumpark Graduate10]

I am going to say Gait analysis

You learn so much about your feet from it.

Also did you know running shoes should be bigger than your normal size shoe for the spread your toes need when running my running shoes have always been 1 and a half sizes bigger.

If you go to a shop for analysis just tell them your budget as well they are all only human and a lot are also runners.

Hope this helps.

[Kevin41 Graduate10]

my toes used to go numb when I tied my shoelaces too tightly.

I read something ages ago that said to make sure I laced up loosely to avoid this and it’s never happened since.

Worth a try?

[Just-Breath Graduate10 in reply to Kevin41]

Yes, indeed! I will (and it's free).

[Runninggirl59 60minGraduate]

I wear asics and was having the same issue at around 3k too. I tried loosening the laces and it did the trick. Hope it works for you. Good luck!

[damienair Administrator]

I feel your pain. Literally. I started running in a brand new pair of New Balance running shoes. They were expensive and a dedicated shoe for running. But didn’t suit me. My feet would go numb after a couple of kilometers.

Following advice from this forum I visited an independent running shop and they gave me a gait analysis. Turned out that I over pronate when running and they advised that I should wear a stability shoe. So I bought a pair of Brooks GTS and have never had a problem since. Except for a couple of years ago when I bought a pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire running shoes, even though they were a stability shoe I got the same discomfort and pins and needles in my feet. I only wore them twice and the shop would not take them back even though they advised me to buy them. So I changed shops and bought a new pair of Brooks GTS again. GTS stands for Go To Shoe. I’ll never buy anything else again because these work for me. I’d advise that you go to an independent running shop and get a gait analysis done. A proper pair of running shoes can be expensive, but when you consider the distances you run in them for, they are great value if you’re comfortable running in them. When I retire mine I use them for walking and wearing normally. I only use my current pair of running shoes for running.

[Just-Breath Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Thank you damienair for your empathic response. Encouraged by generous comments here, I packed my old pair of Mizunos (that worked, but are seriously worn now) and the new Mizuno (also, like yours Wave - that are giving me tingling toes) and went to the city. (Sadly, I already donated ASICS.) Runners Needs (Cotswold) is on my way to work and I came with 1 hour to spare before work. It was 10 am and the store was empty with 2 sales people not doing much. I still politely asked if I need an appointment and they said that I do! I asked to look when one might be available.... and they said they can't do that as I have to create an account and book that myself. I was persistent, and asked if they could not do that on their store computer, as there might be one available 'soon'. But they showed absolutely no interest and told me to 'book from home' and 'return'. Needless to say that was not the customer service I expected. And though I really need help with shoes, I do not want to give business to the store that shoes zero interest in customer care... So, I will have to look for another place.

I am in rather specialised retail myself and I would go out of my way to help a customer. So, just like your experience with the store not accepting Mizunos, I lost all the confidence that Cotswold (or perhaps any chain) has my interest! Well..... could I now book an appointment, get gait analysis and leave without buying (and guilt free...) ?

[damienair Administrator in reply to Just-Breath]

look up a proper independent running shop. Not a chain. Independent running shops are owned and operated by people who run and are passionate about running. They look like runners and talk like runners and don’t care if you are an Olympic athlete or a parkrun person. They have the experience and knowledge to help and you can walk in off the street. Don’t go to a chain sports shop for a gait analysis. The people who work there are usually not qualified and don’t run.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

I’ve discovered a podcast called Sliced bread…they review everything and decide whether it’s best to buy expensive or whether not paying as much is just as good…I listened to one about running shoes, very interesting…I’d have a listen to that before I forked out a fortune again 😉 it’s well worth a listen and not just for running shoes 🙂

[Just-Breath Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you. I will definitely listen!

[backintime Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks for that, it was interesting and makes me feel less cheap about my Decathlon own brand running shoes

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

good…expense is not always the best 😉

[backintime Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Did you read "Born to Run", it is also an interesting read

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate10]

I have this problem too. My previous shoes were a mesh type shoe (Brooks Cascadia). They were very comfortable and I had no problems with numb feet, but they weren’t waterproof. I changed to a waterproof pair, same make, same size, and experienced a numb right foot at about 3k. I’ve found that if I tie the laces really loosely on this shoe it really helps. I’ve thought about why and assume that the waterproof fabric is less stretchy than the mesh fabric so doesn’t give so much as your feet expand when running. My right foot is also my slightly larger foot so the right shoe gets tighter. As they have worn in they have got better. I also changed to thinner socks. Hope you find your comfy shoes soon.

[Just-Breath Graduate10 in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Oh, that is very encouraging! And also it helps to know that it is not 'just me'

[Dawn74g]

I only ever wear Hoka running shoes and I swear by them. I believe they offer a free return within 30 days if you buy directly from their own website…..at least they did the last time I treated myself 🙈.

I found them to be very helpful and informative also.