Advice needed please! Paid £120 for new running shoes - but they feel as unsupportive as my old pair!

Everything was fine and dandy until week 8. Last run and it felt as if my left shoe was worn out on the outer heel. Tried to change my gait so that it didn't feel so uncomfortable and pulled a muscle in my right calf! Went to shoe shop for new shoes and after watching me walk up and down a bit sold me a new pair of shoes (£120!) for my particular gait. But have just walked in them for a brisk half an hour and they feel the same as my last pair! As if they are worn down on the outer edge of left heel. Obviously it is not the shoe, it is my gait. So do I go back to shop (can't change the shoes though as I have used them now!)? Do I just accept that I walk/run funny, run in the shoes and get used to it? or do I try swimming instead? Any advice?

[AliB1 Graduate]

I would go back to shop and try and replace them as they have recommended them to you. If you bought them at sweatshop they would replace them for another pair even if worn and muddy if was within 30 days.

[SarahP0003 Graduate]

I agree - take them back. I bought new shoes last week after gait analysis and was told I could take them back within 4 weeks if not happy with them once I'd been out a few times.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Even if it isn't possible to change the shoes, an insert might help. But it is not 'your gait' that is the problem, it that your shoes don't suit your gait.

It can be very hard to tell in the shop. On a run I loathed and detested the shoes that seemed right - my knees literally knocked together. As they were a Sweatshop purchase, I could give them several goes and compare with my old ones before taking them back and swapping them for heaven in a shoe. (I don't live near one so it was a lot of time and expense anyway)

[Hidden]

You say the shop watched you 'walk up and down in them for a bit'. When I bought my first pair of running shoes I was properly gait analysed and video'd on a treadmill with each pair I tried on until the shop, and I, were satisfied that I had the correct shoes. They cost me £80 which is a lot less than you paid. If the shop assistant just watched you 'walk up and down a bit' then I would suggest that you had not been given the service you deserved. Take them back and get a refund then go somewhere that will take a lot more time until you are happy with your shoes. Incidentally, the shop I went to was Up and Running in Swansea and the chap who took such good care of my needs and requirements even offered to let me run round the streets to try them out if I so wished. All the very best to you and your running.

[Hidden]

Thanks for all your feedback. I will bite the bullet and go back to the shop!

[Rachw8778 Graduate]

Read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall and Google barefoot running...its not your gait, its most definitely the shoes and you also most definitely don't need to spend so much of your hard earned cash on a pair of bouncy castles, I'm a minimalist runner and I've never looked back, I now run injury free and its the most wonderful thing :o)