Putting the 'Sweatshop' guarantee to the test...

[notbad]

I'd like to share my recent running shoe buying experience.

I treated myself to gait analysis and a new pair of running shoes a few weeks back at 'Sweatshop', scary, scary money, more than I've spent on footware in my life, but I reasoned it would be worth it as the 30 day guarantee alone was reassuring.

After my first run out in them I had the tiniest of aches start in my Achilles which didn't bother me too much, the shoes in themselves felt lovely and comfy, although the foot strike felt different as the shoes were 'guidance' and bulkier than the minimal Nike frees I'd been trotting about in since January. A few runs later and the ache grew after each run but would disappear after an hour or so, until last week after an easy pace 5k it spread to my calf and lasted days. I posted a question here and Ianodatruffe sensibly suggested it could be a transitioning issue and that I should go back to the shop for advice.

Off I went this morning not relishing the task off taking something back to a shop, it was very busy but by chance I ended up seeing the assistant who had originally analysed my gait and she was extremely helpful. She asked me what I wanted, would I be happy to persevere with the shoe as she suspected it was a transitional issue to do with altered foot strike that may resolve with use. So we decided that I will give it another couple of weeks of reduced mileage, run/walk and even though by then I will be out of the official 30 day period that will not be a problem. She even gave me the days she will be in so she can personally deal with it.

All in all, I'm very happy with the response and attitude. I'll be even happier if I can run again and hopefully get along to the Great North 10k next month, she did reassure me that the training miles are in the running bank - hoping she's right.

[PandaRunner Graduate]

Good luck

[notbad Graduate in reply to PandaRunner]

Thank you PandaRunner

[misswobble Graduate]

I was thinking about you and your shoes this morning as I wished I'd gone for the Ravenna! Like you I went to SS and she told me I could take my Nike Pegasus 30's back if I was not happy with them.

I was running on the trail this morning in Brooks Cascadia after four days out for my rubbishy ankle. The Brooks feel like much better quality shoes compared to the Nikes. I did read though last night that the Pegasus ones perform well on test by distance runners and that there is a measurable improvement in how comfortable their legs felt.

I have only worn mine twice but I did keep stubbing my foot in them. Someone on here said the same thing. That could be tiredness though rather than the shoe. So, I will carry on with them and see how I get on, but like you NB I will take them back if I don't think they're helping my ankle. The Cascadia feels much more comfy round the ankle. I did up the laces using the extra lace holes at the top, after having loosened them off when my ankle swelled up.

I liked the Asics Cumulus but it was just too narrow round the toes. I don't seem to be able to find any wide fit ones. The assistant suggested a six but I thought they'd be too long as I'm a size 5.

[notbad Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I had commented on the Quest thread about your shoes, definitely worth going back and having a chat if it persists. Right now I've been advised to wear my Ravennas for walking to help adjust, which I feel a bit silly for not thinking of myself Hope you get sorted MissW.

[Tomas Graduate]

Excellent customer service. Good to hear there are shops like that out there.

[notbad Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Yes, it was worth the scary, scary price paid for the peace of mind.

[tanyag_163 Graduate]

That's pretty good service I'd say.

[notbad Graduate in reply to tanyag_163]

Definitely and she was so nice about it too.

[Lovefood1984 Graduate]

Just got back off my hols and trawling back through the posts I've missed. Glad they've extended the guarantee, hope it is a transitional issue and you can join me in the Great North 10k, had a few pains in my big toe myself with my new shoes initially, it was hard to tell if it was the shoes or me increasing the mileage. Touch wood it's behaved for 2 weeks (although I confess to running the blaydon race, then not running until the Saturday only 5k and then not running again until yesterday with a 2.2 miler (well I did do lots of cycling but I was on holiday!) fingers crossed and yes, excellent non pushy customer service!

[notbad Graduate in reply to Lovefood1984]

Thanks, I've had two short run/walks and no problem so far but won't push it - just want to be okay to run on the 13th. With your toe problem easing back when you did was probably the best thing, hope it keeps well for you - let me know how it goes and hopefully we will both make it to Gateshead Stadium next month.