Problems breaking in new shoes...

[Alison_songbird]

First time posting, but I've been lurking for some time and loving this supportive forum.

I'm worried about my new shoes, which I bought after doing gait analysis (which showed I was bending in at the ankles when striking the ground). I've done four runs in them now: w3r4, w4r2 and w4r3 (I did w4r1 in my old shoes). During each run my lower legs are hurting more than in my old shoes which means I'm not enjoying my runs anymore. And afterwards I get a lot of leg pain and a pinchy lower back pain, which take a couple of days to die down. My bag of frozen peas is seeing a lot of action!

I suppose my question is, does it sound like I bought the wrong shoes or do I just need to persevere? Also, I'm a bit scared about starting week 5 in these shoes...do you think I should repeat some runs from weeks 3 and 4 until I've truly broken them in?

[roseabi]

Did you keep the old shoes? If so, maybe try a few runs in them and see what happens. You may be able to return the new shoes, and/or you could perhaps talk to the people in the shop and show them your old shoes.

Regarding breaking shoes in, you could try just walking in them first (maybe just around the house), and then alternate them with the old shoes on your runs. But do be careful, you don't want an injury!

[MarkyD Graduate]

I suspect that your new shoes are forcing your body into the 'correct' posture, but your body is not yet used to this. The shoes are making muscles work harder than before, hence the pain.

Two approaches to this...

1) Start C25K from W1r1 again, and allow your body to strengthen with the new shoes.

2) Or, persist with where you've got up to, and alternate your shoes along the lines of roseabi 's comments.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I agree with roseabi and MarkyD ... wear them around the house.. a lot... and maybe some walks... Maybe taking yourself back a little to just go over old ground..but in new shoes could be helpful!

I had an incident with new shoes... think, Tigger and bouncing... they crocked my knee... !

Take it steady and see how you feel... maybe a little Irishprincess jogette at some point to test them out

Keep us posted please

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I never wear the same shoes for consecutive runs. This is the best way to break in new shoes and your feet. The different support will feel different.

There is always the possibility that you were sold the wrong shoes. Gait analysis is only as good as the individual who carries it out. It might be worth talking to the shop and get some other members of their sales staff to check the process

[Alison_songbird]

Thanks so much for the helpful replies! I'm going to go back to week 3 (sob) and run in the old shoes for a bit, while I walk around in the new ones for a bit every day. Then gradually alternate runs with the old shoes and the new ones. I can't bear the thought of going back to week 1 and starting again! 😭