My current running shoes!

[Sortyourlife]

In my previous post I was discussing some trouble I had with my left leg/foot today. It seemed to want to turn to the right instead of straight ahead. I used to have problems when I was younger (feet bent inwards, ie inside of shoes wore away very quickly) but some insoles from boots seemed to fix this - I never spoke to a doctor about it.

I got these trainers from Cheshire oaks probably around a year ago (they were around £35-£40). They’ve been used for occasional gym use (2-3 times a week max) up until starting c25k where they’ve been on every run and still the occasional gym use and now the very occasional walk to the gym too (plus a walk around Heaton Park).

From what I can tell there’s no obvious wear on them. Just wondering what people’s opinions are? Am I best off getting a gait analysis and some new shoes? Is there anything else I should consider? Ta!

[Denovo]

If you're seeing obvious differences between left and right foot, then I don't think a gait analysis in a sports shop will be all that useful to be honest. The staff there will only be able to tell whether you are better off with shoes that provide cushioning or shoes that provide support and to a certain extent restrict the wrong types of movement in both feet equally. You'd be better off seeing a podiatrist if you can, who can decide whether you maybe need customised inserts for your running shoes.

[Sortyourlife in reply to Denovo]

Ah okay nice one!

Tbh I’ve not been too bad recently. When I tried running last year (only on the treadmill in the gym) it was always my left leg/foot that had some sort of ache in it. I definitely wasn’t learning to run properly though!

Today’s been the first time it’s been proper noticeable tbh. My left foot definitely wasn’t landing the same as my right one was. I’ve been on my feet at work for the past 3 days rushing around. Maybe that’s something to do with it?

Will see how my next couple of runs go.

Thanks for the advice!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Your shoes may be perfect for someone but totally wrong for you. The only way to find out is to have called gait analysis done at a specialist running shop or, because you know you have issues, maybe a physio or podiatrist.

This guide to buying shoes may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which includes a link to a post about gait analysis.

You won't know until you find out............

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Get to that specialist running shop... take the analysis, get new shoes, then order a second pair cheaper online when you get home... that’s best for your running.

Then get that pair that turned you from couch to athlete, give them one last clean, cut a hole in the box of the new pair,like a frame, decorate the box and put them on display. Those were the most important shoes you ever bought.

[MarkyD Graduate]

I spot a ASICS FuzeX running shoe. Nice colour-way.

These are a neutral 'all-purpose' shoe, for someone without any pronation and suitable for gym and road running. As IannodaTruffe reports, they may not be suitable for you.

Since you notice the effect only on your left leg, it may be a postural thing, or a biomechanical issue, rather than simply the shoes.

Gait analysis is certainly going to help, but you may find that you need different support for each foot. A running shop may recommend insoles after conducting your gait analysis.

I'm a big believer in physiotherapy at the moment. I've had some niggly achilles problems with my left leg, and the physio did some ultra-slow motion gait analysis, and then is basically re-teaching me how to run properly.

I know that £50 for a physio appointment is more than the cost of your trainers (and you are a graduate student) but with a history of 'left-leg wanting to do what left-leg thinks' it is probably time to get it diagnosed once and for all. Making that investment now could prevent a lifetime of expensive running shoes and never-ending aches and injuries.

A very quick and easy test for you is to google Wiggle Wet Test and see if you have different pronation on each foot. I've had gait analysis at a running shop. But within 1 minute of my physio gait analysis, she'd diagnosed different pronation on my weaker/niggly/left leg.

[Sortyourlife in reply to MarkyD]

Yeah I really like the colour and everything lol! But I think you’re right. I noticed on my final run today I got blisters on the inside of my feet, so maybe I do need new shoes or something looking at anyway!

[BattyBird72]

Hi. I had to give up C25K a few months ago due to hip pain. This time around I started by investing in proper running shoes after having my gait assessed. It turns out I have pronation in both feet but worse in my left. By videoing your strides they can assess the angle of your pronation. The 2nd pair of shoes I tried corrected my right foot but I needed an extra orthotic on top of the existing one in the shoe to correct my left foot. Fingers crossed this will sort out any issues I had and I must admit, they are incredibly comfortable.