Running shoes: Calling all runners! I really... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Running shoes

No8runner profile image
17 Replies

Calling all runners!

I really need some advice please. I’ve just started the coach to 5k and completed my first week.

I’ve always had problems with my feet (flat footed and wide footed)

I’ve just purchased brooks adrenaline shoes and my third run in and my feet are still in agony!

How long do I need to wait for them to not hurt anymore? Are they not the right shoes for me? What shoes would you recommend please?

I tried some hoka shoes and they felt comfortable but got swayed by the brooks label! I’ve got men’s shoes as they said men’s are naturally a little wider than women’s but I’m starting to regret not going with the hoka shoes! I’ve done some online research though and it says all rounder good shoe is brooks adrenaline which is what I’ve got.

I’m starting to think maybe it’s me, maybe I just can’t run and this is demotivating me. I’m disappointed as I’m enjoying the actual sport but it’s my feet that are holding me back.

Any advice I’d be very grateful! Thank you :)

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No8runner
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17 Replies
Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

Hi, I don’t think you should be in that much discomfort….can you take them back and change them?

Finding the right shoe is a really individual thing. You mention Hoka’s and I have to say they are my favourite running shoe! I have the Hoka Clifton for road running and wear my Hoka Speedgoats on trails and muddy runs. For reference, I am 59 and 5’10” - I also wear men’s running shoes, they just seem to suit me better. Some Hoka’s do come up narrow I believe ( I have quite narrow feet) but Hoka do wide fittings as well.

Best thing is to go to a running store and get a gait analysis ( I confess, I have never had one myself!) They can record how you run on a treadmill and check your pronation (how your foot falls as you run). They will then recommend the best shoe for you ( although some shops have preferred brands I suspect).

Good luck and don’t give up, as finding the right footwear can make such a difference.🙂

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate

I've never need to break in running shoes, let alone wait for them to stop hurting. Yours sound wrong for you, so take/send them back if you possibly can, or sell or donate them.

While I'm all for doing research, I'd strongly advise you to try shoes on, ideally advised by a specialist running shop, and go by how they feel on your feet. It doesn't matter how fab online reviews or runners on here say shoes are if they don't work for you!

Personally I get on well with Brooks, but have never worn Adrenalines. I've also tried Hoka and Saucony, and ended up giving both pairs away as they just weren't quite right for me.

More info on choosing shoes here: healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and on gait analysis here: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

As has already been said, your best bet is a specialist running shop. They'll guide you to the shoes that fit YOUR feet, not the fanciest brand or most expensive.I'm on my third pair of Brooks, they've never hurt. If yours do there's something wrong. I think Brooks have a no questions asked money back guarantee within a certain number of days of purchase, worth checking.

Please don't just suffer.

No8runner profile image
No8runner

I went to runners need shop and was told to purchase brooks

I shall return them and try another. Thank you :)

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate in reply toNo8runner

Was that after instore gait analysis? And did you also try on the Hokas there? If you'd already found Hokas to be comfortable,I can't understand why the shop would put you in Brooks that hurt you. Really hope they'll be happy to exchange for a more suitable pair!

Stentrunner profile image
StentrunnerGraduate

I’m broad, but Brooks standard fit is quite narrow. The 2E wide fitting works well for me though - nice big toe box.

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

This is the Brooks Guarantee - the 90 day trial is if you buy from their website. They say you should approach the place you bought the shoes from first but will help if you can't work out a solution brooksrunning.com/en_gb/bro...

Gthants profile image
Gthants in reply toYesletsgo

That is a super-kind response, so typical of this site to go the extra mile ('scuse the pun) for fellow runners. Have a medal. 🎖️

X0RUNPINKYRUN0X profile image
X0RUNPINKYRUN0XGraduate

Hi, i bought some Brooks gts 24 adrenalines. Im a size 8 wide foot and suffer the same, flat feet!When i first started using them i thought exactly the same. That i d made a mistake because my feet hurt and i got blisters in the arch of my feet. But after getting some advice about good running socks and maybe 3 runs in after i bought them they started to feel better. Brooks are a good stability running shoe they just need some wearing in first i think.

Have you ever had a gait assessment from a good running shop? Id do this before shelling out for new trainers.

Good luck in your running journey! 😊

Xmrkn20 profile image
Xmrkn20Graduate

I have broad feet and tried all sorts of shoes until I decided New Balance Freshfoam 1080s were the ones for me. Am now on my fifth pair, never have to wear them in, always comfy straight away. But as others have said, it is a very personal thing - they definitely shouldn't hurt as much as you say though

Footleg profile image
FootlegGraduate

I also have never had an issue with discomfort after purchasing new running shoes (with one exception). I buy a size larger than my general shoe size. I have Hoka: 3 pairs; Brook: 1 pair; Asics: 1 pair and Altra: 1 pair 0 heel drop which caused pain.... Do return your shoes, they should have felt like a cloud, and request a gait analysis. My problem is heel drop as I have suffered from plantar fasciitis which I think is rectified by higher (8-9mm) heel drops. Brooks heel drops are around 10 -12mm.

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate in reply toFootleg

Brooks heel drops are around 10 -12mm.

Actually it depends on the model and version. For example, Brooks state that the drop on Adrenalines is 12mm. However for my Cascadia 16s and Hyperion Max it's 8mm, and 6mm for my Ghost Max and Caldera 6. Always worth checking to avoid unwelcome surprises!

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

You'll find that brands and models many swear by are no good for others (my heels did not get on with Brooks Cascadia which lots of folk swear by)

And as I often point out, the worst pair of running footwear I have had was recommended after a gait analysis at a specialist shop (and then some running round the shop and out into the mall...) Out in the real world... my knees knocked together, it was a struggle to stay upright, let alone the return of shin splint pain.

I've also had horrible problems with different (or just updates) models of shoes I love.

(Meanwhile, I can run in lightweight walking boots and in active sandals without difficulty)

[I have fairly big, wide feet which were somewhat surgically remodelled in my teens so I have sensitive scarring, and being older, I've lost a good deal of padding on my soles (alas gained around the middle!) I like minimalist trail running shoes best]

Shoes are there to serve you, not the other way around.

TrainingDay25 profile image
TrainingDay25

I’m new to running too this year and I took someone’s advice and got a gait analysis at a local running shop. Based on the results I tried on lots of recommended shoes - it was great advice. Whilst there they also told me about the importance of decent running socks. Week 5 now of c25k and no discomfort at all. Maybe this would work for you? Keep going and don’t get demotivated!

No8runner profile image
No8runner in reply toTrainingDay25

I’ve brought some running socks and they make a real difference! I went on a run yesterday and whilst still in a little discomfort it wasn’t the most painful run I’ve done so maybe it’s the socks that are helping!

Kinkela profile image
KinkelaGraduate

I have problems with my feet as suffer from inflammatory arthritis and have been struggling with running shoes for years until I have discovered On Running shoes. They work for me due to good shock absorption. However I only run on my treadmill but a friend of mine who does extreme triathlons also use On Running shoes although possibly a different model.

They are quite expensive too but you can also get them on Vinted for less.

I hope this is of some help and good luck in finding the best running shoes for your needs.

On Running running shoes
Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

It sounds like you’ve been mis-sold men’s shoes   No8runner . The ladies brooks adrenalines come in a wide fitting as well as a standard fitting. First thing I would do is take them back to where you bought them as they really shouldn’t be hurting you. Any running shop worth its salt will help you find something that actually fits well. If that doesn’t work, contact Brooks customer services for advice. They have a 90 day return policy if you buy them from them direct, but I think they would still help you if you have been getting bad service from one of their suppliers. Whatever you do, don’t wear them again if they hurt you. The size is also important - there should be a thumbs width space in front of your longest toe - mine are a full size bigger than my normal day shoes.

I have worn various versions of Brooks Adrenalines for 6 years and none of them have hurt my feet.

Good luck

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