Gait analysis - does it change as you progress ?

[sfb350]

I bought my New Balance W850 shoes a couple of years ago, hardly used them until this year and they have served me faithfully - no blisters or discomfort until very recently. I now have a black toenail on one foot, following a 9km run, and a blister on my big toe on the other foot following a club run. I can't find the same shoe in my size so I assume there is a new, upgraded model.

I tried ordering another New Balance shoe with high arch support from Sports Direct, tried them out last night and my left foot has been throbbing all day so I have to assume they don't suit me. I wore the old faithfuls tonight, they hurt my enblackened toe but were otherwise comfortable.

I've concluded that my best option is to go for gait analysis again, buy a recommended shoe from the shop, then google it and find the same shoe at a lower price, buy it and keep it for when I need a new pair. Or might this be a false economy because my gait might change as I (hopefully) progress ?

[tantrumbean Graduate]

Apparently, your gait can change...both ways really, some people need more support as they get older and their feet get flatter. Others find that running actually improves the strength in feet and ankles and therefore less support is needed. I read an article about a guy who after doing some barefoot training stopped overpronating and was fine with a neutral shoe, whereas before he needed a stability one. Suppose it's always worth going again, especially if it's been a while since your last one...

[Innuendo Graduate]

I bought a pair of Brooks Beast a few weeks ago and used them for the first time last Friday and then again on Monday to start week 9. My calves and knees have been 90% better, but my right foot (arch) was very sore during and immediately after my runs.

This morning though, I had ZERO problems. I supposed it was a case of my foot trying to do what it used to in my old shoes, but now the motion control shoes were rectifying it. Makes sense that it would take a while for the feet to get used to a new running style.

Perhaps try the new shoes for a couple of more runs? If they continue to give you problems, you can then always go and get checked out again - I was thinking the same come my graduation on Friday, but now I won't need too!

[totalbeginner Graduate]

no idea about gait change, but when i got my trainers, the guy who owned the shop said the support components can deteriorate over time. so not worth getting 2 pairs at once to cover for future, or buying last year model to get more of a bargain. no idea if its actually true but it sounds logical, so maybe thats what happened to you. as for the new shoes maybe they not uqite the same? either the new ones have altered slightly in design or build? they seem to always be bringing new shoes out.

i would go and actually try some on in a shop, get your gait reanalysed if you are able, but i personally wouldnt get shoes for running or otherwise without actually trying them on.

hope you get sorted soon, its pretty miserable when your feet are sore

[sfb350 Graduate]

I went back to the same shop today. I tried on the updated version of my old shoes and was advised I should probably go up half a size to save my toes getting bashed. As it happened they had some shoes in stock of the old model. Had I been buying the same size, I'd have been out of luck but because I was able to go up a half size they had a pair in stock. They actually felt slightly more comfortable than the new version. As a result I got my new shoes for £20 less - so I called in Lidl on the way back and treated myself to a very comfortable £5.99 skort ! Result

At running club tonight we had a handicap run - a first for me ! Considering my feet were sore to start with, plus my arthriticky big toe joint playing up, the new shoes made a world of difference. Now I am officially "resting" in preparation for my first race on Sunday - 10k !