I've started falling over when I run....

[Joster]

I've recently swapped from my beloved Hoka Clifton 5s to the Clifton 6s. Never had any problems with the 5s, like running on clouds but have done their miles hence new shoes. I've run quite a few times in the 6s and I'll be honest, I just don't feel that confident in them.

Very comfortable, but something about them not quite right, almost like they catch sometimes as I run. Then, I've fallen (for no obvious reason) twice in a week causing me quite nasty hand/knee/elbow/shoulder damage. Photo is last week's damage, just done the same to the other knee this morning. Could it be the change of shoes? I am on familiar roads I've run hundreds of times. Genuinely puzzled as in all respects they look and feel identical to the 5s, just a newer version. TIA for any experience of this (in these or other shoes).

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Sorry about your falls, not one but two, very annoying, just unlucky that happened twice, perhaps the shoes were to be blamed but I don't think so, please be careful that you don't fall again.

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

I agree it seems odd that it's the shoes, but I've been running for nearly two years, I've only fallen once in all that time (dodging a cyclist and I just slipped on loose earth) so strange that it happens twice in one week. Hopefully that's it for now.

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to Joster]

Let's hope so.

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon]

Ouch! Get better soon J. This is a timely post - I’ve just ordered some knee pads so I can tackle some rough hill paths with confidence. I’ll report back on their comfort 🦵

[SlowLoris]

Did they come with a free bottle of Gin?

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to SlowLoris]

😅 Not at 7.45am.... maybe I hadn't actually woken up properly!

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon]

I think it could be the shoes if they have a different ‘feel’ to what you’re used to.

The times I’ve fallen I have been when I’ve been feeling tired and/or distracted thinking about something else. So maybe it’s just that you need a little break from running?

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to Hillrunner2201]

I think that is it, and maybe I need to make adjustments to my running. They are super comfortable, they just seem to make me fall over! The first fall, quite possibly I was a bit distracted, which is why on Saturday and today, I ran my most familiar route, no surprises lumps or bumps and made a real mental effort to stay focussed. Thing is, I've had my break, this is my "comeback"...

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Oh no, that looks very painful! I have the 6's and now a pair of 7's too (amazing how much cushioning has been lost over the last 500km) and haven't noticed any real difference. have you googled to see if anyone else has had a similar experience? Whatever the reason, I hope that's the last fall!

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Hi Linda, yes, I did google after I posted earlier and saw one site with really mixed reviews from 1* to 5* so the jury is clearly out. No one specifically talked about falling, but definitely some issues with sizing etc that have bothered people....

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

“the last 500km”!!!! You must hold world records in making shoes last!! 😁

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to HeavyFoot]

Ahh, I meant 'my last 500k' ... although Garmin tells me they've done over 700k now 🤔. I'll try to stick with the new 7s 😀

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

That’s nevertheless an amazing shoe life!! Mine die after 300 km and they’re good brands.

[misswobble Marathon]

Sometimes we scuff our feet if the sole is a bit thicker than we’re used to. Or because they’re new and have more tread.

My answer to this - as I do it - is to pick my feet up. I have had some falls and don’t want to do it again 😟. So, I make a conscious effort, especially if I’m tired, to “get em up there”😁

Good luck with healing your scrapes 🙂👍🤕. Another rite of passage, along with blisters and lost toenails 🤭

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

The more I read, and the more I think it could be an ever so slightly thicker sole so I need to pick up more. A few people on my running facebook group have suggested similar. And yes, it's all part of the learning curve I guess. Makes me realise though, when those Tour de France riders come off at 30/40kph my god their bodies must hurt.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Joster]

You’ll have worn the soles away and compressed the older pair so naturally the new soles will be thicker 👍🏽

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon]

I started tripping over myself when I first went to my Nike Pegasus from my On Cloudflyer and it was definitely the increase in stack height that contributed to it as I noticed that I would scuff the floor much more often than with the On shoes. Heel toe drop might also play a role.