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Advice please, running shoes....having a nightmare

kitster2222 profile image
23 Replies

So I only started running last year and im currently training for a HM after completing c25k and then 10k. I would appreciate some advice on what trainers to buy as ive had a few issues.

Did my c25k in very old trusty nikes, but they fell to bits, moved on to Asics but the toe box was too low and within 12 weeks my toe came through the material. The shop allowed me to exchange for Nike Legend React 2's but they arent softening after 2 months and also the plastic at the sides is hurting my ankle bone on both shoes especially if the pavement is sloped either way. There is no way I could do a HM in them. I spoke to someone over the phone from a local running shop who suggested Mizuno Wave Sky as i need a comfortable shoe. They arrived last week and although they were super comfortable, they were really low at the back and unless i had them tied super tight they were slipping off. I ran around the house a few times and no matter what I did they just didnt stay in place, I even tried different socks. Anyway they have gone back, so I really need some advice on what to get. Ive been told Brooks or Hoka are comfy but supportive which is what I need, but I'm at a loss with what to buy next! As I cant go into a shop right now, any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks

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kitster2222 profile image
kitster2222
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23 Replies

Brooks are definitely a comfy run 👍, but I know Tasha99 will put up a good case for the hokas!!

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Marathon in reply to

I love them so much. Depends on where your niggles are though 🤣

Jericho2332 profile image
Jericho2332Half Marathon

Brooks ghosts are highly recommended by most runners, I've not tried them yet but my friend who I've found out is a running maniac said there brilliant and light but he prefers brooks glycerin for the extra cushioning, like running on a cloud he says!

I have ASICS cumulus, there very nice but as there my first proper running shoe I don't have a lot to compare them to.

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Half Marathon

I wonder if this will helpbrooksrunning.com/en_us/Sho...

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Marathon

Depends if you need support or neutral. If you have knee to hip issues go low drop like Hoka. Bondi are great neutral shoes from hills with lots of cushioning. Foot issues, go higher drop like Brooks. Brooks ghost are very popular. Brooks drop are about 12mm. Hoka are mainly 5mm.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon

We all have our favourites, and what I like, you may not (I happen to like Hokas!). Both are very good makes and very popular too.However, Brooks have a fab 90 day return policy if you buy direct from them online. Wear them indoors and out, run in them and if you don't like them send them back for a refund. You will have to pay postage, but other than that you get a full refund so it's pretty much a no risk tryout. I know it works because I had to return a pair.support.brooksrunning.com/h... just checked Hoka's website and they say they do a 30 day try out refund (although I've not put this one to the test) hokaoneone.eu/en/gb/?gclid=...

That may help!

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Half Marathon

Hi Kitster, I have a pair of Hoka Rincons which Ive done 430Km in so far Showing a bit of wear now but still very comfy. Its a personal choice but most of the online sellers are pretty good about returns if they dont suit. The Rincons are great on tarmac andlight grit or even wet but firm grass. They struggle ( as do I) in mud. Without doubt the most important bit of running kit. PLenty of reviews online to give some guidance and I searched around for someone doing the sort of running I do before choosing. Good luck

Bomoao profile image
Bomoao

Hi there, I have had 3 or 4 pairs of Mizuno Waves and loved them, changed to Saucony and started to have ITB probs. I bought a pair of Hoka Cliftons one day purely cos they looked great and they are comfy for walking and knocking about in - I never thought about running in them til Tasha99 suggested it, and touch wood, I haven’t endured any pain since. My advice would be to hold off buying anything til you can get your gait analysed and take it from there.

I run in brooks myself and find them comfortable. Each person has their own unique shoe though. I would look at the returns policy. I know brooks have a 90 day run outdoors policy so you can try them properly. Full refund if you don't like them. In this climate that is pretty good.

Kevin41 profile image
Kevin41Half Marathon

Difficult really as you aren’t able to go and try at a running shop who will be able to advise based on your running style. I’ve been in a similar situation (as I guess have many of us given that during the last year many will have had to ‘retire’ shoes due to mileage and condition).

I’d suggest you look into the specifications of your ‘trusty’ Nikes - it sounds like you were happy with them (albeit you may be implying they didn’t last too long). Check out online if they are neutral etc, what weight they are, what drop etc and I’d suggest going for whatever is in Nikes current line up that matches the most closely to them. That way at least you will know they are likely to ‘feel’ ok.

On the slipping/heel front I’m sure you’re aware but there are many lacing techniques that can help with how trainers feel and to correct things like what you experienced with your Mizuno’s - perhaps worth a ‘google’

Lastly - if you do find a pair you’re happy with, perhaps buy two pairs so you don’t have the anxiety of watching them wear out!!! 😂😂😂

kitster2222 profile image
kitster2222

Thanks for all of your advice and information, its given me a lot to think about and i'll take a look at all the suggestions. Fingers crossed lockdown will lift soon and I can actually walk into a shop and try on properly. 😊

Well I'm not a high mileage runner and most of that meagre amount is spent on trails rather than pavement/roads but I did come across this article outsideonline.com/2420016/h... which might help or not? Good luck in your quest.

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

Hoka’s Forever!😍✨👟✨I have the Speedgoats for trails and the Arahi’s for roads. 🙂

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

The holy grail of running shoes, toe box that’s big enough and a heel counter that’s low enough but secure enough to hold your foot with no rubbing 🙂Incidentally, my big toes soon break through some shoes but I’ve put up with it if I love the shoe Shoe shop told me it was dorsiflexion caused by older, stiffer toes. Dunno if that’s correct though Nikes have never punctured though so well done them 😃

I’m waiting for a shoe fitting and while I do so am wearing an ancient pair of Nike Pegasus that have done many more miles than they should have The toe box was too narrow for a while but as they’ve aged they’ve stretched to accommodate my wide forefoot. If I had new ones I’d try and stretch them out before use, using the freezer trick

I prefer a lower drop TBH. Anything under 10 mm. That’s purely a personal thing and you’ll find your sweet spot I’m sure.

I bought a bargain pair of Saucony triumph, based on my good opinion of Saucony, but I hate them 😤

nowster profile image
nowsterMetric Marathon

Don't ask me. See avatar for details. 😉

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoUltramarathon in reply tonowster

🤣🤣🤣 I'm heading that way! Actually waiting for postman to bring my new trail ones 🤞🏻

Toe shoes
nowster profile image
nowsterMetric Marathon in reply toGoGo_JoJo

They look like KSO EVOs. I did the whole of C25K in an all-black pair of them. Since October I've been in a pair of yellow V-Runs.

Part of my collection: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoUltramarathon in reply tonowster

Yea Evos, I only use them for gentle walking, as slippers at home and for working out currently. I ordered the vtrail 2.0, they have arrived but they're nowhere near as comfy as the evo, might take some breaking in!

That's brilliant! I love your collection 🤣👍🏻

nowster profile image
nowsterMetric Marathon in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Trail shoes tend to have stiffer soles anyway. I recommend socks, too.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoUltramarathon in reply tonowster

Yes, very stiff and I'm trying my injinji socks with them, they just feel very tight around the 2nd toe pockets, hopefully they'll give/soften...🤞🏻 my evos fit great from day 1. I can get a thin sock in them too

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon

My Hoka Speedgoats are a full size up from my normal size and so much more comfortable. I’ve only used Saucony and Hokas so far, but the Hokas have lasted through messy trails and winter running. All my Saucs are just a half size larger. Same issues with tearing and breakdown on the Saucony Peregrines which did some harder trail time last year. Going a full size up really seemed to help in my case though.

Grannyhugs profile image
Grannyhugs10 Miles

I’m on my 3rd pair of brooks ghost, wouldn’t even look at another make. My feet are wide at the front but really narrow at the ankle and these fit perfectly. I’m squeezing about 900km out of each pair. Happy running 🤗

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles

Before you try new shoes, it’s worth googling heel lock lacing. By changing the way you lace your shoes you might find they feel right. Also, ring your running shop to see if you can try a short run outside. Ours allows this, and you can still return.

Edit- sorry I now realise you’ve sent them back.

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