Should I get some more shoes?

[ReluctantRuby]

I started on C25K 2 years ago and have carried on running since graduation. I began in sketcher plimsolls as I didn’t think I’d ever get to the end so I didn’t think I needed proper shoes. Once I graduated I bought some new balance 680’s which are nice and wide at the front. I have been really happy with these for runs up to 10k and I’m now on my second pair. Over 10k though my feet hurt and I am wondering if I need more cushioning? I only run on roads or metalled track. I live in out in the sticks in north wales but could include a visit to a shoe shop next week. Is it worth the plunge on a more expensive shoe like Hoka or Brookes?

Thanks for your input 😀🏃‍♀️😀

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I wonder if your feet might get used to running further with time, but if you have the money and the more cushy shoes are comfortable for you then maybe give them a try?

[misswobble Marathon]

Yes! 😁👍🏃‍♀️

[ReluctantRuby in reply to misswobble]

I had the opportunity to go to a specialist running shop recently and it turns out I need shoes with a high drop. It was a toss up between Brooks and Mizuno and I went with the Mizuno as they felt a little roomier at the front. Time will tell if they ease all my issues but they are very comfy 😀🏃‍♀️😀

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Do you need more shoes? The answer is always yes.

Now, what was your reason? 🤣

(I've got far, far too many myself.)

Shoes do wear out. The usual recommendation is that they're probably worn out when they've done about 400-500 miles (650-800 km).

For me, doing a long run on worn-out shoes can lead to hamstring problems behind my knees.

[ReluctantRuby in reply to nowster]

I had the opportunity to go to a specialist running shop recently and it turns out I need shoes with a high drop. It was a toss up between Brooks and Mizuno and I went with the Mizuno as they felt a little roomier at the front. Time will tell if they ease all my issues but they are very comfy 😀🏃‍♀️😀

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to ReluctantRuby]

Interesting! Just out of interest you wear heels a lot normally?

Did they also measure where on your foot you land in your running stride?

(Zero drop shoe wearer here.)

[ReluctantRuby in reply to nowster]

I never wear heels! They looked at the way my foot fell when relaxed and with my leg crossed over my knee and sat down, a volumental foot scan which measured length, width, arch etc and then the way I ran going backwards and forwards over a mat in the shop. They also suggested wedges in the shoes to try and flatten out the difference between the ball of my foot and my heel. It certainly feels a lot nice to run in these shoes and I don't feel like my feet are slapping on the floor anymore. On the other hand I only started as a complete non runner on couch to 5K 2 years ago so I haven't got much experience in this! Time will tell I think.

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to ReluctantRuby]

So you were landing on the ball of the foot and they were trying to encourage a more mid-foot landing?

[ReluctantRuby in reply to nowster]

Maybe. It all got a bit technical for me but the guy in the shop seemed to know what he was talking about. 🤞

[Cmoi Marathon]

I can sympathise with the out-in-the sticks thing ReluctantRuby - my nearest sportswear retailer is 25km away, and if I want to buy from a different chain or a specialist running shop I have a 50km, one-hour drive each way.

However I figure it's worth it to get the right running shoes. It isn't the brand or price point that makes them right for you, it's the fit and comfort, combined with the usage they're designed for.

As I don't know the New Balance shoes you mention I very quickly Googled them and they're described as being good for beginners and occasional usage. So you probably do need to buy new shoes because yours might be worn out, and don't seem to be designed for longer runs.

If you have a strict budget tell the shop, and maybe ask them if they have any models from previous seasons or other discounted pairs.

I got over 1000km out of my first pair of Brooks Cascadia trail shoes, and my second pair are still going well at just over 550km. So excellent value for money!

[ReluctantRuby in reply to Cmoi]

I had the opportunity to go to a specialist running shop recently and it turns out I need shoes with a high drop. It was a toss up between Brooks and Mizuno and I went with the Mizuno as they felt a little roomier at the front. Time will tell if they ease all my issues but they are very comfy 😀🏃‍♀️😀

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Always need new shoes! Always! Whatever the question. Get new shoes! But you need to consider what kind you want - drop, how structured, your running style, cushioning. No one can recommend you shoes without knowing your running style. I’m a Hoka fan but some people don’t like them and they can cause people issues with the low drop. People swear by Brooks but they are bad for my knee due to their high drop. But get new shoes 🤣

[ReluctantRuby in reply to Tasha99]

I had the opportunity to go to a specialist running shop recently and it turns out I need shoes with a high drop. It was a toss up between Brooks and Mizuno and I went with the Mizuno as they felt a little roomier at the front. Time will tell if they ease all my issues but they are very comfy 😀🏃‍♀️😀

[Bladerunner2049 Marathon]

I just read the post title, and the answer is always Yes!