Runners. More questions. (Sick of me yet?)

angelabbf

 

Ok... So, here's the deal. I went to the running store where I got fitted the first time to get more advice and help and get a new pair of shoes. And (like usual) I confused them (I always give people paradoxical dilemmas that they don't know how to fix).  I have a toe that seems to be hitting the end of the shoe and causing pain, but the heels of my shoes have shredded and the fabric is completely worn through - even with tying the laces using a runner's loop. The toe issue - a sign of a shoe that's too small. The heel issue - a sign of a shoe that's too large. :-

He measured my feet again. L=5.5, R=6. They are size 7. He seemed to think that the issue is that my heels are narrow causing slippage. But they didn't know how to 'fix' it. Just said I have to find a shoe/brand that works for me. Um... This could be a huge headache to try to 'fix' this. Gar! Of course, they were out of my size in a few that we thought might work. So, I settled on a pair that felt ok in the store (diff brand). Took them out on a run. Same problem. I could feel the heel slip and toe was being jammed again.

So, I'm going to have to go back. *sigh*  Now what?

Gold Star if you got this far. And free coffee from me if you help me find a solution. 

ladipale

More trial & error on shoe brands.

Would inserts help at all?

try a different running store? 

angelabbf

ladipale:

More trial & error on shoe brands.

Would inserts help at all?

try a different running store? 

Trial & Error is kind of where I'm at right now, I think.  

I have Dr prescribed inserts/orthos for my PF that are great.

A diff running store is definitely in the running (pun intended) as an option.

tonic

What brand shoes have you tried?

 

abvernon

It could be a number of things, but I would go to another running store and try different brands.

For me, Asics fit better than Saucony or New Balance. 

angelabbf

My original shoes were Asics. I tried on a few more Asics and when I hopped on their treadmill, I already felt the slipping/toe squish in them. So, I'm thinking Asics might not be for me. ?

The other ones I tried on - Nike, Saucony, and Brooks.  I almost got the Nikes, the Brooks seemed great but they didn't have the size I needed and I ended up with the Sauconys. They are doing the exact same thing as the Asics now that I got out and ran in them.

For the record, I got better sock too - just in case.

leolyns

Yikes!  Have you asked your podiatrist about your foot moving forward damaging your toe? I would say it's trial and error too. Have you tried New Balance, Etonic? I had used Asics last year and after running long runs and a full marathon on them, my feet weren't happy.

tonic

Well, I was going to suggest asics because they are a little narrower in the heel, but guess they are out. I personally wear Brooks Adrenaline, but I think they are wider.

I'd probably find a shoe with a wide/long enough toe box and then try lacing them different. There are several articles on runners world about lacing your shoe so your heel doesnt slip. Might be worth a shot.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-238-275--858-0,00.html

Check out the part about "Custom Lacing When The Shoe Doesn't Fit".

 

MsPurple24

I was also going to suggest lacing them differently.  I have narrow heels, and someone showed me a technique using those "extra" eyeholes at the top that will help pull the heel of the shoe in tighter.  It works beautifully, but unfortunately there's no way to describe it to you without showing you (it involves making loops and threading through).  I'll see if I can find a diagram that shows what I do. 

angelabbf

I do use the 'runners loop' when I tie them. (always have).

From here: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/shoes/how-to-lace-your-shoe/482.html

 

Problem: Heel slipping in your shoe.
Solution: Lace the shoe using the normal criss-cross technique, then tie a loop-lacing lock on the last eyelet.

To stop heel slippage

 

tonic

Hrm.. bummer. I'd keep looking for shoes with a narrow heel then. I'm sorry I can't be more help.

angelabbf

tonic:

Hrm.. bummer. I'd keep looking for shoes with a narrow heel then. I'm sorry I can't be more help.

I'm considering a 'narrow' width and then tying it for a 'wide' forefoot.

 

Problem: Wide forefoot.
Solution: Over the width of your foot just feed the laces up each side of the shoe, again using the criss-cross technique at the top.

For a wide forefoot

 

k-haus

I don't know how wide your toe box is, but perhaps you could try wide width sneakers?   I have really wide feet (I have to wear wide regular shoes too), but I've found that Asics work best for me.  Nikes also fit well, but I find they're not as durable.

My feet are also two different sizes (although they are only a half size different) so I go one size up from my larger foot to accommodate my orthodics and I leave in the original insole in the shoe with my smaller foot. 

However, as others have noted trial and error may be the best option to see what works best for you.