Shoes??? Help!
 

Hey guys,

It's been forever since I last posted on here. Sadly, I'm where I started again and trying to get back into a new diet/exercise routine.

I did something I've never done before and I joined a gym.. which is scary, but I figured it would be a good motivator. So, anyway, I haven't had proper walking/running shoes since I started and my feet/shins were giving me issues so today I bought a new pair.

They felt great in the store, and I was super psyched to try them out... until I did.

The whole time I was on the treadmill, all I could think about was my feet. The shoes felt tight, and my feet were burning. I couldn't focus at all. I didn't even finish my workout because I was so frustrated and upset with my feet.

My question is...
a) how comfortable should I expect my shoe to be and am I expecting too much? What should a good shoe feel like?

b) I've read and heard about going to running stores to get fitted for shoes, but there are none near me that I know of. Is there some sort of search I can do to find the one closest to me?

:( Thanks in advance.

I always find this about new gym shoes...just wear them around the house or out for a walk or two to break them in gently before running in them.

The website for Runner's World has a store finder on it. There are 3 stores in Mississippi on their site but not sure if any of them are close to you.

They do also have a running shoe finder too, but not sure how accurate that is in comparison to the store fitting. But maybe if there isn't a nearby store and you get a list of possible shoes from RW, the store you bought your other shoes from will let you exchange your shoes for something comfier since you've only worn them once on a treadmill.

I was fitted for my shoes at a running store and it was a very thorough process. The only time I have had any discomfort issues was when one insole tore slightly after using them for a while, so needed to be replaced. (And the store gave me new insoles for free.) I blister very easily and have never had any problems in these shoes, minus the torn insole. There was never any breaking in involved.

When I was fitted for shoes, I was given about 6 different pairs of shoes to try based on my needs and told I was looking for a pair I didn't even notice on my feet. So I would try on two different shoes and walk around, remove the shoe that I "felt" more, replace it with the next. Rinse and repeat. Then when I was left with one pair, I tried that one on the treadmill and they were great.

For running, I really recommend you get to a specialized running store, at least for your first pair (though preferably for every pair). A good store will fit you properly and also get the right type of shoes for yor running motion - neutral, motion control, stability etc. Unfortunately, sporting goods stores just don't have the experienced staff (usually) to help you to the extent you need.

As for your current shoes, they may be too small - most people find themselves going up at least a half size in running shoes, though I go up a full size - or they may be laced too tightly. You could try alternative methods of lacing - do a web search for lacing methods - or lacing them a bit looser.

Good luck!

I think I've decided to make the drive to a running store (Fleet Feet), and get properly fitted. If I'm making the commitment to go to the gym, I might as well make a commitment to good shoes, right? :)

Only thing is, I'm super nervous to go. I'm in no way, shape, or form a runner and I'm well over 250 lbs. Hopefully they won't RUN away in horror. :o

Thanks guys.

I wouldn't worry about it! I was over 250 lbs when I got my shoes and everyone was super nice and encouraging. They are there to help people at all levels of fitness, not just the super buff seasoned runners. Don't be afraid to ask them any questions you might have.

When are you planning on going?

a) how comfortable should I expect my shoe to be and am I expecting too much? What should a good shoe feel like?

Mine feel great right out of the box, but I've been fitted. You don't sound like you are in the right shoe.

b) I've read and heard about going to running stores to get fitted for shoes, but there are none near me that I know of. Is there some sort of search I can do to find the one closest to me?

Def make the effort to get fitted, but become conversant with the lingo. Try here to get some model shoe ideas to try in person.

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/...t/shoe-dog.jsp

Figure out what shoe last you ought to be in. Straight feet or curved?
Figure out if you over pronate or under pronate too. You can estimate that by doing a wet footprint on to grocery bag or similar and then seeing how your feet are. Here's an article that has a footprint pix...

http://www.health-stories.org/good-running-shoes.html

Make sure you have a finger width above your biggest toe. You don't want your toes banging on the end of your shoes when you move. Your pinkie toe should not be smashed either -- the toe box of the shoe should feel comfy.

Some problems you can compensate with how you lace but the better the shoe fit from the outset the better over all for you.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/in...egoryId=690482

HTH!
A

Somni, I plan on going today. It's a long drive (50 miles) for me, so I hope it pays off in the end. :)

Oh nice! I'd love to hear how it went when you get back. :)