24 replies to this topic

[kingkw13]

Hi,

I am a n00b and this is my first post. Hi everyone!

I am a beginner and just started running but have been getting back of the heel pains. After researching here and everywhere on the wired web I found out thatit is Haglunds Deformity.

I have been recommended the shop 'Active Feet' in Melbourne to see if they can suggest some shoes that will allow me to run without surgery (for now at least).
Has anyone been and are they recommended/better places to start off?

Thanks in advance.

[RodN]

kingkw13, on May 1 2009, 03:23 PM, said:

Hi,

I am a n00b and this is my first post. Hi everyone!

I am a beginner and just started running but have been getting back of the heel pains. After researching here and everywhere on the wired web I found out thatit is Haglunds Deformity.

I have been recommended the shop 'Active Feet' in Melbourne to see if they can suggest some shoes that will allow me to run without surgery (for now at least).
Has anyone been and are they recommended/better places to start off?

Thanks in advance.

A doctor, or osteopath or specialist doctor of the kind necessary to properly diagnose the deformity?

[hammers]

Definitely a podiatrist.
Get the problem properly diagnosed before spending any $ on shoes regardless of where you go.
Good luck with it

[natkas]

My husband & I went to Active Feet in January this year, and after they watched my husband on the treadmill, they suggested he see a podiatrist as he noticeably ran a bit funny on his right foot.

But by all means, perhaps see a podiatrist first so you know for sure what the problem is.

[wombatoutofhell]

Active feet are very good-I've been to both the Prahran and Heathmont stores. However I'd say go to a podiatrist first. Self diagnosis can be a little hit and miss so I'd say better to know for sure and get professional help as well.
Welcome to coolrunning.

[kingkw13]

Hey thanks for the responses guys.

Know of any good podiatrists in the Melb inner city?

[FitzCameron]

all the staff at active feet are podiatrists - either fully qualified or close to finishing training

[shark]

Active Feet is the best place to go to be fitted for shoes in Melb. The staff are consistently better than any other running shoe store. They need to be because you pay retail price - well worth it for one pair then shop around.

There are lots of good podiatrists in Melb - maybe contact Olympic Park Sports Med centre given it's a running query.

s

[DistanceRunner]

kingkw13, on May 1 2009, 04:40 PM, said:

Hey thanks for the responses guys.

Know of any good podiatrists in the Melb inner city?

With your condition I would definitely see a podiatrist to give an independent opinion. Jason Agosta is your man - he's a former national 5000m champion and more importantly a great running podiatrist IMO.

Website is http://www.ja-podiatry.com/ and he's in East Melbourne.

[kingkw13]

I went to ShoeLogic at the Melbourne Baths today (cos it was very close to work) and brought my running shoes in for them to have a look at (Nike Free 3.0 & ooold ASICs 1100). In fact the shoe they were most interested in was my work shoe. It is a leather-soled shoe without any cushioning on the heel and has a very hard leather back. Wearing these shoes 80% of the time is causing the inflammation instead of the actual running so I need to fix this situation first and see how my running goes.

Thanks for all the comments!

[runningclear]

I have been to Shoe Logic also recently. They are very very good in that they will tell you if you need a Podiatrist and your problem won't be helped with just footwear. They also have at least one Podiatrist in there 90% of the time, and when they dont they have staff that are finishing their studies this year. For me they said they didn't have the resources where they are to aid me and reccommended a podiatrist in my area who was well regarded in the field.
This was a better experience than i had at active feet beforehand where they seem a little too keen to sell shoes even knowing very well it won't fix the problem!! Having said all that they are a both great shops and i am all for specialised running shops with well trained staff!!

[kingkw13]

runningclear

Yeah i was served by a guy who was a podiatrist and we had all sorts of discussions about football boots, barefoot running and other foot related ailments. I'd go back there if I needed some shoes fitted.

[Darten]

I thought I'd bump this up and give Active Feet a plug. Myself and my husband went into the Heathmont store on Saturday to get fitted properly and they were very good. They were quite busy being Saturday morning but we never felt rushed. Apparently I've been wearing the wrong shoes... oops! Probably because I picked them for the way they looked. They kitted me out with some Brooks Addictions and they feel great so far. I liked that they didn't try to sell me one particular brand and that they took their time with me. Also, I'd forgotten my MM voucher but it wasn't a drama. I just emailed them my race number after I got home. Hubby was pleased as he got the Kayanos which was what he'd had his eye on all along.
So big thumbs up

[mum2twins]

I am looking at going down to Melbourne to Active Feet on Saturday.

Do you need an appointment?? If they recommend you see a podiatrist, but you still need running shoes ASAP, do they still sell you shoes, or will they wait until after you've seen a podiatrist??

Jode

[zandrsmum]

Hi Jode, you dont need, nor can you make an appointment but Saturdays can be a little busy. Just bear in mind they usually only have 2 podiatrists on and these are the people who sell the shoes. It is all done in one consultation in the shop. Fittings on average probably take 20 - 30mins. They charge RRP, I guess between $180-$250 depending on the shoes, never seen sale items but you get what you need. There is also a 30 day return policy for shoes that have been fitted if they turn out to not be appropriate. They also sell socks and other apparel. I have been using the Heathmont store for about 6 years and have been very happy. K

[kiwirunner]

Hey guys and gals, just thought I would add my 3 cents worth on the topic and my experience getting shoes fitted etc. Footpro in Malvern helped me with my shoe set up (shoes,custom insoles etc) and the staff there have a completely different take on the whole running shoe fitting. Just on 4 months with my current shoes and have put in some kms over the summer break. Im obviously a FP convert and don't mind showing it. MM here I come.

[SirPlod]

Even though this is old, I’ll add my 2c.

Went to Active Feet in Heathmont a couple of weeks ago. After I tied on 4 pairs or so, they strongly recommended the Aiscs Kayano 16s for my style/form and despite me not being keen because they were the most expensive, I gave in because they’re meant to be the professionals and I bought them.

Anyway, a few weeks down the track and I sheepishly admit that they were absolutely right – these are the best shoes I’ve had for running. It’s like they were made for me. Even some niggles that I used to have are no longer there.

I’d recommend them for sure.

[Louise]

zandrsmum, on Feb 4 2010, 12:34 PM, said:

... never seen sale items ...

they have sales about twice a year - a percentage discount off everything. Make sure you get on their email list.

[saykao]

hey guys,

long time reader, first time poster!

just thought i'd give my 2 secs on activefeet.

I went there today to buy a new pair of runners and they were awesome. Examined my running and got to trial a few pairs of shoes. Very knowledgeable people there as they are podiatrists or becoming on as stated by some of posts above. If you need a new pair of a runners, i HIGHLY recommend them. You won't be disappointed!

[chilliman]

saykao, on Sep 1 2010, 05:10 PM, said:

You won't be disappointed!

The last time I visited I was disappointed by their limited product range.

I'm sure their staff are very knowledgeable, but the focus on a couple of major brands at the time was a concern.

Not sure if that has changed or not, it has been a few years now, nor did they carry trail shoes then either.

[WetWeek]

chilliman, on Sep 1 2010, 09:39 PM, said:

The last time I visited I was disappointed by their limited product range...... the focus on a couple of major brands at the time was a concern.

What brands do they stock? Nowhere on their (rather sparse) webwsite could I find this info.

Edited by WetWeek, 02 September 2010 - 10:32 AM.

[saykao]

They stock Asics, Brooks and Saucony from what I could see. It may not have a high variety as other shoe places, but the fitment they take you through makes sure you get the right one!

[DontStop]

saykao, on Sep 2 2010, 10:37 AM, said:

They stock Asics, Brooks and Saucony from what I could see. It may not have a high variety as other shoe places, but the fitment they take you through makes sure you get the right one!

Not necessarily.

I used them once and they fitted me into a motion-control shoe because the tready footage shows I "over-pronate". Now, I run 80-90k a week in neutral shoes without any problems associated with this supposed scourge of distance runners. I don't have knee problems, I don't have hip problems, I don't have ankle problems. But nevertheless, despite my better judgement I figured I'd listen to the experts and give the shoe a go.

Three runs later I gave them away. Awful, and totally wrong for me.

So no, they don't necessarily make sure you get the right shoe. Because no system is perfect.

Now, they're not bad (and I take my daughter there regularly because her feet are constantly growing and fit is so important) but personally I call bullshit on this whole "support/over pronation" thing. I reckon only a small minority of people really have significant problems - and I get the sense that it's in the industry's best interests to hype this supposed problem up as much as they can.

[SirPlod]

saykao, on Sep 2 2010, 10:37 AM, said:

They stock Asics, Brooks and Saucony from what I could see. It may not have a high variety as other shoe places, but the fitment they take you through makes sure you get the right one!

I saw New Balance and Mizuno as well.

[chilliman]

SirPlod, on Sep 2 2010, 11:50 AM, said:

I saw New Balance and Mizuno as well.

They certainly did not stock Mizuno when I was there last, I will have to revisit, thanks SirPlod.