24 replies to this topic

[susan]

Hi, this is my first post. So here goes!
What do you do when your brand new expensive runners give you bad blisters and you can’t use them? Are they banished to the wardrobe to be thrown out in a few years time, basically unused? Or is there some policy of the manufacturers to return/exchange them? I have been a non-serious runner for a few years. I have signed up for a half marathon and the “fear- factor” has encouraged me to try and be a bit more disciplined in my approach. I now have new-ish pair of 2090’s which must rub as they are wearing through on the inside heels, but are otherwise feel OK. But my new Brooks Adrenaline give me bad blisters on the medial side at the ball of the foot. I have now spent $400 and really don’t want to spend any more till I wear a pair out. Any thoughts???

[Fire Horse]

Sell the offending shoes :D , recoup the $, and try again. What size are they?

I always like to take my time getting a feel for a new pair of shoes, if I'm going to try a different make/model. Most stores will let you return a shoe if it hasn't been worn outside. So, I stick 'em on and wear them around the house for a few hours, and if they don't feel good, I take them back and try something else. Having said that, I have a pretty good idea what kind of shoe is going to suit my foot at the outset. Shop around without buying, and see what kind of advice you are offered - you need to find a good, knowledgeable source for your shoes, to have much chance of arriving at a suitable shoe without running out of cash.

Good luck.

[calypso]

Susan,
This too is my first post and I also had the very same problem. I bought a pair of Asics 1090s and got terrible blisters the first few times I went out for a run (only between 7-10km each time). What I did was switch back to my (very) old Asics until my newies had been worn in. To wear in the new ones, I used them only for very short runs of no more than 3kms or so or when I was walking the dog. Only took about a week, now they fit perfectly I’m blister free. At the time I was quite worried as I bought them about 3 weeks before the SMH half. Oh, and I had success with popping the blisters early on with a clean needle, but I notice that topic is discussed at length on other threads.
Cheers. :)

[Runner In The Hills]

hi susan,
you said you're getting a little more serious about your running , so i'm assumming you've stepped up the miles. most of my blisters (in fact, all)from running have come from my socks and not the shoes. a crappy pair of socks will get you through a 5 k run but will give you blisters when you step up the mileage and start to sweat a lot more. before canning or selling the shoes buy some decent socks (not the cheapy $6-8 pairs) if you don't already have some. x-socks for example cost around $25 - 30 but last forever(longer than my shoes). lots of other really great brands out there. there have been lots of threads on the topic - have a read and it may help a little.
keep running
rith

[Rhino]

Have a look at Target Coolmax socks, which sell for about $7-8. This may help stop the blisters.

[susan]

You are right. I don;t use particularly great socks. And the problem was only noticable after my long run hit about 14 kms. Is there a difference in the last of Brooks and Asics shoes?? Because it feels like a pressure thing cross the medial side of the ball of the foot. Thanks everyone.

[journeyman]

Hi,

My experience with blisters is only ever from new shoes. All i do is put a bit of tape on my foot where they rub. After i've done some mileage there is no need for tape anymore.

If however you still get rubbing/blisters after some k's it could be the shoes are just really wrong for you.

journeyman

[Obi-Wan]

susan,

I'm only a small bloke and have recently switched from Asics 2070/80/90's to Brooks Adrenaline. I found the Asics were falling apart pretty quickly but the Adrenalines seem to be a lot more durable, stable and feel as though they weigh less (don't actually know if this is the case). A lot of people I know have been complaining about the last few models of Asics (ie. not as good as they used to be wrt durability, cushioning, etc.) and thus have been looking for a change. I know this was not what you were asking but it's been an observation I've made.

As to the socks, give them a go before you do anything else. Here's a link to the last sock discussion.

[susan]

What I was really hoping was that someone would say " take them back to the shop" or "Ring up Mr Brooks, and he will sort it out". But that doesn;t seem to be the case here in Australia. When we were living in Canada, consumers seemed to be more assertive and you could take just about anything back, for whatever reason. I am not saying that is is the right ethos, just different.

[ann]

hi Susan, i was actually at a Sports Medicine Australia meeting last night on Factors Affectig Distance Running Mechanics, and the resource person said that ther were very very returns of running shoes . does this mean everyone is happy with their new expensive shoes or is it that it is a waste of time complaining? Be intersted to hear what some experienced runners havr to say

[FakePlasticTrees]

[indent]quote:

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...were very very returns of running shoes.

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[/indent]I think you missed out the most important word of that sentence. I'm reading it as "very few". In which case my reasoning is that there doesn't seem to be much point. I haven't tried returning running shoes, but I'm guessing that if they are dirty then the shop won't accept them back. The manufacture would probably only accept a return based upon faulty product rather than incorrect fit.

If someone has experience that differs from that then I'd be glad to hear, I've got a pair of 2080's that I'd like to return. Also a pair of Nike Air Max.

[Steve 'The Footman']

Blisters can be from shearing or pressure. If the shoe is too loose then you may be sliding around causing the blister. Pressure can be caused by the shoe being too tight or the shape of the shoe not suiting the shape of your foot. This can be subtle like the lip of the side of the shoe being too prominent. I have successfully modified many shoes for people to reduce pressure for this very reason.

When it comes to returning the shoe gnscon is right. Manufacturers only gaurantee for manufacturing faults. Faults with fit may be partially the responsibility of the shop especially if you are loosing toenails or you are floating around in the shoe. However it was your foot in the shoe trying it on and not theirs so you need to make sure yourself that you buy the right fit each time and not buy a size 'because you have always been a size 8'. You can be up to a size different in different models of each brand. Measuring your feet with a brannock device you are more likely to end up with the wrong size. The subtle differences in shoe shape that cause blisters such as at the arch are very difficult for you to predict and impossible for the sales person. But now you have experienced this problem you can look out for it next time you buy some shoes.

[42.195]

Did you wear the shoes in before running in them? I'll wear them to work for a couple of weeks before I run in them, so they have moulded around my foot.
If the blisters are localised, buy some Bandaid patches with Compeed in them. Stick them over the spot and keep running, and you shouldn't notice any pain. Tape up around the edge of the patch and it should last 1 week. Remove it after 1 week and your problems may be solved, unless your shoes are too small.
You can buy the Bandaid with Compeed from chemists or Safeway.

[susan]

I would have thought that it would be the minimum requirement of a specialty running shoe shop to sell you the right size.

[GaryO]

I'm with you, Susan. If these "trained fitting technicians" can't even get the right size shoe onto your foot then they should be stacking shelves at the local supermarket. True, the buyer has a responsibility to interact positively with the salesperson & to say if they can feel any rubbing, or discomfort, etc., but it's the salesperson who's supposed to be the expert. No shoe store can justify letting someone walk out their door with a $150 pair of shoes that are substantially too long, short, wide or narrow.

Having got that little rant out of the way, :D I'll echo the sentiments of other CR's that socks are at least as important as shoes when it comes to avoiding blisters. I've worn Cool Max sox for the last couple of years & have been blister free. (Although I cetainly suffered from some very hot feet at times in my oversized 1080's bought from Athlete's Foot in Collins St, Melbourne. :angry: ) So get some good sox & slowly get used to those new shoes. But be careful that they do fit & they aren't going to cause injuries.

[PodRunner]

Hi Susan,
From experience, a large number of females have problems(such as blistering where you've indicated) from tight calves( which can cause forefoot striking or early heel lift), which can increase the load/shear on the medial side of the balls of your feet.

It's worth getting a trainer/physio/podiatrist/experienced competitive runner to make sure you're stretching your calves properly, as most people don't.

The sweat factor mentioned above is very important as wet socks are much more coarse than dry. Try spraying your feet with Mitchum Anti-Perspirant before each run.

The last shape of the shoe is also very important. I have some Adidas Cairos which are very narrow in the toe-cap and press against my big toes.

Cheers, Andy

[Aching Hammie's]

I have had the exact same problem - the inside heels wearing out, and blisters on the inside of the base of my big toe. I was ready to just about give up, and I went to the Runners shop at Clovelly (Sydney) and he informed me that my shoes were a size and a half too small. He also recommended a different style (still Asics).

Have trained for and completed a half marathon since then, with only tiny blisters caused by wearing thin socks. If you do need to purchase a new pair of shoes (or my advice if you bought your shoes from Rebel take the ones that are wearing out back - they will exchange/refund) try on a size or 2 bigger.

Good Luck!

[Fiftyplus]

Hi all, In triathlons I will run up to 10k in races without socks, and sometimes your feet are still wet. Other than making sure I have the correct size shoes, I wear running shoes without socks around the house or walking the dogs so that my feet get used to it and toughen up for when I am racing. Just make sure you air your shoes well after.

[ann]

Is it worth while spending mega bucks on shoes or would it be more cost effective to have a browse on the net and find a bargain. if they are going to rub anyway!!

[Rooster]

Hi Susan,

A thing I use when I buy new shoes. I put a light layer of vasoline on my feet. Paying particular attention to rub points such as outer foot and rear ankle. Even rubbing a bit of the achilles. Not much needed but helps in getting the feet used to the new shoes. Just my 2 cents worth :)

[Stu Mac]

Susan - I would have a good read of Steve the Footman & Podrunner's responses as they are experts on feet. This is not to say all of the others don't have an excellent answer. Fo rmy 2 cents worth, just like the rest of your body you have to prepare it for racing & running, well your shoes, socks & feet are one of the most important facets of running. I always wear my new runners for very short periods of time for the first week, second week I may run a couple of short 5k runs, but at the same time, I only wear good socks, I may even tape a bit if I have felt a 'hot spot' in the early stages, good management is the key.

Good luck, this is not to say you can't take them back to the shop of purchase and swap them for well fitted shoes.

:)

[susan]

Podrunner, you are spot on with your "over the net" diagnosis of tight calves. I have hardly any extra give when I bend my knee from a calf stretch. The sports med guy that I saw for my plantar fasciitis just raised his eye-brows when he saw how limited it was. I guess I will have to be more diligent about stretching- it never seems to get done. Thanks everyone. You have been really helpful.

[MikeIafeta]

I love my blisters. They tell me that I have indeed at least been running :D .

[Headless]

Hey Susan,
Everyone has chipped in with their two bobs worth so I though I ought to as well (first timer too). Shoes, fit and socks are all variables which come into the equation. When all three are aligned for your personally you will find no rubbing at all and should be blister free. A good place to start is to find a shoe that is built on a "Womens Specific Last". A good shoe sales person and runner should be able to point you in the right direction. As womens feet vary from mens, most womens shoes these days are built on mens lasts, downsized and womens colours put on the upper to appeal to the female consumer. I know for a fact that the Nike Air Althea is one of the only ones at the moment which is built on a womens specific last and is a genuine running shoe ( bowerman model, just look for the dick tracy type image on the heel of the sock liner ). Alot of my female friends have been getting into these and have been more than happy. Ask your shoe sales person next time if the shoes they are recommending are made on a womens specific last, only for women, if they know what they are on about they shouldn't have any hesitations in putting you in the right shoe and you should be blister free.
Why Run - because I can.

[Nicko]

Dear Susan
I too developed painful blisters after every run more than 8k in length. I bought a pair of Thorlo socks after reading about them on this site. I ran 10k straight up without so much as a hint of a blister. I went back to the shop and bought two more pairs - I now run 20k or so and have never had another blister. At $25 a pair I was horrified, but now I'd pay $100 - they work!