25 replies to this topic

[Rachel49]

I've just bought my first new pair of decent running shoes (Asics Gel 1110) and this morning I went for my second run in them of about 5k. I'm now a bit worried that I may have been fitted with the wrong type of shoe. The sales girl in the shop told me I would need the roll in type of shoe even if my feet didn't roll in because I have high arched feet. I'm not sure whether the roll in type of shoe is supposed to compensate for the roll in or is shaped to allow for the roll, but this is the my second run in my new shoes of about 5km it felt as thought the shoe was forcing my right foot to roll in where I didn't want it to. My left foot was fine. I don't know if I'm being paranoid, but it felt as though it was causing pressure in my foot on the inside between the heel and ankle and as that went away as I ran further it caused tension on the lower inside of my leg. My foot fall did not feel comfortable on my right foot for the whole 5k and if anything I was trying to run more on the balls of my feet to prevent the roll in. When I got home I had a look at the bottom of some of my old runners and it was hard to tell if there was any distinctive wear on the sole, but if anything it is worn to the outside as if my foot rolls outwards! So I'm a bit concerned that a) I have been fitted with the wrong type of shoe and b) this could cause injury or is this all just part of the wearing in stage of a new shoe?
Any suggestions or opinions or is this just part if the wearing in stage?

[Coastie]

I don't know what is causing the problem, but I suggest you take them back to the store now and explain the problem. You paid good money for them and they should work for you. Ask to be re-fitted (or at the very least for an explanation for your discomfort). If you leave it and the problem persists, if you go back with a tattered pair of shoes, your chances of reimbursement or exchange are slim. I have had issues with running shoes before and on both occasions took them back after 2 trial runs and had the shoes exchanged.

[moby]

[indent]quote:

---

Originally posted by Rachel49:
The sales girl in the shop told me I would need the roll in type of shoe even if my feet didn't roll in because I have high arched feet.

---

[/indent]That is 100% incorrect as far as I'm aware.

Whilst a number of factors can be involved, if you truly have a high arch then it usually means that you don't overly pronate (roll in) and therefore don't need a shoe to control this. The wear on your older shoes would seem to confirm this.

The 1110 is a stability rather than motion control shoe as I understand it, but it is certainly possible it might cause problems by working against your natural foot movement.

Have a look at this link for some info on arch types.

Not sure where you are located (or where you bought the shoes) but the best thing you can do if at all possible is go to a running specific shop and get a treadmill analysis done of your running biomechanics. They can then suggest an appropriate shoe for you.

At any rate it certainly sounds like you should take them back and exchange for something else - probably a neutral shoe which in the ASICS range would be something like the Cumulus.

[slowjo]

Sounds like your problem might be a bit like mine. I have high arches & I was sold the wrong shoes a few years back (Asics 2100 I think they were), & after about 4km into every run I started getting blisters on the inside edge of both feet. I should have taken them back but I ended up hanging onto them for a while then binning them in the end. I'm now in Asics gel nimbus & I love them. What a difference the right shoe makes :D

I agree with the other advice - take 'em back to the shop!

Cheers

Slowjo

[Miss Gazelle]

Yep, take them back. Once you've done the wet foot test from the link above, check here for the correct Asics shoe (the 1110 slots into the same group as the 2110).
And, as Slowjo said, for neutral pronators to mildly under pronators, can't go past the Asics Nimbus (although a bit heavy if you want to race in them).
And, as others have said above, it has happened to me also. Was told I needed the 2110 and bought them for 2 seasons before I realised it was the shoe causing leg pain for any running in excess of 40km per week. Now I'm running over 100km per week with no problems.
Cheers,
Miss G.

[Slow Boat]

Hi Rachael
As far as your concerns, if you have any problems definetely get refitted. As for the wet foot test, it is not so black and white. Just because the wet footprint shows you have a flat foot means you pronate or roll in. Having a high arch doesn't mean you suprinate, or roll out.
if you have a flat foot, it is a very flexiable foot that needs surface area,( shape of shoe same shape as foot: straight last. High arch is is rigid foot type that needs cushioning, but also may need stability. This foot type is rigid that does not absorb shock well and needs cushioning but the shape of the shoe is important. For the foot type may roll out, then it needs a curved last( shape) and cushioning, or it my need both , cushioning and stability.
Also don't underestimate the importance of a innersole, cushion or support.
Let us know how it goes

[Rudolf]

One day I was killing time in big shopping centre
and went into every sport shop and shoe shop, pretending I am going to buy a new runners, and was asking in every shop for an advice - the best shoes for me.
The number of shops I visited and the number of
different shoes I was recomended were the same.
The running shoes shop sale assistant have no clue.
(there are exceptions to this rule, there are specialised shops, where real experts or experienced runners are working, but they are few
and in minority)
In the Athlets foot shop, I was made to walk over the electronic platform, shown colourfull
computer generated map of my footprint.Sale assistent looked at the picture, made a smart face a told me, he is going to show me the shoes
from this scientific analyzis.
Surprize - it was the latest model, which just arrived few weeks ago, and was $250+
and according the colour map and salesman knowledge - no cheaper shoe would do for me.
In the next shop, after they made their recomendation, I asked them about this new expensive shoe, and said I was recomended this from Athlets Foot and their computer colour map.
They were still laughing when I left.

My friend works part time as a security guard, and sometimes he is send to the big shops, to work as a security, during his coffe breaks, he
goes to the staff resting rooms. On the walls there are managers memos to the staffs, saying something like this :
we are not selling enough of this brand, or of this model or the type of the product - try to sell this to any customer, who can be persuaded.

Who knows, maybe they just had a memo to sell more of 1100 model in Your shoe size, or the girl
there had not a clue about running, possibly both.

Return the shoes, ask for money back, and find the shop, where runners and experts are working,
just tell us where do You live, and You will get
exact location of the best shop near You from
every CR living close to You.

[vat]

Jeez, Rudolf - I'm starting to agree with a few of your recent posts!

Good example of this over the last couple of days. I was looking for another pair of flats - just don't feel fast in my Magic Racers, they're a good feeling shoe, but probably better suited to stuff of HM or longer.

A couple of fellow CRs had recommended Brooks Burn and I was pottering about Macquarie Shopping Centre last weekend and popped into the Athletes Food. I was having a bit of a look over the range there, and the assistant (I don't like to classify people by their appearance - let's just say I'm pretty confident he didn't run) came over, attracted by my rather battered Frees.

I asked if they carried Brooks Burn, to which he replied they didn't. Mmmm. I then went on to mention I was racing in Magic Racers, was looking for a road racing shoe and if he could suggest any other equivalents in other brands. The glazed eyes said it all - I might as well have been speaking swahili.

Now, just so this isn't an Athletes Foot bashing exercise (I bought my first pair of running shoes from Athletes Foot at Chatswood Chase when I was starting out and got a young bloke who was very good, so I've had positive experiences there) yesterday I wandered into Paul's Warehouse in the city. Well, not so much wandered - I had phoned ahead to check they had what I wanted and more zeroed in there during lunch.

They had the Brooks Burn I was after, and the Brooks T4 Racer which I'd not come across before. On a closer look it was pretty obvious that the Burn is in fact Brooks' DS Trainer equivalent, and not their flat road racing shoe. I came to this conclusion myself, as the sales assistant (who, to be fair, was otherwise very helpful and attentive) pulled out the T4 Racer from its box for me to try it on and looked upon the shoe as if it was a thing of wonder, and clearly had no idea about running shoes.

"Wow, feel how light it is!" was his comment.

So, yeah - the big chains aren't going to be the places to be looking for advice, unless you fluke someone very knowledgeable. Places in Sydney like Running Science, The Runners Shop, The Sydney Running Centre, The Athletic Edge are going to be the places to go if you're not sure of what you need. If you've been running for a while or have a group you know you can rely on for advice, you can probably make your own calls on what will suit.

The knowledge is out there - just a matter of tracking it down.

[Rachel49]

Funny enough it was Athletes Foot that I went to buy my shoes. Unfortunately, I live in Mildura which apart from Athletes Foot has three other small shops which sell shoes, but don't really cater for runners. Also having no idea myself I thought Athlete's Foot might be able to help me. Well, having had the problems of the wrong fitting I'm now pretty sure I have more of an idea about fitting shoes by reading a bit on the internet than the people there in the shop. I took my shoes back and they were happy to exchange them, unfortunately they didn't have any idea what to do with me. They pretty much only had stability shoes and hardly any shoes in my size which is size 7 1/2 (pretty common size you'd think). Also told me the shoes I'd bought should be fine according to the charts etc. Then tried to sell me some netball shoes even though I explained I wanted to run a half marathon! Being desperate for shoes as I only have some crosstrainer type Brooks which are wearing all on the inside giving me blister problems while running, I can't really wait to go to the city for a specialty store so I have ended up ordering a pair of Asics Nimbus. Still waiting for them to come in, but hoping they will be suitable.

[Rudolf]

Rachel,
is there a good sport physio, podiatrist or something like that in Mildura ?
They might give You advice, and than You can order the shoes from the local shop or through the net.
Other option is, track down some runners there, perhaps a club or coach, and get their advice if they are capable of assesing Your feet....

[Hairy Legs]

Rachel,

I recommend that you get your feet professionally assessed by a sports podiatrist. Do not rely on the dodgy opinions of shoe salesman.

The podiatrist that I went to several years ago examined my feet and stride pattern. He told me what was going on, what sort of shoe I needed and then gave me three or four shoe options (from different brands) to suite.

If you go this route make sure you take your old running shoes with you. There is plenty of info there.

The Asics Gel are generally a well regarded shoe but not if your particular foot/stride characteristics require compensation/support.

Cheers

[slowjo]

Rachel

Unless they've changed their policy, I thought Athletes Foot gave you your money back if the shoe was wrong - don't accept an alternative shoe unless you really think it's right for you. Once you've found the right shoe you'll probably be able to get it over the net much cheaper when you need new ones (unless the style changes dramatically in which case you'll need to check it's still right for you).

Miss Gazelle, you said [indent]quote:

---

can't go past the Asics Nimbus (although a bit heavy if you want to race in them).

---

[/indent]So THAT'S why I'm so slow in races ;) :D

Slowjo

[Big Mac]

[indent]quote:

---

Originally posted by vat:
Jeez, Rudolf - I'm starting to agree with a few of your recent posts!

---

[/indent]Now that's scary! :)

[Dani California]

I was looking for a more cushioned shoe. Was running in the New Balance 835s but wanted to do marathons+ and the 835 is more of a Half shoe. Went to Roman Jarman ask to try on the Nimbus IIVs. Well they didn't have my yeti 10 size shoe. Then the guy says, "This one is really popular" and points to the Kayano. I tried to explain to him that I was an under pronator so the Kayano would not due beacuse it is for over pronators. I swear he looked at me like I had 3 heads. I left the store wondering how many poor inexperanced shoe buyers are being sent home with shoes that will eat their feet for dinner. :unsure: It really pays to go to a Sports Podiatrist if you can so then you can just by-pass the blank looks and feet eating shoes.

[Trac]

Went to Athlete's Foot (1st time) on Saturday-went through all the tests and came out with a recommended "Puma" runner. Wore on Sunday long run - and my feet and calves in pain after 5km.
Tried a second time this morning...but no good - have previously worn Asics gel - so will go back to original running store and get them. (my daughter loved the Puma's for netball). My shoes were too dirty to return - Expensive lesson to learn!! Is buying running shoes over the net cheaper???

[lebusqp]

Geez I'm glad I don't have to buy training shoes to run in. It all sounds so complicated and expensive. Me, well I just buy light weight thin soled racers and train in them these days. No amazing "cushioning" or fandangled "stability gizmos" just a thin bit of rubber and a form hugging upper. Fortunately my feet were designed to be run upon.

[chris_decath]

hi,
i was just reading and im not sure if you have got this answered but the few which i had read didn't really seem to help. high arches normally means along with other features of your feet and ankle, indicates you have a supernated foot! although saying that some people with high arches, have their arches collapse as they run or walk. so the roll in part on the shoe which is on the inside. wouldn't really help you if your feet are supernated. you should have shoes in which do not have the denser eva around the heel which is suppose to help people with pronated feet(flat feet) somewhat supernate to greater extent while running. there is no need to have this on the outside of the heel for people with supernated feet as research shows this has no benefit. so next time dont get anything with roll in if you have supernated feet... they should have known this

[chris_decath]

if people are wanting to buy shoes over the internet. i recommend. www.eastbay.com it is an american sports store. they have a large range of shoes in different sports. they offer last seasons shoes for a great price. shipping is 36.99 us for one pair then 1.99 US for each additional one. so buying 3 or so they work out to be quiet cheap. i buy running spikes through this and also runners aswell.. very happy with their service. you just have to be lucky yo find the shoe in your size and you will be right. they work out to be much cheaper by doing this than buying in the store. all prices are in US dollars so just figure the price our in aussie dollars

[Screaming Knees]

Me too! I tell the "sport shoe store" sales people exactly what I want the shoe for and the problems that I have had with previuos shoes. Even take in 2 pairs for them to examine etc. End result minus $260.00 and shoes that look pretty but are much worse than the previous ones. :angry: Why is it so difficult. :unsure:
Picked up a pair of Dunlop X trainer for $39.00 at Target and they are heaps better.
I WILL be visiting a pod/running store when I visit Brisbane soon.

[Colin]

General comment (my opinion):

If you run seriously and are going to do so for a long time, then take the time to learn about what shoes do, what sort of feet you have etc and research the shoes on the market.

Even in days well before google (1979) when shoes were just becoming an important differentiator, we did this as newbies.

Arm yourself with the knowledge and go in and buy the shoe. At the shop it should just be about fitting, whether the shoe actually feels comfortable to run in and haggling about prices.

If all esle fails get a neutral shoe and go to a Pod if you still have problems--or go to the Pod first.

Now wrt to the eastbay site, it doesn't look too cheap to me.
eg Pegasus Zoom Elite $85 (US) , which is around $117 Aus - Nike Factory Shop, $110
Pegasus trainer, $80 (US) $110-- Rebel $140

And you still have to add shipping.

[moby]

Spot on Colin.

If you do the full gait assessment once then you will know what basic type of shoe you need (neutral, stability, motion control). Then try different brands and models within that guideline to find what feels best and is priced right. It’s good also because you can purchase when on sale if you know what you require, even if you won’t need a new pair for a few months.


I haven’t personally bought anything from Eastbay but they do have some decent sale prices from time to time.

Also, if you search on the web you can find coupon codes that will allow you to save 20% on your order.

Same thing for RoadRunner Sports although normally only 5% for them unless you luck out.

[Rachel49]

I went into Athlete's Foot to pick up the Asics Nimbus shoes I'd ordered and the girl who sold me the original shoes was in there and told me she had fitted me with the right shoes for my feet and there should be nothing wrong with them. She then proceeded to write 'self fitted' on all of the receipts and the shoe box saying because they weren't the shoes they recommended I was then liable for the shoes if I found them uncomfortable and I wouldn't get my money back. I have since been for a 13k run in them and found the Asics Nimbus quite comfortable, thank god! So they will do for now and when I next get to Adelaide or Melbourne I will get my feet properly assessed. If anyone can suggest a good running shop in either of these cities it would be much appreciated, thanks.

[Dani California]

[indent]quote:

---

Originally posted by Rachel49:
I went into Athlete's Foot to pick up the Asics Nimbus shoes I'd ordered and the girl who sold me the original shoes was in there and told me she had fitted me with the right shoes for my feet and there should be nothing wrong with them. She then proceeded to write 'self fitted' on all of the receipts and the shoe box saying because they weren't the shoes they recommended I was then liable for the shoes if I found them uncomfortable and I wouldn't get my money back. I have since been for a 13k run in them and found the Asics Nimbus quite comfortable, thank god! So they will do for now and when I next get to Adelaide or Melbourne I will get my feet properly assessed. If anyone can suggest a good running shop in either of these cities it would be much appreciated, thanks.

---

[/indent]What! :unsure: so basiclly she wants you to ware the ones she "thinks" are right even though they really hurt your feet and are just totally not right or working. Ohh boy that is A+ customer service there. :rolleyes:

[Martin Dugdale]

Have you tried clicking on the Loco ad on this site. I did and am now the happy runner in Loco shoes. I first bought the Banditos and after racing in the last two year, shalf marathons and two city to surfs, I bought a pair of perfectos. perfect, and I have no financial interest in Loco. :D

[moby]

Rachel

Well I suspect the attitude you copped from this girl would confirm very poor service all round if she's sticking to advice that clearly didn't work for you. By the way, was this what the machine told her to put you in? If so, enough said. :rolleyes:

In terms of running shops, I can recommend Active Feet . I had an assessment done there and was very happy. They spent considerably time with me and I think I got good advice. Of course after the assessment I felt obliged to purchase from them so given you have just bought new shoes you may want to wait until you need some more.

[azza]

I dropped by the Active Feet shop in Heathmont the other day, just to see if the runners I had were the right ones for my feet (I got paranoid after reading this thread, I had originally bought them at Athlete's foot!)

THe salesman took the time to give me an assessment, and walked through the different types of shoes with me, and explained how they worke. At the end, he asked how old my shoes were, and recommended that I purchase new runners in a couple of weeks. No pressure there!

Although, given the quality of service, I'll probably be back to buy new runners soon - I think that's the real point of their service, to create customer loyalty. It's a shame not all retail outlets feel the same way.