Shoe Woes

[runprincess_run]

I'm in a bit of a pickle with regards to shoe selection. A former Dallas resident, I frequented the two major running stores in the area. I was shoe fitted at one at the start of my training (Asics 3010) and then at a different store later in my training (Saucony Omni Grid).

I wore the Asics at the only half I've ever walked and came out injured in the hip/groin area. It still flares up to this day. Some of that was because I stopped training before the race but someone else has suggested that the Asics over-compensated my gait and that was a big factor too.

Now - here's my pickle issue (so sorry I ramble I'm still nervous around you guys ). I've been reading up on these shoes (last time I just trusted the running stores) and they are completely different shoes....they do completely different things. How do I know which person was right? Unfortunately, with my move, I'm about 2 hours away from any running store or I'd just go try a third time. Of course, then I might end up with a third choice and end up more confused

Is there a way to *know* you are being steered the wrong way? Because those 2 shoes are way to different to have both been right for me. But I didn't know enough (and still don't) to say..."hey, wait a minute, this isn't right..."

My biggest fitting problem (which I know played a part in the shoes they recommended) is that I have small feet (regular shoe 4.5 running size 6) but a really wide forefront (?) (EE) so finding a toebox with enough room but smaller in the heel area was a problem. I also have really really high arches.

 

[LAinSEA]

I also have a small foot (size 5 1/2-6) and wide forefoot, but a very high arch. Running/walking/cross trainers, ski boots and skates never fit me well out of the store. To comfortably fit the widest part, I also end up with New Balance that come in widths. This last time, at the New Balance store, they also had these inserts made by Superfeet to replace what comes in the shoes. They are not custom, but feel like custom and support my arch and heel so well that I can't tell the difference between the support in my walking shoes/hiking boots to my custom insoles made for my ski boots/skates.

Perhaps you could look for the Superfeet and try them in your present shoes to see if it stops the pronation that is most likely causing your hip/groin pain. I know that they worked for me.

Laurie

 

[Todd and Toni]

I have a couple of thoughts (that you can ignore if you like). I am not clear based on what you wrote whether you were hurt before the half. If you were hurt before the half, then the shoes could be the problem. I think Laurie's idea for Superfeet is a good one. They do help many people. If you got hurt in the race and were ok during your preperation for the half, the course may have been the problem (i.e. too much sideways slope, grade you were not used to, strange road surface, etc.). If your initial pain is caused by soemthing in the race, you may need to see some physical therapy.

I hope this helps and please do not feel nervous around this group.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I don't know how to advise you more than what has already been offered. Being far away from a decent running store is not a happy thing.

 

[runprincess_run]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I'll try the SuperFeet until I can take a weekend and get to a running store for another fitting. I appreciate all the help and advice!