The Running Thread --2025

I have a question about shoe drop transition.

We all know that I've been trying to figure out a new shoe (for nearly 2 years now) since NB changed the 1080 enough that I don't like it, and it's not really working for me. The next model is allegedly coming out at the end of this month, but I'm assuming it's just going to be chunkier and smooshier and not in a good way. Some of the changes they made were echoed in the 880, which means it doesn't work either. I was fortunate enough that my trail shoes worked great this summer, but as I try to regain some semblance of running mojo, and referee season is creeping up, I really need to figure out a new shoe.

This summer I tried out the Novablast 5 and really liked how it felt. For about 3 miles. And then it was causing a lot of issues in my lower legs. I assumed that this was due to the change in drop and new stresses being placed on my calf and shin muscles.

This is a little odd to me because the Novablast has a higher drop than the 1080s. They have a published drop of 8mm (runrepeat says it's more like 7.4mm) versus the 1080s published drop of 6mm (runrepeat says it's more like 4.2mm) so there's absolutely a difference there.

I liked everything else about the novablast though, and I'm really struggling to find another shoe that the toe box volume works for me, the heel cup isn't mashing my achilles, and my big toe isn't falling off the side of the sole.

How can I help my legs transition to a higher drop, OR, do I need to keep looking for a new shoe?

My local fleet feet doesn't carry a ton of models, so trying things on in person isn't always an option, and for basketball they need to be black/black/black which means I end up having to order them online 90% of the time anyway.

I've tried and return somewhere around 8 different models of shoe at this point and it's exhausting.
 
I have a question about shoe drop transition.

We all know that I've been trying to figure out a new shoe (for nearly 2 years now) since NB changed the 1080 enough that I don't like it, and it's not really working for me. The next model is allegedly coming out at the end of this month, but I'm assuming it's just going to be chunkier and smooshier and not in a good way. Some of the changes they made were echoed in the 880, which means it doesn't work either. I was fortunate enough that my trail shoes worked great this summer, but as I try to regain some semblance of running mojo, and referee season is creeping up, I really need to figure out a new shoe.

This summer I tried out the Novablast 5 and really liked how it felt. For about 3 miles. And then it was causing a lot of issues in my lower legs. I assumed that this was due to the change in drop and new stresses being placed on my calf and shin muscles.

This is a little odd to me because the Novablast has a higher drop than the 1080s. They have a published drop of 8mm (runrepeat says it's more like 7.4mm) versus the 1080s published drop of 6mm (runrepeat says it's more like 4.2mm) so there's absolutely a difference there.

I liked everything else about the novablast though, and I'm really struggling to find another shoe that the toe box volume works for me, the heel cup isn't mashing my achilles, and my big toe isn't falling off the side of the sole.

How can I help my legs transition to a higher drop, OR, do I need to keep looking for a new shoe?

My local fleet feet doesn't carry a ton of models, so trying things on in person isn't always an option, and for basketball they need to be black/black/black which means I end up having to order them online 90% of the time anyway.

I've tried and return somewhere around 8 different models of shoe at this point and it's exhausting.
I can only go by my own experience, but for me, if the rest of the shoe was right, the drop didn't matter. I've comfortably run in heel drops of 12mm, 10mm, 8mm, 6mm, 4mm, and 0mm. It sounds to me like you probably do need to keep looking, I'm sorry to say. If it helps, I've tried easily several dozen models, trying to find the right shoe. I wound up in Altras and Newtons because nothing else out there works for me.
 
As someone who grew up loving magazines, I recently subscribed to the running magazine "Like the Wind" It is wonderful! I highly recommend it. The paper is of very high quality, and the ads are minimal. There are long form articles, poetry, one story was done as a graphic novel. It is not so much a training guide but stories about runners and events all over the world. It is a bit pricey, but it is a thick magazine. I read a few articles each night. Also the art and photos are really good.

https://www.likethewindmagazine.com...scription-incl-shipping-starting-with-ltw-46/
 
The Novablasts are what caused my now diagnosed Posterior Tibial Tendonatis after one three mile run. Dr Google made me think this was it but the pain wasn’t exactly there. I did red light therapy and they taped it. I wont lie, I was hoping it’d be amiracle when I woke up this morning. It wasn’t. Boo.
 
Argh! Writing short posts due to the glitching. Take three on this one.

I’m still somewhat hopeful for a short injury time because I feel like I didn’t push it too much.
 
But I’m also still freaking out. My longest run was 11 miles 2.5 weeks ago now. I havent run or walked in 9 days.. we have fall break next week so I can really rest it then.
 
But I’m also still freaking out. My longest run was 11 miles 2.5 weeks ago now. I havent run or walked in 9 days.. we have fall break next week so I can really rest it then.
Don't freak out.

Before my 10K/5K and 10 Mile races last weekend, that last time I ran more than 4 miles in one go was at Springtime Surprise, and my mileage for the whole month of September was the same as my mileage over the 2 days of racing.
 
I did it! After talking about it for the longest time, I finally did an IronMan event. I raced and completed the IronMan 70.3 Waco this past Sunday. Finished in 6 hours, 43 minutes. On top of the physical aspect of it, that may be one of the most mentally exhausting things I have ever done. The voices in your head are so loud and non stop the entire race. The highs and lows are crazy. And one thing that was always there, was fear, at least in the swim and bike stages. Luckily I came out in one piece, no injuries, just some soreness. Ready for MW now!!!
Just catching up, but congrats! A new addiction!?!🤣
 
The Novablasts are what caused my now diagnosed Posterior Tibial Tendonatis after one three mile run. Dr Google made me think this was it but the pain wasn’t exactly there. I did red light therapy and they taped it. I wont lie, I was hoping it’d be amiracle when I woke up this morning. It wasn’t. Boo.
Maybe it is my Novablasts causing my shin splints!
 
The Novablasts are what caused my now diagnosed Posterior Tibial Tendonatis after one three mile run. Dr Google made me think this was it but the pain wasn’t exactly there. I did red light therapy and they taped it. I wont lie, I was hoping it’d be amiracle when I woke up this morning. It wasn’t. Boo.

Crazy what a difference a pair of shoes can make either good or bad, hope you caught it soon enough for a quick recovery.

Argh! Writing short posts due to the glitching. Take three on this one.

I’m still somewhat hopeful for a short injury time because I feel like I didn’t push it too much.

Definitely annoying, I found an adblocker to be a night and day difference. Another tip, I’ve gotten in the habit of typing any longer post like a race report in word or pages then hit copy, paste, post reply - no disappearing work that way.

But I’m also still freaking out. My longest run was 11 miles 2.5 weeks ago now. I havent run or walked in 9 days.. we have fall break next week so I can really rest it then.

Don’t, your base is there, give yourself the rest you need and you will be back quicker than if you push it. You’re going to do great!
 
Shoes: I have worn ASICS Gel Kayano since version 12 or 13. I am always an iteration or two behind because I get them cheaper that way. Today I ran 4.5 miles in Kayano 30s. Suddenly ASICS decided to make them platform shoes like KISS or Hokas or something. Miles 1-2 my calves were burning. By the end of the run, they only burned going uphill. Anybody have experience with these? Will I adjust, or do I need to look for a new running shoe? @FFigawi I think you wear Kayanos?
 
The Novablasts are what caused my now diagnosed Posterior Tibial Tendonatis after one three mile run. Dr Google made me think this was it but the pain wasn’t exactly there. I did red light therapy and they taped it. I wont lie, I was hoping it’d be amiracle when I woke up this morning. It wasn’t. Boo.

Correlation does not necessarily equate with causation. What you describe is a common overuse injury, so it’s unlikely one 3 mile run caused that issue. Generally the recommendation for this scenario is a higher drop shoe (10mm) so the calf is not flexed as much in the toe-off, and the Novablast has an 8mm drop—it’s not like you’re running in Altras. The standard protocol is RICE, followed by exercises to strengthen the calf. KT tape really isn’t going to do anything.
 
That is a really cool medal. Come on rD, take note.
With exception of a few overpasses and would be a very flat line if WDW tried to use that idea lol. If you tried to scale it, you may not even notice the elevation change because the overpasses arent really that big or long enough. (I am going to curse myself for that statement as I run over them in January lol).
 
Crazy what a difference a pair of shoes can make either good or bad, hope you caught it soon enough for a quick recovery.
I'm convinced my Topos caused my plantar fasciitis last year. I wasn't in heavy training yet, so I know it wasn't over use, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a combination of factors. I really loved the fit of them, but I'm scared to try them in training again.
 
I had issues with the Saucony speed 4. Pr’d in the speed, speed 2, and speed 3. Each was better than the previous and then the 4 was a fit like a glove, yet instant pain in my shins and knees on two separate runs. Back they went and I’m afraid to even look at the fives that just came out.
 





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