New running shoes are on my feet!!!! I’ve been fitted in the past, but wasn’t impressed. I decided to check out the Road Runner store in my area to see if they fit people for shoes. I’ve been running in Brooks Glycerin 9 & 10’s for over a year and really like them! My only problem is that the back of my lower left leg aches during the run. I thought I figured out the problem. I switched to a smaller size and that seem to really help. I got a deal on Glycerin 9’s and bought them again in my normal size. Oh no! Lower left leg pain back again!!! My left foot is much smaller than my right foot and sometimes it’s really hard to find shoes that fit comfortable on both feet. After this, I decided to go get fitted because no one should have pain while running!!!! As if!!!!
I got fitted at the store with their cool and neat equipment called the “SHOE DOG.” First, you stand on this mat and it reads the pressure on your feet while standing. It tells you how you distribute your body weight. I apparently put most of my weight on my left foot. 53% on m left and 47% on my right. Pretty close to balanced. ( I guess the WII Fit does help :)) It also was able to tell me I have a high arch.
Next, they have you run barefoot on a treadmill and videotape you running. They then analyze how your feet/ankle move while running. They are looking at the flexibility of your foot. You are either rigid, flexible, or very flexible. They placed me as a flexible foot runner. Finally, they tell you what type of shoes would work best for you while running. Your either a neutral, stability or motion controlled runner.
My “perfect shoe” recommendation was …….stability!!!! The brooks shoes I’ve been running in are for neutral runners. Hmmm could that be my problem? They then custom fit you for orthotic inserts. They actually mold your foot into the insert. Next, over to pick out shoes!!! They have the shoes sectioned to make it easier for you to select your shoes. I was sad to see my brooks in the neutral shoes section.
They also recommended size 7.5-8 wide for me. I usually get 7.5 for running shoes and NEVER wide!!! So bigger and fatter shoes!! Nice!! Didn’t think my feet were that wide. The SALESDOG told me it’s to allow for swelling. HUH? My feet don’t swell when I run. Do yours??? Anyways, I’m up to trying anything.
They brought out a few pairs of shoes. Can you believe they brought me a pair of Nike’s? Seriously? I would never run in Nike’s. Don’t get me wrong, I love Nike and their brand but not for running. Their shoes are more for “show.” If there ever comes a day that Nike is at the top for running shoes, I may try them.
I ended up choosing the Asics Gel Kayano 19. Love them!!! They are comfortable, plenty of cushion, sytlish and absorb impact well. My knee’s & hips feel great!!! I ended up getting size 8 wide. I’ve run 37 miles in them and I think they are too wide. There is too much room in the toe box and on the sides. Of course, my lower left leg aches during the run. Overall they are about the same as the Brooks Glycerin. If I can get rid of the leg pain, I’ll be coasting!! Luckily the Road Runner store allows exchanges & returns within 90 days of purchase. I think that is a nice perk!!!! I plan on exchanging them for the size 8 B width instead of wide E because I need that leg pain to go away permanently and I don’t need such a wide toe box. I will update after I exchange and see if the back leg pain will go away.
Here is picture of my new shoes!!!! 🙂
Tiffnee!!!!
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