Answers/

Competitive Running

Cassi R.
Cassi R. Sendmail

How much do the shoes matter?

asked over 2 years ago | Report

I am a born again runner...I ran competitivly all through jr. high, high school and high school and then once I hit the "real world" I stopped. I picked back up this June starting with a fitness bootcamp and then progressed into training for a half marathon. I've heard so much about the right shoe can keep you injury free and even heard some people say they can tell a difference after their long runs. I purchased the Asics Gel Nimbus and have loved them, but my ankle still really bother me after my long runs. Could this be my shoes or is it just my body's reaction to the distance. For example, yesterday I ran 10 miles and my ankles were sore immediately after and for the rest of the evening. Sorry for the LONG spill.

Answer

11 answers

scroll to bottom
  • Leo C.
    Leo C. Sendmail

    Did you get your shoes from a running store? Did they evaluate your stride? If so, then you must have the right shoe and your body is just trying to adapt to running. You might want to look into orthotics like Lynco. I use Lynco insoles on my Asics GT 2140. Hope that helps.

    answered over 2 years ago |Report

    • 1
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Joe
    Joe Sendmail

    They matter and you need to make sure you get a gait analysis completed prior purchasing to ensure you get the appropriate type.

    If you've only started back running your body is probably in shock and you've gotta remember that you're not the girl you where 10 years ago and your body will take time to adjust to your new training regime.

    How long had you laid off for? Is your training plan overly aggressive, you're doing 10ml runs after 3~4mths. Have you built up long run mileage too quickly? What's your weekly mileage like, have it been built up too quickly? Are all your runs on concrete / asphelt? Maybe try grass or track (boring)! Are you getting sufficient rest days?

    answered over 2 years ago |Report

    • 1
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Irene
    Irene Sendmail

    I agree with what Leo and Joe said. If you can, go to a running shoe store and get evaluated. Stores like Road Runner Sports will film you running on a treadmill, how you run, take a look at your arches, and make suggestions. Take your Asics with you, that way they can determine if those are the best shoes for your foot, if you need a different insole, or something else. Happy running and I hope you resolve your ankle issue.

    answered over 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Jimmy J.
    Jimmy J. Sendmail

    I have wore the Asics DS Trainers for a very long time, and sometimes my ankles get a little sore when I've had some time off and start back, or when I pick up the pace a little when doing another long run. If you've done alot of long runs it could be the shoes, but if you haven't it could be your body saying ouch what are you doing to me, Sister, lol. ( = God Bless...+

    answered over 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Angela L.
    Angela L. Sendmail

    I am in agreeance with everyone! Shoes TOTALLY matter. Having the right shoe for how your body handles running (ie over pronation, etc) will really matter given the distance that you are doing. The nimbus is not for over pronation and it seems that about 80% of runners overpronate. I would take your nimbus' into a running shoe store, do a video gait analysis if possible, and go from there.
    The one last thing that I would add, is that I have better luck at small, privately owned running shoe stores since the larger ones either work on commission, or have people that don't really even run.
    good luck with all of your training!!!

    answered over 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Paul C.
    Paul C. Sendmail

    I train in different shoes to what I run in. My training shoes at the moment are Nike free. (I also run races with them that are under 15k and that's getting longer as I strengthen up) I would use 5 fingers if I had some money to buy them. I also run barefoot when I can, usually on my treadmill.

    When I started running a year ago my ankles hurt a lot. I bought a brace to run with to start with, but since I started barefoot and nearly barefoot running my ankles have stopped hurting and strengthened.

    I believe that running almost barefoot helps you to run with a more natural posture and also helps to strengthen ankles and other muscles that padded shoes over protect.

    answered over 2 years ago |Report

    • 2
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Eddie D.
    Eddie D. Sendmail

    Shoes make a difference for 2 reasons:

    #1 is injury prevention
    #2 is comfort

    Like everyone said gait, stride, pronation and other factors will determine what type of shoe is right for you. However a shoe can be recommended and it is just not comfortable for you to run in. That is why you have so many shoe brands to choose from and almost all of them will offer shoes designed and engineered w/ gait, stride, and pronation in mind.

    Finally though I didn't list it, the weight of a shoe is also a factor. When I started running again I wore 12.5 oz shoes and now I wear lighter 10 oz shoes for many of my runs. I've noticed wearing lighter shoes keep my legs less fatigued after a run.

    Some people run with even lighter shoes, but certain weights are not for everyone. Some people need "more shoe" and can't handle something with less sole/less cushion.

    answered about 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • D Anthony C.
    D Anthony C. Sendmail

    Hi Cassi,
    IU had joint, IT Band, PF, you name it after 10 years of "jogging" in my 30's. In March 2009 I was ready to quit in too much pain then read about Chi, Pose, gait correction, and mid-foot running. Now just 9-10 months later I'm nearly transitioned to racing comps instead of cushioned shoes and only ache from muscle strains as I PR in every race.

    Running should be fun and pain free. Look for ways to make your stride more effcient and that bothersome ankle will go away. Start here http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/index.html and go slowly keeping your Nimbus' but working toward a less cushy shoe. I'm partial to the Books Mach XI, but any neutral, flatter shoe will work if you get away from pounding your heels. Sorry to spill even longer than you - Anthony

    answered about 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Ray W.
    Ray W. Sendmail

    gait analysis is REALLY important before you buy a shoe - you could actually be doing your self more harm than good.. Find a shop that can put you on a treadmill etc and see which way you pronate ( http://www.asics.co.uk/running/knowledge/understanding-pronation/ ) .. this will help you get into the right shoe - then of course little by little bringing yourself into a comfortable mileage per week.

    answered about 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Janna T.
    Janna T. Sendmail

    Shoes mean everything in running distance. Get fitted by a running store. I like Brooks they are the best for my feet, I also have atheletic orthotics. If your shoes are not right you can injure yourself. You might need a stability shoe like Brooks glycerine. Good luck run on! JT

    answered almost 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down
  • Alicia
    Alicia Sendmail

    I'm just going to repeat what everyone else has already said - shoes make the biggest difference. I had a pair of running shoes that I first started training with and had lot of aches and pains in my feet (arches) and legs (calves, shins). When my fiance took me to get fitted /analyzed at Marathon Sports in Boston for new shoes, I bought them and have had no problems since. I completed my half marathon training and the half itself without those foot/leg problems that I used to get.

    answered almost 2 years ago |Report

    • 0
      thumbs up
    • 0
      thumbs down

Similar Questions in Running - Competitive Running