Pain in Foot / Running Shoe Recommendations

[Dragonwell]

Greets.

So I've been getting into power walking / jogging / running to improve my core fitness / endurance before I start lifting again, but I've run into a small problem. When I run or power walk for more than about 15 minutes, I start getting a dull pain in the middle portion of the outside of my left (although the right usually starts hurting in the same spot as well after another 15 minutes or so) foot and gets progressively worse as I go.

Regarding shoes, I'm probably making a huge mistake trying to do this in an old pair of hiking boots that I have, especially given that I have weak ankles and very flat footed on top of it.

I'm assuming it's my shoes but I want to make sure it's not possibly some condition related to my flat feet / ankles. Indeed, I could use some recommendations on good shoes / insoles with my flat feet and weak ankles in mind. I do want to make sure that my ankles are getting good support (really don't want to roll one) but I can't find high-top running shoes anywhere.

I'd like to keep shoe costs under $100. Any suggestions?

 

[Sid59]

Greets.

So I've been getting into power walking / jogging / running to improve my core fitness / endurance before I start lifting again, but I've run into a small problem. When I run or power walk for more than about 15 minutes, I start getting a dull pain in the middle portion of the outside of my left (although the right usually starts hurting in the same spot as well after another 15 minutes or so) foot and gets progressively worse as I go.

Regarding shoes, I'm probably making a huge mistake trying to do this in an old pair of hiking boots that I have, especially given that I have weak ankles and very flat footed on top of it.

I'm assuming it's my shoes but I want to make sure it's not possibly some condition related to my flat feet / ankles. Indeed, I could use some recommendations on good shoes / insoles with my flat feet and weak ankles in mind. I do want to make sure that my ankles are getting good support (really don't want to roll one) but I can't find high-top running shoes anywhere.

I'd like to keep shoe costs under $100. Any suggestions?

Find a local shoe store/running store. Tell them your issues and they'll help you find a shoe.
A well fitted, selected shoe will feel like day and night.

When I'm in my running shoes, my feet, shins, and knees feel great. When i have to wear work shoes and do a fair amount of walking, a little part of me dies.

 

[Dragonwell]

I paid a visit to a local sporting good store and got a few recommendations on running shoes. My favorite is a Nike shoe that more resembles a sock with a rubber pad on the bottom than an actual shoe, but when I stand in them my feet are wide enough that a portion of my foot hangs over the side of the shoe. I understand when running you're doing it mostly on the balls of your feet (or do I misunderstand?), I'm just really worried about not screwing up my feet.

I should probably pay a visit to my doctor and ask him.

 

[ZOOYUKA]

I paid a visit to a local sporting good store and got a few recommendations on running shoes. My favorite is a Nike shoe that more resembles a sock with a rubber pad on the bottom than an actual shoe, but when I stand in them my feet are wide enough that a portion of my foot hangs over the side of the shoe. I understand when running you're doing it mostly on the balls of your feet (or do I misunderstand?), I'm just really worried about not screwing up my feet.

I should probably pay a visit to my doctor and ask him.

Don't go to a sporting goods store, go to a running shoe store. There is a big difference in the service that you will get. You NEED to get properly fitted for a pair of running shoes.

 

[Megatomic]

Don't go to a sporting goods store, go to a running shoe store. There is a big difference in the service that you will get. You NEED to get properly fitted for a pair of running shoes.

At least the first time. Once you get a proper fit and understanding of your anatomy and running form you can make better solo choices in the future.

 

[Dragonwell]

So we're talking a place like New Balance for specializing in running shoes? They have fit me for work shoes before.

Being new to all this I had no idea there was such thing as a pure running shoe store.

 

[Sid59]

My Google-Fu is lacking but this might be the only game in town. I'm not sure if this is the place you visited.
First Gear
111 N Mosley St # Ll1, Wichita, KS


here's a link to figure out how your foot works and what kind of shoe you may want.
http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic/0,7123,s6-240-319-326-0,00.html

take it with a grain of salt and nothing beats someone who can view your step from behind.
I guess making a doctor's appointment wouldn't be a bad way to go if you go in with direct questions and concerns and they can help figure out your step.

 

[John P]

Visit a running specialty store where they will look at your foot strike, gait, etc... to determine what type of running shoe you'll need. I would recommend you stick with Saucony or Asics, but that's just me. I didn't used to believe in insoles, but I'm really liking Super Feet insoles after trying them vs the insoles that come with the shoes.

 

[SWScorch]

I paid a visit to a local sporting good store and got a few recommendations on running shoes. My favorite is a Nike shoe that more resembles a sock with a rubber pad on the bottom than an actual shoe, but when I stand in them my feet are wide enough that a portion of my foot hangs over the side of the shoe. I understand when running you're doing it mostly on the balls of your feet (or do I misunderstand?), I'm just really worried about not screwing up my feet.

I should probably pay a visit to my doctor and ask him.

There are different schools of thought on the best technique when it comes to running. The vast majority of runners (and I mean at least 95%) land on their heel and then roll onto the balls of the foot. Even most elite runners do that. However, if you were to run barefoot (which is how humans are meant to run), you will naturally land more on the balls of your foot. I do not recommend running barefoot, though, unless you only run on grass or soft dirt and start out very very slowly (like a minute at a time).

Regardless of which school of thought you adhere to, your best bet, as everyone else says, is to find a specialty running store, like a Fleet Feet or someplace that will do a video gait analysis. They will videotape you running in a shoe with no support to see what your feet do, then recommend a shoe based on what they see. I can speak from experience that having this done makes all the difference in the world. Do not listen to anyone who recommend a specific brand or shoe without watching you run first, do not listen to any reviews online unless you know a shoe will work for you, and do not go to a sporting goods store unless you are looking for a specific shoe that you know will work. It is very easy to just hear "such-and-such shoe is the best" and go get it, and find out its the wrong type of shoe for your foot and get injured. A specialty running store will be able to recommend a bunch of shoes based on what would work best for your feet and then you decide based on which ones feel the best.

 

[Sid59]

Do not listen to anyone who recommend a specific brand or shoe without watching you run first, do not listen to any reviews online unless you know a shoe will work for you, and do not go to a sporting goods store unless you are looking for a specific shoe that you know will work. It is very easy to just hear "such-and-such shoe is the best" and go get it, and find out its the wrong type of shoe for your foot and get injured. A specialty running store will be able to recommend a bunch of shoes based on what would work best for your feet and then you decide based on which ones feel the best.

Another great point. When I got my shoes, the lady brought out Saucony, Brooks, and New Balance. She didn't upsell any brand but always asked, "how do they feel?" "Which one feels good?"

After each pair i tried on, i got onto the treadmill to test them out.

 

[Redfraggle]

Definitely go to a specialty shop. If you have a lot of foot problems, and are getting into shape, I probably wouldn't jump right to a minimalist type of footwear. It's trendy and people say how fucking orgasmically great it is; but, the truth is, we've trained our feet for years to wear thick, cushiony shoes. If you just try to go from cush to nothing, it's going to hurt. Like any change, gradual is better. If you want to end up there, tell that to the people at the specialty shop and ask which shoes will lead you in that direction.