I went to a specialty running shoe store tonight. Buying shoes...can't be that hard, right? Here's my story.
The last few weeks, my fourth toe on my left foot has been hurting. This has never happened to me. I figured it had something to do with one of my softball ailments - hamstring, calf, knee, etc. Over the weekend, I started to wonder about my shoes. It took about two minutes on Google to confirm that my running shoes are too small.
About ten years ago, I went to a specialty running shoe store. They gave me great advice and I learned about my need for motion control shoes. I walked out of the store with the Brooks Beast and have been ordering the exact same shoe ever since. But every subsequent pair felt a little less wonderful.
It turns out your feet grow as you age. One estimate I saw said you could gain a half size every decade after age 40. When you also consider that running shoes should be a little roomier, I had to go up a size.
So I went to a store with the fancy equipment that videotapes you on a treadmill and so forth. Long story short, there was a high school track team in there, all getting their gate analyzed. I waited for an hour and fifteen minutes before my turn came around. While I waited, it was not lost on my that I was the least in-shape person in the store, and it wasn't even close. Here's a tip: If you have body issues, try not to spend 75 minutes in line with 17 year old distance runners. As it turns out, their parents are generally pretty in shape, too.
It was dark out when I got home, but I put in my 26 minutes of walking anyway. The shoes, and the custom inserts, really did make everything feel better. It's worth it to go to the experts for shoe fitting once in a while, at least. I'd recommend it if you haven't done this recently. Just wait until after cross country season starts.
8 comments:
That's great that you found the right shoes. Running stores are great for that kind of thing and Brooks is an awesome brand. Enjoy your new shoes!
Yeah, a good shoe does wonders for getting rid of random aches and pains! I've learned that lesson a couple times myself.
Did I miss it? What type of shoes did you get? Us big guys need to share the info?
(I have a pair of Brooks Beasts as well, but they are too wide for me)
Haha! You crack me up. Yep, seeing those high school athletes would remind me how out of shape I compare. Oh well. Do your best and forget the rest. BTW....ARE YOU STRETCHING ENOUGH??? I'm wondering if some of your aches and pains are not related to your lack of flexibility training. Are you strength training?
Clyde - I got Brooks Beast again, but a size larger.
Dr. F - I'm stretching more than ever, but I'm sure less than I need to. Good thought.
I agree that it is important to get a pro’s recommendation when we are outfitting ourselves for fitness. Ill-fitting shoes and other sports equipment lead to injury. You might find, as did, that your shoe size will go down as you lose weight.
Thank-you for your continued support of my own fitness and health journey and your very kind comments about the Venus de Miles. Have a great week Alan, Michele
The right shoes are so important! Glad you were able to find the right ones for you.
Apparently pregnancy can make your feet grow as well, as I found out the other day when I put on my softball cleats. They went straight in the garbage after the game. I came home and tried on other shoes, only to find that hardly any of them fit. Awesome. But, the little one is totally worth it :)
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