Running Shoe Help!!!

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

11 months ago 05/01/2023 7:55pm EDT

Hi,

I am a collegiate distance runner and have been alternating between shoes and have not found one that works well for me.

I have flat feet so need some arch support and pronate a slight bit nothing major.

In high school I believe I primarily wore New Balance 860s and did not suffer any major injuries. I had some shin pain the summer after my senior year, and I think I was wearing the 860s but not sure if those have anything to do with it.

I wore Brooks ghost 14 my freshman year and think it was the cause for the string of injuries I had that year including back and shin pain. I transitioned to NB Vongos that summer and felt good but suffered a knee injury between this past December to February (which ended up getting a lot better with glut strengthening). I kept going with the Vongos but thought maybe it was overcorrecting me so I went to the shoe store, and was suggested neutral shoes but with an added arch support insole (Now NB 880s with curex insole). I thought it felt good but I have been feeling some bottom of foot pain and I am not sure if that is the cause.

Really not sure where to go from here because I feel like I have not found the perfect shoe for me. Thanks!

11 months ago 05/02/2023 12:05am EDT

re: trackrunner21

It's a misnomer that flat feet require intervention. Take a look at the studies that have been done on stability shoes and biomechanics. There's little evidence such shoes provide any benefit. Stability shoes could potentially be injurious. Same for aftermarket 'orthotic' inserts.

Btw, I also have flat feet and tried a pair of Vongos a few years ago. Instant knee pain. The shoe's stability design, particularly the medial varus angle, caused my flat feet to roll to the outside. This led to medial knee pain behind the patella.

11 months ago 05/02/2023 7:34am EDT

re: trackrunner21

My experience is that shoes with too much support/motion control will irritate my IT band (outside of the knee). Interior or front knee pain would be more likely with shoes that don't have enough support. For knee and back issues, you probably have some weakness or imbalance. Try to find a good sports PT for an evaluation.

For foot pain on the bottom, I would be thinking plantar fasciitis. If pain is in the forefoot, then your shoes may be too narrow in the toe box - maybe as a result of the new insole. In either case, for foot pain I would consider a change in shoes.

11 months ago 05/02/2023 9:13am EDT

re: trackrunner21

My husband is flat footed and likes to go the minimalist shoe route, specifically with Vibrams Five-Finger. It seems like a lot of these ultra supportive shoes are more of just a crutch than a help. If you go the minimalist route your feet will actually be able to naturally build strength rather than need to rely on shoe supports. That being said, he also has a pair of Brooks Beasts that he says take away any foot pain he feels when he runs, so you could check those out too if you really want a supportive shoe. Those are made for heavy pronators though, so they might be overkill if you only pronate slightly.

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Running Shoe Help!!!

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Running Shoe Help!!!

Follow trackrunner21

Block trackrunner21

Follow reflekteve

Block reflekteve

Follow Bullet the Blue Sky

Block Bullet the Blue Sky

Follow meepmeep

Block meepmeep

Hot Now

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.