Well I got a pair of flats and I have to push my feet into them. When wearing them, my toe goes right up against the end of the shoe (so no small space or toe room). However the guy at the running store assured me that that was how they were supposed to feel, like a sock, really tight on your feet and said that he always felt uncomfortable wearing flats. Is this correct?
They should fit like this... http://www.flickr.com/photos/lavenderglove/1329716307/
Don't ever go back to that store. That's terrible advice and if you ever attempt to run a marathon in warm weather in those flats, you will lose your toenails (as your feet will swell up a little).
Flats do tend to fit more snugly on the midfoot and heel, but your toes should never ever be constrained.
My favourite pair of racing flats have no extra space anywhere. My toes are right up against the end, and the whole shoe is tight. However, I wouldn't want to run farther than 10km in them, and they tend to make my feet bleed. Actually, I would consider running longer races in them, if they had any cushioning left in them, simply because they fit so well.
So, the shoe store guy was kind of right, but maybe also gave you terrible advice.
I have a pair of racing flats (ds racer) that I wear for threshold runs and my toes go right up to the end. The nails on both of my big toes fell off but the shoes fit much better now. I think that toe nails are over-rated.
Oh no, it isn't a marathon, it's about a 5k. Then would it be all right?
toe nails are over-rated wrote:
I think that toe nails are over-rated.
i keep trying to tell my family and friends that, but no one believes me.
Ideally, for a 5K, you would have racing flats that fit like track spikes. So, snug. I think you will be fine.
It's on a dirt course with hills so might be a little muddy after a bunch of rain here.
Cool, my toes go right up to the flats but it keeps my on my toes. I feel like I'm breathing harder/working harder when I tried running in them though. Thanks.
cant think of a cool name wrote:
Well I got a pair of flats and I have to push my feet into them. When wearing them, my toe goes right up against the end of the shoe (so no small space or toe room). However the guy at the running store assured me that that was how they were supposed to feel, like a sock, really tight on your feet and said that he always felt uncomfortable wearing flats. Is this correct?
Flats should fit snug and like a sock, but you should have some toe wiggle room. I've worn flats with the toe all the way to the end and yes they are uncomfortable. Go up a half-size and they will feel much more comfortable, but still snug.
It comes down to personal preference. What I've done before is buy two pairs with the half size difference, walk around the house, and see which one feels better after a while. And then return the one I don't want.
My pair of flats are a bit of a struggle to fit my foot into. I usually have the laces loosened up pretty good, then tie it back up. Yes, I believe flats are supposed to feel tight. I do have a tiny amount of toe room however. I use them on road 5k's and they work perfectly, I even used them in XC races over a year ago. Never had an issue with them.
my kilkenny XC's were the most comfortable pair of shoes I ever owned
Cut your toenails really short.
For me, 10k and under should fit a little snug width-wise, but always toe room. Half-Marathon/Marathon flats should fit as roomy as trainers. Never lost a toenail.
cant think of a cool name wrote:
It's on a dirt course with hills so might be a little muddy after a bunch of rain here.
Did you get XC flats or road flats for this race?
Sooner or later this will also aggravate your Achilles and the subcutaneous tissues in your heel.
My Brooks T5 are really loose on my feet but they are really comfortable once they are broken in. Have worn them for all distances including a marathon.
Basic rule of thumb for me is that running shoes should never be uncomfortable. The only shoes I can think of that should fit like a sock are the Frees, and even then they just fit like a sock around the ankle and sides, not so much on the toes.
XC flats.. the Kilkenny XC2.
It has the nubs etc on the bottom (so woul running on roads in these be okay but it would be more effective on dirt)?
I have this shoe and you have to size up 1/2 to a full size. They are very narrow too, so they may not work for everyone's feet. They work fine on roads or off-roads-- very good off-roads and on hills.