Shoe wear pattern - help me interpret

Yeah...even if you healed from a sports hernia, your gait or neuromuscular pathways or muscle firing may be "wrong" compared to before the injury because your body was (or still is) protecting itself subconciously. You need to get that all worked out more than you need new shoes. Your feet aren't to blame...it's something north of there. If you're going to try lengthening your stride make sure you are pushing yourself forward rather than overstriding and trying to pull yourself forward. that will only make the heel striking/heel wear even worse. Maybe look into Jay Dicharry's books. I don't think a podiatrist has the answer because he's not going to look past your feet.

Also on another note, 60mpw at 6:45 pace with a high 2:50s PR means you aren't running your easy runs easy. You may consider slowing down a little bit and doing some true easy days and some true hard days instead.

Pelvic stress fracture while wearing hurricanes kinda shows that you're not going to solve all of your issues with softer shoes. Aren't those crazy cush and you still cracked a bone? You've got other issues that are going to take some time to figure out. But, on the list of low drop shoes also includes some New balance liek the zante, the saucony zealot, and all hokas.

Yes, I was certain at least 2 would apply.

Your left foot has what is termed forefoot varus. Essentially late stage pronation on that foot in an attempt to get your medial foot on the ground. Don't listen to all the BS about what type of striker you are, my guess is you're light, efficient and strike mid foot. The wear pattern doesn't mean anything. You're 40 yo and have been running for most of your life so the slight imperfections become issues.

I don't know where you live but it's very difficult to find someone who makes quality orthotics. The heels need a horseshoe type design which will end the PF. Go ahead and do 2 hrs a day of rehab but first week at 50 and it's back! The forefoot is usually taken care of with a tiny built in wedge behind the first metatarsal that fools the foot into thinking it has hit the ground. Also built in metatarsal pads on both sides because with age the heads of metatarsals "fall" causing hammer toe and various other problems. You can go out and buy metatarsal pads and make your own horseshoe if you need convincing. You'll notice immediately the relief in your toes.

My guess is when you wear stability shoes your life sucks! They make you feel slow and heavy because they don't allow your foot to flex the way you need it to in order to finish your gait cycle. You probably have normal arches. If you can get a good soft orthotic go with a neutral, flexible shoe.

Hurricanes are motion control shoes. They are way too much shoe for most people.

Podiatrist's version of the handyman who only owns a hammer: orthotics.

Yeah...without even knowing or seeing the guy he's decided he has forefoot varus and needs orthotics. Ignoring the fact that even with forefoot varus it's impossible to know if it's a bone issue (which sure, maybe needs orthotics) or if it's caused by a muscle weakness or soft tissue issue that would only get worse/weaker when wearing orthotics.

OP - don't listen to definitive diagnosis through an internet picture of your shoes.

Thank you for the replies.

I saw my POD and he was clear that I have a typical arch, NOT flat. He said he doesn't think I overpronate based on evaluation and my shoe wear pattern. He suggested a neutral shoe. He also indicated that my recent foot pain began as plantar fasciitis almost two months ago and due to compensation it has aggravated the peroneal nerve. I ran Boston last month in that miserable weather and my foot was hurting and I was landing more on the outside of my foot which could have contributed to the peroneal issue.

Anyway, I am going to a shoe store today to try on some new shoes, perhaps neutral with decent arch support and 4mm drop.

Thank you everyone for your help.

The Saucony Guide is a support shoe. Your outer heel wear indicates you supinate and the support function of the Guide is actually exacerbating your outer heel strike. Switch to a neutral shoe with no support, like the Saucony Triumph.

I considered his string of injuries and he is under no obligation to listen to my advice. The guy is under a doctor's care and asked for opinions if you don't have anything to add go away. He has already addressed muscle weaknesses. If you knew anything about forefoot varus you would know that it's very likely not a weakness.

Let me guess massage, essential oils and stretching 3 hrs a day will be a much better option.

Oh hell no! Not a podiatrist!

bleu wrote:

Oh hell no! Not a podiatrist!

You probably could be ?

No, really I can't, board certified in what I love.

I tried on some Hoka Clifton 4 shoes and I like the way they feel on my arch and they are soft enough and 5mm drop. I think this is a good shoe to begin transitioning to a 4mm neutral shoe with more moderate softness.

Thanks everyone.