running shoe question

lizzieloo934

I know you are suppose to do a gait analysis but to me it seems pointless. Why? Because my shoe size is a mens 12 EEEE. My city has 2 shoes in my size and I own them both - one is a walking shoe the other is a cross trainer. I also have to purchase custom orthotics which I use in my cross trainers for running (I'm a beginner, I can do 3 minute intervals right now) I have been walking in these shoes since January and have experienced no pain, running for 3 weeks.

I can order running shoes online but there are only 6 in my size And it just makes me nervous ordering something like this.

If I am not experiencing pain should I be worried? My biggest hope for weightloss is smaller feet! If I am a 12 EE my selection triples! lol

cw106

Should you be worried?
Yes.
As you add mileage you likely will get niggles/injuries.
My feet have shrunk a full size by losing 100 lbs,
But i still need an extra size up for running shoes due to endurance/natural swelling.
Gait analysis is NEVER pointless,and sounds even more essential in your specialised case.
G luck.

autumnblade75

I had a gait analysis done and the running store still sent me home in shoes that weren't ideal. If I could do it over again, I wouldn't shop for dedicated running shoes until I could run 3 miles without stopping. I don't think my gait was "set" yet - and the shoes that felt great for that one day I was shopping weren't useful past the 3 month mark.

You do want a quality gait analysis done if you decide to have one done at all, so don't go if you're in pain - you'll be compensating and not using your regular form.

I don't really think gait analysis is as important as it's made out to be, if you're self-aware and willing to do some research. Also, I don't believe so much in corrective shoeing - I prefer to correct muscle imbalances through strength training. If you want a shoe to "correct" your running, you might do better with the analysis. I decided on minimal shoes and learned to work with my own personal mechanics.

jacksonpt

If you're not experiencing pain or other use-related problems, then I wouldn't worry too much about it. A lot of people can walk into a major sporting goods store, try on a couple shoes, and walk out with a pair that are just fine for them. Not everyone *has* to go through a full on gait analysis.

Keep an eye on pretty much everything from the armpits down. If you get any discomfort in your back, hips, knees, ankles or feet, then rethink this... especially as your mileage increases. But if you're good, then you're good.