Breaking in new running shoes...ouch!

goshnames

Is it always this painful?

I was told by my doctor that I needed to get more supportive shoes for my runner's knee and overpronation problems.

I went from old flat worn out shoes (that could at least get me 4-5k before I'd get pain in my right knee) to Brooks Adrenaline GTS 14. I now get knee pain in BOTH knees after only about 1km.

I honestly wore my old shoes for way too long. Is this normal when switching to a new pair?

mochapygmy

The running shoes I use now felt nice and comfy from my first run with them. Maybe I'm an anomaly.


Did you get fitted at a proper running store? Perhaps you need some time to get used to new shoes but I doubt they should be causing you that much pain.

jenilla1

Maybe you don't have the right shoes for your foot. I know that what works great for one person can be a disaster for another. Once I found the perfect shoe for me I've been running injury free ever since. My new shoes (I always get the same make and model - I have a stockpile) don't need any breaking in. Try a running store to get properly fitted. :flowerforyou:

SusanUW83

I've been a running shoe-aholic for the 35+ years I've been running. The right shoes shouldn't be painful -- I can tell within 10 miles that I'm in the wrong shoes because something new hurts. I have to balance between the cushion that I want and the stability that I need. I like to run in different shoes on different days. It is harder to go to a stabilty shoe for the first time if you are now in Adrenalines, from a neutral or minimalist shoe, kind of like getting used to orthotics, but maybe they are too stiff. You might need to be in a neutral or a different neutral+ shoe. If you look at Road Runner Sports website they are pretty good for putting the shoes into categories (Neutral,Neutral+, stability, stability+, motion control, etc.) At a good running shoe store they will watch you run barefoot or in shoes to see what might best fit your body and how much you pronate. There are places you get shoes that will let you return them after a run or two, to see if you hate them. Sounds as if your body hates the new shoes -- find something different.

MeanderingMammal

I was told by my doctor that I needed to get more supportive shoes for my runner's knee and overpronation problems.

I went from old flat worn out shoes (that could at least get me 4-5k before I'd get pain in my right knee) to Brooks Adrenaline GTS 14. I now get knee pain in BOTH knees after only about 1km.

So in principle the Adrenaline is the correct type of shoe if you overpronate, although there is a lot of subtlety within that range of motion control shoes, so it may be that regardless they're not right for you.

I've never had problems, although at the moment I rotate four pairs of road shoes, so I'm never transitioning from shoes that are run-out to completely new. You shouldn't be seeing problems, but that doesn't mean there isn't another issue.

If the shoes were a problem I'd anticipate the pain showing lower down, but you're suggesting that you're suffering runners knee already, so the change in motion may be exacerbating that if you're not addressing it in other ways. What are you doing to treat the knee, as it's unlikely that just changing shoes will do the trick?

goshnames

So in principle the Adrenaline is the correct type of shoe if you overpronate, although there is a lot of subtlety within that range of motion control shoes, so it may be that regardless they're not right for you.

I've never had problems, although at the moment I rotate four pairs of road shoes, so I'm never transitioning from shoes that are run-out to completely new. You shouldn't be seeing problems, but that doesn't mean there isn't another issue.

If the shoes were a problem I'd anticipate the pain showing lower down, but you're suggesting that you're suffering runners knee already, so the change in motion may be exacerbating that if you're not addressing it in other ways. What are you doing to treat the knee, as it's unlikely that just changing shoes will do the trick?

I went to a couple of running stores and had them look at the way I walk. Both of the employees said that I look pretty neutral, maybe with very slight overpronation. One of them (before I told her what my doctor said) suggested that I run in neutral shoes or even more minimalist shoes like the Nike Frees.

After I told them what my doctor said that I needed, they brought out a range of stability shoes (Brooks Adrenalines, Asics Gel Kayano 20, Asics GT-2000, Saucony Kinvara 5). I found that the pair that I bought were the only ones that really fit my foot right off the bat. I have really small feet and had issues with the large toe box in the Asics and the arches in the Saucony shoes. The Brooks seemed to be really comfortable when just walking around the store (and they are really comfortable on my feet - just not my knees after a short run).

I was suffering from runner's knee before the switch and was just trying stretching, icing, and upper leg workouts. My doctor (and the running store employees) said that I need to switch up the shoes though as they were really old racing shoes with little support.

Is there anything else you can think of? It's sad that my feet love these shoes but my knees don't seem to so much.

*Also to note: None of the running stores I went to offer a return option after running in the shoes (even on a treadmill) apparently. Even if they are murdering your body. So it's not really viable for me to go out and buy shoe after shoe looking for one that helps the knee issue. I don't understand why they do this, since walking around isn't really the same as going to a nice long run.

goshnames

*bump*

brianpperkins

So in principle the Adrenaline is the correct type of shoe if you overpronate, although there is a lot of subtlety within that range of motion control shoes, so it may be that regardless they're not right for you.

I've never had problems, although at the moment I rotate four pairs of road shoes, so I'm never transitioning from shoes that are run-out to completely new. You shouldn't be seeing problems, but that doesn't mean there isn't another issue.

If the shoes were a problem I'd anticipate the pain showing lower down, but you're suggesting that you're suffering runners knee already, so the change in motion may be exacerbating that if you're not addressing it in other ways. What are you doing to treat the knee, as it's unlikely that just changing shoes will do the trick?

I went to a couple of running stores and had them look at the way I walk. Both of the employees said that I look pretty neutral, maybe with very slight overpronation. One of them (before I told her what my doctor said) suggested that I run in neutral shoes or even more minimalist shoes like the Nike Frees.

After I told them what my doctor said that I needed, they brought out a range of stability shoes (Brooks Adrenalines, Asics Gel Kayano 20, Asics GT-2000, Saucony Kinvara 5). I found that the pair that I bought were the only ones that really fit my foot right off the bat. I have really small feet and had issues with the large toe box in the Asics and the arches in the Saucony shoes. The Brooks seemed to be really comfortable when just walking around the store (and they are really comfortable on my feet - just not my knees after a short run).

I was suffering from runner's knee before the switch and was just trying stretching, icing, and upper leg workouts. My doctor (and the running store employees) said that I need to switch up the shoes though as they were really old racing shoes with little support.

Is there anything else you can think of? It's sad that my feet love these shoes but my knees don't seem to so much.

*Also to note: None of the running stores I went to offer a return option after running in the shoes (even on a treadmill) apparently. Even if they are murdering your body. So it's not really viable for me to go out and buy shoe after shoe looking for one that helps the knee issue. I don't understand why they do this, since walking around isn't really the same as going to a nice long run.

When you say "running store" are you talking a big chain type store or a running specialty store? There is a huge difference in a place like Foot Locker and most local specialty shops.

goshnames

When you say "running store" are you talking a big chain type store or a running specialty store? There is a huge difference in a place like Foot Locker and most local specialty shops.

I went to a running specialty store (Running Room) and also a more local running specialty store.

_Josee_

Not normal; return them.

goshnames

Not normal; return them.

No returns after running in them, unfortunately (at either of the running stores I went to). I don't understand how you're supposed to be able to find the right pair without being able to actually run in them. I could burn through many dollars that way looking for a pair that my knees are in favour of!

HerkMeOff

Not normal; return them.

No returns after running in them, unfortunately (at either of the running stores I went to). I don't understand how you're supposed to be able to find the right pair without being able to actually run in them. I could burn through many dollars that way looking for a pair that my knees are in favour of!

You're not wearing the right shoes for your feet/gait.

You're also not shopping at the correct running stores.

mebepiglet123

Where I live we have specialised sports shoe stores. They guarantee the fit if you get. Your money back, never get pain, blisters, etc.., sure you pay more but way worth it. Just brought a new pair yesterday actually.

Laura732

Take your old, worn out shoes with you when you go to the store. The wear pattern on your shoes can also provide some more insight. I had the same problem you did with the adrenalines. I ended up going to a more neutral shoe. Then went to Natural shoes.

goshnames

I don't understand why everyone is suggesting that I don't shop at the right kind of store. I absolutely appreciate the suggestion (because I didn't make it clear in the first place); however, I am not new to running. I AM new to trying to treat a longstanding running injury. I have had my a gait analysis done at two separate specialty running stores as well as my sports medicine doctor. I am not shopping at Foot Locker or something.

After having my gait analysis done, each of these places suggested various types of shoes that I could try out. I tried on a few and got the pair that I felt most comfortable in. Unfortunately, they haven't worked out when actually running.

Does anyone know of a store that possibly sells online and has a better return/exchange policy if the shoes don't work out? I did also like the Asics Gel Kayano 20s, but the available sizes didn't fit and the Asics website doesn't offer exchanges on shoes once you've worn them.

soxobsessed

A good running store should have you run in the shoes to see how the work with you and should offer returns if they are not right, when I get new shoes they feel great and never hurt

mthr2

Brooks has a 30 day guarantee. Doesn't matter the store. Check the website. Store is supposed to honor it.

I had some Brooks Ghosts that felt weird and hurt my hip. Traded them in for a whole size bigger and they are great. If your shoelaces seem too short, the shoes may be small.

aldousmom

I would return them. They should require breaking in.
I run races in brand new shoes, no problem. the way shoes are made these days, that should be the case for nearly everyone. There should be NO ouch in new shoes, only AHHHHHH.

goshnames

Brooks has a 30 day guarantee. Doesn't matter the store. Check the website. Store is supposed to honor it.

I had some Brooks Ghosts that felt weird and hurt my hip. Traded them in for a whole size bigger and they are great. If your shoelaces seem too short, the shoes may be small.

This is fantastic news! I'll check it out. Thank you!

omma_to_3

Try Road Runner Sports. Great return policy though you have to pay shipping. They will video chat with you too to select the right shoe.

RBXChas

Does anyone know of a store that possibly sells online and has a better return/exchange policy if the shoes don't work out? I did also like the Asics Gel Kayano 20s, but the available sizes didn't fit and the Asics website doesn't offer exchanges on shoes once you've worn them.

I bought my first pair of Newtons at a local running store, but I bought my second pair at Runningwarehouse.com. They have great prices on shoes and other running gear, plus 2-day shipping is free. (I don't work for them or anything like that.)

Their return policy appears generous, plus they have a 14-day online price-match guarantee: http://www.runningwarehouse.com/CustService/ (edited to add that worn/used merchandise can be returned for an exchange/credit within 90 days, so it's not a cash-back return if they've been worn unless they're defective)

Obviously I knew my shoes would be ok because I ordered the same pair and the same orthotics, so I didn't have to use the return policy, but as an FYI they shipped immediately, so it was truly 2-day service. Plus they're on the west coast (I'm on the east coast), so I can order late in the day for me and still be on-time to ship that day

Sorry your Brooks are hurting you and that no stores near you offer returns I hope Brooks will help you out (I assume they will, as they're a very reputable company).