Breaking in new running shoes...ouch!

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  • _Terrapin_
    _Terrapin_ Posts: 4,301 Member
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    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?

    When you switch, walk in them first for a few days, and rotate pairs if you can. Peace.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
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    Breaking in shoes should not be painful. You have the wrong shoes. Its unfortunate that the store won't take returns. But its also a good example that "specialty" stores and gait analysis isn't the end all be all when it comes to proper shoes. Go back to a more neutral shoe and the pain will likely go away. As for the runners knee, Google exercises you can do for it. Its probably not your shoes that caused it anyway.
  • Fat2FitMyDrive
    Fat2FitMyDrive Posts: 83 Member
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    I have always been told that lighter shoes are better for running so that's what I aimed for always and just suffered through shin splints and knee pain. Until I found Runner's Depot down here in Florida and let me tell you... My Inov8 FLite 240s are the bomb! They are slightly heavier then the Nike sumthin or others I was wearing prior, but I have no shin splints or knee pain anymore period!
  • carrieous
    carrieous Posts: 1,024 Member
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    i have never had to break in running shoes. They always feel great from the start
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,775 Member
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    If your shoes are to correct a problem with your gait or overpronation, it is possible that you have the correct shoes. However, in correcting the problem, it is possible that the shoes are forcing a change/adaptation in your running mechanics, meaning slight changes in the action of muscles, tendons, joints, etc and you are unaccustomed to the new running motion. Once your body (muslces, joints) adapt and adjust to the new running mechanics, I suspect the pain should be relieved.

    I'm not a experienced runner, but I started walking/jogging in a pair of Nike Airs from Walmart. When I got really interested in running, I went to a specialty store and was fitted for my very pronounced supination. The shoes fit my feet great from the get-go, felt like I was wearing my bedroom slippers. But after walking/jogging several times, I developed some discomfort in my hamstrings. I figured that my corrected running mechanics had resulted in me using my hamstrings more intensely than before and I just needed some time for my body to adjust. Within 2-3 weeks, the discomfort was gone and I have no problems now.
  • glreim21
    glreim21 Posts: 206 Member
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    Not sure what Running Room you went to, but most of them do allow returns up to 30 days, even if shoes are worn on a treadmill. It is their policy (at least the stores in Canada). I did have a 'proper' fitting done and they put me in a stability shoe and it caused massive pain in my knees. I went to a different store and they said I should not be in a stability shoe but a neutral one. Never had a problem since.
  • srogers89
    srogers89 Posts: 190 Member
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    Where are you located? I know there is a specialised store near me who actually puts you on a treadmill, watches you run, does a variety of measurements and then fits you to the right running shoe. Your body is important, so it is important to get the right shoe.

    This is their website, maybe see if there is something similar in your area?

    http://www.activefeet.com.au/

    EDIT : Whoops just saw you went to this exact type of store! It's a shame they aren't letting you return them :(
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
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    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.

    +1 to both of these.

    You should never have to break in a new running shoe. You should be able to take them out of the box and comfortably do your longest run in them the first time out. If you can't, then they are wrong.

    Every major running shoe manufacturer will take worn returns from the stores that they sell too. This costs the running store nothing (maybe shipping, maybe not). If your store won't take worn returns, it's because they just don't want to be bothered with it. There are two stores I go to locally. Both allow 90 days to return shoes.

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