Calling Runners -- Shoe Question

emmaleigh47

Ok runners I need some advice. I went to a fun run last night and ended up at the table with one of the owners of the local running store (the OTHER local running store) who seems to feel that my leg problems are because my shoes are "too stable" and would like to see my try a neutral shoe. He gave me all the names so I could buy them online if I wanted... the transition to a neutral shoe scares me because I have never run in anything but a motion control stablity shoe... has anyone made this transition? Results? The neutral shoe that I tried on 1 size smaller that my size (just to check it out) was super cushy and light -- and felt weird, not bad or good... just weird!

zombiemusicgirl

Try the runners world shoe finder. Apparently there is slightly more to consider than just pronation and arch.

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor

What are your leg problems?

irisia99

Not sure I"m answering your question but I love a light, flexible shoe. My favorite shoe is the Saucony Fastwitch. Feels like pillows on my feets.

MoreBean13

I went from motion control to a neutral shoe a couple years ago, and the change was too dramatic for me. I had to go back up to a lighter motion control shoe. I think "stability" is the term for in between motion control and neutral- but I'm not positive about it. Trouble is you don't necessarily feel the problems until you've gone a while in to a run. I have recurring Iliotibial Band problems that lead to knee issues when my shoes are not stable enough.

It's not really an answer for you, just sharing my experience. :huh:

emmaleigh47

I went from motion control to a neutral shoe a couple years ago, and the change was too dramatic for me. I had to go back up to a lighter motion control shoe. I think "stability" is the term for in between motion control and neutral- but I'm not positive about it. Trouble is you don't necessarily feel the problems until you've gone a while in to a run. I have recurring Iliotibial Band problems that lead to knee issues when my shoes are not stable enough.

It's not really an answer for you, just sharing my experience. :huh:

My pain is medial (inside ankle and calf). Basically draw a line up from your ankle to your knee on the inside of your leg and that is where the pain is. Its a muscle thing, because it gets better as I get into a run. I guess after some research I mispoke I am currently in a "motion control" shoe.

zoom2

I would not change too abruptly. Perhaps try a "stability" shoe for shorter runs...gradually working them into longer runs. Going from motion control right into neutral is recipe for injury. There are a lot of muscles that need to strengthen over time.

emmaleigh47

I would not change too abruptly. Perhaps try a "stability" shoe for shorter runs...gradually working them into longer runs. Going from motion control right into neutral is recipe for injury. There are a lot of muscles that need to strengthen over time.

Thats my plan ... get a shoe and start playing around with 1 run per week etc ... and "work" my way into that shoe...

MoreBean13

I went from motion control to a neutral shoe a couple years ago, and the change was too dramatic for me. I had to go back up to a lighter motion control shoe. I think "stability" is the term for in between motion control and neutral- but I'm not positive about it. Trouble is you don't necessarily feel the problems until you've gone a while in to a run. I have recurring Iliotibial Band problems that lead to knee issues when my shoes are not stable enough.

It's not really an answer for you, just sharing my experience. :huh:

My pain is medial (inside ankle and calf). Basically draw a line up from your ankle to your knee on the inside of your leg and that is where the pain is. Its a muscle thing, because it gets better as I get into a run. I guess after some research I mispoke I am currently in a "motion control" shoe.

I totally wasn't trying to correct your shoe terminology- I understood from your post that you were in motion control. I was just trying to say that there is a step in between the motion control and the neutral shoes (maybe more than one!) and I had to go one step at a time. The difference for me between the motion control and the neutral was enough to change my mechanics for the worse.

I should have added that I now wear a much lighter and more neutral shoe. It just took the transitional steps for me to make the change. Those motion control shoes though enabled me to go from a non-runner to running half marathons. I cannot speak highly enough for how much the added support started a life long love affair for me. I still have an old pair as a memento.

zoom2

I, too, started in "much more shoe." Nowadays I'm transitioning from very mild stability (Nike Lunarfly+) with 9mm heel/toe drop and Superfeet insoles to a neutral shoe (Brooks Pure Flow) with 5mm drop and no added insoles/orthotics. I think my early shoes were probably at least 12mm and they were heavy and stiff. I've been at this for 6 years and my needs are still evolving. What works for me seems to have a lot to do with the miles I'm putting in, too. The more I run, the more support I need for longer runs.

emmaleigh47

Thanks for all of the great ideas! It sounds like starting in a neutral shoe for shorter runs might be a good idea... and that perhaps I need more stability for my longer runs. At least until I work on building up the neutral shoes. Working on my running form would also be a good thing. I do not feel like a heel striker and with video I am told I am a slight heel striker. But then I toe off nicely