Breaking in new running shoes...ouch!

goshnames
goshnames Posts: 359 Member
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?

Replies

  • mochapygmy
    mochapygmy Posts: 2,123 Member
    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
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    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
    SusanUW83 Posts: 152 Member
    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
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    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
    goshnames Posts: 359 Member

    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
    goshnames Posts: 359 Member
    *bump*
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member

    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
    goshnames Posts: 359 Member

    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_
    _Josee_ Posts: 625 Member
    Not normal; return them.
  • goshnames
    goshnames Posts: 359 Member
    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
    HerkMeOff Posts: 1,002 Member
    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
    mebepiglet123 Posts: 327 Member
    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
    Laura732 Posts: 244 Member
    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
    goshnames Posts: 359 Member
    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
    soxobsessed Posts: 130 Member
    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
    mthr2 Posts: 158 Member
    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
    aldousmom Posts: 382 Member
    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
    goshnames Posts: 359 Member
    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
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    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
    RBXChas Posts: 2,708 Member
    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).
  • _Terrapin_
    _Terrapin_ Posts: 4,301 Member
    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
    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
    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
    i have never had to break in running shoes. They always feel great from the start
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
    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
    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
    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
    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.