Running Insoles?

hrf2
hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I was way overdue for a new pair of running sneakers, so my aunt took me to her local Road Runner and bought me a pair of Asics Gel Cumulus 16s, (which I adore) along with custom insoles. I was previously running with a pair of Nikes that were great and I never had any pain or discomfort with them. Now, with the insoles, I have constant pain after a run in my left thigh and left knee. The woman at Road Runner said I had high arches and the insoles would correct these, but they've only caused me pain. I stretch thoroughly before every run and cool off after by walking my dog around the block. I usually do about 2.5 miles a day (I'm working up to do a 5k) but this injury is really putting a damper on my plans and making any physical activity difficult.
Should I take the insoles out and put the regular soles back in? Or should I try to ride out the pain and break in the insoles? Has this happened to anyone before, and will it stop on its own?

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Try them without the insoles. If you've got the correct shoe you shouldn't need them (did they do a gait analysis at the shop? ).

  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
    They did do a gait analysis and determined I pronate a decent amount because of my high arches, hence the need for insoles. Still, that's never been a problem with my running before, I've always been pain free.
    I guess I'll heal up again and try running without them!
  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
    And the asics shoes I got are amazing otherwise. My old Nikes pinched my toes sometimes and these don't, and they're also a bit more supportive than the Nikes which is great.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    hrf2 wrote: »
    They did do a gait analysis and determined I pronate a decent amount because of my high arches

    High arches usually cause supination, not pronation. Anyway, "if it ain't broken, don't fix it". Try taking out the insoles. Also try not stretching prior to running. It's usually unwarranted. Stretching your calves might help though, since they're usually tight with high arches.

    Where exactly on your thigh is the pain?
  • pzarnosky
    pzarnosky Posts: 256 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    hrf2 wrote: »
    They did do a gait analysis and determined I pronate a decent amount because of my high arches

    High arches usually cause supination, not pronation. Anyway, "if it ain't broken, don't fix it". Try taking out the insoles. Also try not stretching prior to running. It's usually unwarranted. Stretching your calves might help though, since they're usually tight with high arches.

    Where exactly on your thigh is the pain?

    Agreed.
  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
    edited June 2015
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    High arches usually cause supination, not pronation. Anyway, "if it ain't broken, don't fix it". Try taking out the insoles. Also try not stretching prior to running. It's usually unwarranted. Stretching your calves might help though, since they're usually tight with high arches.

    Where exactly on your thigh is the pain?

    They could've said supination. Honestly, I wasn't paying attention because the woman did everything so fast! She said something about my right toe pointing out and called it pronation, but that doesn't seem right either. It maybe does a little, but definitely not enough to warrant correction in my opinion.

    The pain is in my lower thigh, almost near my knee. After I got home from my (failed) running attempt today, I elevated the leg and iced where it was hurting. It feels better now.

    I also agree with the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" approach. I wanted to give them a try for my aunts sake but they're obviously not worth it!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    edited June 2015
    Is the knee pain under the knee? It almost sounds like an IT band issue. Here`s a little reading for you...... PS buy a foam roller or The Stick to do some self-massage of the affected area.

    active.com/cycling/articles/tight-it-band-3-simple-exercises-to-fix-it-now

    runnersworld.com/rt-may-2004/stretching-and-strengthening-exercises-for-iliotibial-band-syndrome
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Can you go back to Roadrunner? They have a return policy and if what they gave you is causing pain they should be able to fix it for free. I've taken a few pairs of shoes back to them after several weeks (partly because the closest one is 130 miles away) and they've always traded them for a different pair for just the cost difference. I also have their custom insoles, which aren't cheap, and they've helped me a lot. If yours turn out to be the problem they should be able to make that right, also.
  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
    edited June 2015
    SueInAz wrote: »
    Can you go back to Roadrunner? They have a return policy and if what they gave you is causing pain they should be able to fix it for free. I've taken a few pairs of shoes back to them after several weeks (partly because the closest one is 130 miles away) and they've always traded them for a different pair for just the cost difference. I also have their custom insoles, which aren't cheap, and they've helped me a lot. If yours turn out to be the problem they should be able to make that right, also.

    The nearest road runner to me is near my aunt's house, and I know she'd be all ridiculous if I tried to explain that the "magic" insoles she got me are causing me pain. I can try to find one closer but I don't know if I can. I also definitely don't have the receipt anymore, as my aunt took it after the purchase (again, because she is both very sweet and very ridiculous.)

    The pain isn't under the knee, it's definitely on the top side of my thigh. It ranges from the mid of my thigh to just before the knee. I've been doing massages with a tennis ball as well. Thanks for the reading though! I'll definitely look into it!
  • TrailBlazinMN
    TrailBlazinMN Posts: 209 Member
    @hrf2 - Off topic a bit but have you ever tried Vibram FiveFingers? I won't run in anything else because they are just so amazing. I thought I would share my secret with you...and everyone reading this.
  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
    @hrf2 - Off topic a bit but have you ever tried Vibram FiveFingers? I won't run in anything else because they are just so amazing. I thought I would share my secret with you...and everyone reading this.

    My dad, who is an avid runner, has a pair and loves them, although he doesn't wear them for every run. I think I'm a bit too new to the game to invest in them (I'm a poor college student!) but I will admit I have been curious!
  • TrailBlazinMN
    TrailBlazinMN Posts: 209 Member
    @hrf2 - My running career started recently as well so I know how one could be hesitant about them. They force you to run correctly (no heelstriking) and it's just so liberating. Typical running shoes numb our senses in our feet so it's easier to heelstrike. What that happens, we shut off our hamstring muscles and/or glutes and/or other muscles. This is when dysfunction and injury happen. Ever see a hardcore running with no glutes and/or hamstrings. It could be due to them heelstriking so much.

    I have to post this awesome video to demonstrate what I'm talking about:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vRT7KVGCI0

    Alright, I'm done :blush:

  • Timorous_Beastie
    Timorous_Beastie Posts: 595 Member
    I'd suggest taking the shoes and insoles back to the store, tell them they cause you pain, and getting another pair of the Nikes you'd been wearing.

    Getting your gait analyzed is a great idea, but you aren't the first time I've heard of someone have problems with suggested shoes.
  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
    edited June 2015
    I thought it was something cool to try, but not after the pain. I might try just the asics for a bit, as they're very similar in size/weight/shape as the Nikes I had. I don't think they make the Nikes I was running in any more. They definitely make the next model up of the same shoe, I'll have to look around I guess.
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    edited June 2015
    hrf2 wrote: »
    I thought it was something cool to try, but not after the pain. I might try just the asics for a bit, as they're very similar in size/weight/shape as the Nikes I had. I don't think they make the Nikes I was running in any more. They definitely make the next model up of the same shoe, I'll have to look around I guess.

    Size/weight/shape doens't matter between the brands.
    You could be in two different types of shoes: minimal vs maximal, 12mm drop vs 0mm drop, stability vs neutral


    What Nikes were you in?

    ETA: I hope you were given a deal on the Cumulus 16 as there is a newer model out so places should be reducing their price to clear out stock.
  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
    edited June 2015
    Looking at them now, they're Cumulus 17s. My error. I love the shoe so far as they don't pinch my toes like my Nikes did, but of course I haven't taken the insoles out and tried them after so I don't have much to go by.

    The Nikes I have are at least a year old. The tongue says "Dual Fusion Run."
    Edit: these are definitely them: http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-dual-fusion-run-breathe-shoes580533403.html
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    edited June 2015
    hrf2 wrote: »
    Looking at them now, they're Cumulus 17s. My error. I love the shoe so far as they don't pinch my toes like my Nikes did, but of course I haven't taken the insoles out and tried them after so I don't have much to go by.

    The Nikes I have are at least a year old. The tongue says "Dual Fusion Run."
    Edit: these are definitely them: http://www.sneakerhead.com/nike-dual-fusion-run-breathe-shoes580533403.html

    I despise Nike.
    They provide no info on their website about this shoe.
    I'm currently discussing the shoe with a Nike rep.

    ETA:
    After a tedious conversation with Nike (again I hate Nike).
    The Dual fusion is a neutral shoe with a 12mm drop and is "core performance" shoe (his words).

    The Cumulus is a moderate neutral shoe (more support than say the Nike Free, but not a lot) , 10mm drop, and is a standard shoe (like Saucony Guide).

    My assumption is that "core performance" puts it in the same class as the Saucony Triumph ISO. Which just means it's cushier.

    I'd take the insoles, try a run or two and if you continue to experience pain, your aunt be damned. Because the health of your knees and other joints is far more important than her feelings.
  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member

    I despise Nike.
    They provide no info on their website about this shoe.
    I'm currently discussing the shoe with a Nike rep.
    Wow, thank you! I definitely appreciate that!
    While these shoes served me well for about two years, I can say I'm not a big nike fan...they're overpriced and cheaply made, hence my move to Asics.
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    hrf2 wrote: »

    I despise Nike.
    They provide no info on their website about this shoe.
    I'm currently discussing the shoe with a Nike rep.
    Wow, thank you! I definitely appreciate that!
    While these shoes served me well for about two years, I can say I'm not a big nike fan...they're overpriced and cheaply made, hence my move to Asics.

    See my edit above for the results of that conversation.

    I'll be honest, I'm not a huge Asics fan either.
    But currently, I'm a slightly bitter broken runner lol.

    I've just noticed and felt changes in Asics that were painful so that's why I don't like them.
    At least the GT-2000s. I tried on the Asics Cumulus (or Nimbus) in my standard running shoe size, 9.5, and would have needed at 10 if I wanted to run in them.

    But what works for me, more than likely won't work for you. So there's that
  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
    Everyone's foot is different! I really do appreciate you looking into that for me! That was so kind :)
    I agree that my aunt's feelings be damned. I'm going to try a run or two without the insole and if that doesn't work, I'll try to return them and go back to a Nike or a shoe that just works better for me. Thank you so much for your help!
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    hrf2 wrote: »
    Everyone's foot is different! I really do appreciate you looking into that for me! That was so kind :)
    I agree that my aunt's feelings be damned. I'm going to try a run or two without the insole and if that doesn't work, I'll try to return them and go back to a Nike or a shoe that just works better for me. Thank you so much for your help!

    Since you liked the cushioning of the Nike Dual Fushions, if you return the Asics, try the Saucony Triumph ISO.
    It's got a lower drop (8mm, your Nike's were 12mm) but I have a feeling that the cushioning could be comparable.
    The Saucony Ride is comparable to the Asics.

    Brooks Glycerin would be comparable to the Nikes.
    Brooks Ghost would have the same drop (12mm) as the Nikes.

    A drastic change in a drop height could cause some calf tightness which is why I'm looking at shoes with close drops.
    That's why I'm not suggesting Altras or Newtons.

    Obviously, how they make you feel matters far more than the data I've tossed at you. But I'm bored and I like researching shoes.

    I'm suggesting similar shoes but I've personally tried shoes that are comparable and wanted to chop my foot off (Asics GT-2000s notably). On paper, they're comparable to the Saucony Guides I run in. But physically, I hated them.

    Again, bored, rambling, I like shoes lol
  • jhaciski
    jhaciski Posts: 6 Member
    I love my Brooks (Pure series)! Of all the shoes I've worn, they hurt my knees the least; and I have some pretty miserable hereditary knee business going on. I've heard good things about Newtons, too...loads of support.

    In the end, you're just going to have to keep trying things out until you find a shoe you love. Don't let anyone pressure you into sticking with something that causes you pain or discomfort...otherwise, you won't stick with your workout plan!

    Side note: I've found Nike's are way too narrow in the toe box for me.
  • Morgaath
    Morgaath Posts: 679 Member
    This is Fellrnr. He does ultra marathons, and like to keep trying new things out, and then writing the info up.
    I think it gives him something to do while running on a treadmill for hours at a time.
    http://fellrnr.com/wiki/Shoes
    Any time they are telling you "just a half marathon to go" more than 3/4 of the way through the race, after you've climbed a couple of mountains, in a desert, is just crazy. But hey, it only took him 37hrs to cover 135miles...
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    hrf2 wrote: »
    Everyone's foot is different! I really do appreciate you looking into that for me! That was so kind :)
    I agree that my aunt's feelings be damned. I'm going to try a run or two without the insole and if that doesn't work, I'll try to return them and go back to a Nike or a shoe that just works better for me. Thank you so much for your help!

    Since you liked the cushioning of the Nike Dual Fushions, if you return the Asics, try the Saucony Triumph ISO.
    It's got a lower drop (8mm, your Nike's were 12mm) but I have a feeling that the cushioning could be comparable.
    The Saucony Ride is comparable to the Asics.

    Brooks Glycerin would be comparable to the Nikes.
    Brooks Ghost would have the same drop (12mm) as the Nikes.

    A drastic change in a drop height could cause some calf tightness which is why I'm looking at shoes with close drops.
    That's why I'm not suggesting Altras or Newtons.

    Obviously, how they make you feel matters far more than the data I've tossed at you. But I'm bored and I like researching shoes.

    I'm suggesting similar shoes but I've personally tried shoes that are comparable and wanted to chop my foot off (Asics GT-2000s notably). On paper, they're comparable to the Saucony Guides I run in. But physically, I hated them.

    Again, bored, rambling, I like shoes lol
    Nike's are too narrow for me, too. I have wide feet and need a wide toe box. Not only are everyone's feet different but similar models of shoes aren't always that similar, either.

    When I went in to Roadrunner for my last pair in December, I went home with a pair of Saucony's. Previously, I'd only worn Mizunos, and while I really like them, I wanted to try something a little different. I don't remember the particular Saucony's model but it was supposed to be comparable (Neutral) to my previous Mizunos model. OMG, they made my feet hurt! I'd get this random shooting pain that would go up from the ball of my foot to my big toe. I never knew when it was coming... It was horrible. I took them back to Roadrunner and went back to a pair of Mizunos. LOL
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    SueInAz wrote: »
    hrf2 wrote: »
    Everyone's foot is different! I really do appreciate you looking into that for me! That was so kind :)
    I agree that my aunt's feelings be damned. I'm going to try a run or two without the insole and if that doesn't work, I'll try to return them and go back to a Nike or a shoe that just works better for me. Thank you so much for your help!

    Since you liked the cushioning of the Nike Dual Fushions, if you return the Asics, try the Saucony Triumph ISO.
    It's got a lower drop (8mm, your Nike's were 12mm) but I have a feeling that the cushioning could be comparable.
    The Saucony Ride is comparable to the Asics.

    Brooks Glycerin would be comparable to the Nikes.
    Brooks Ghost would have the same drop (12mm) as the Nikes.

    A drastic change in a drop height could cause some calf tightness which is why I'm looking at shoes with close drops.
    That's why I'm not suggesting Altras or Newtons.

    Obviously, how they make you feel matters far more than the data I've tossed at you. But I'm bored and I like researching shoes.

    I'm suggesting similar shoes but I've personally tried shoes that are comparable and wanted to chop my foot off (Asics GT-2000s notably). On paper, they're comparable to the Saucony Guides I run in. But physically, I hated them.

    Again, bored, rambling, I like shoes lol
    Nike's are too narrow for me, too. I have wide feet and need a wide toe box. Not only are everyone's feet different but similar models of shoes aren't always that similar, either.

    When I went in to Roadrunner for my last pair in December, I went home with a pair of Saucony's. Previously, I'd only worn Mizunos, and while I really like them, I wanted to try something a little different. I don't remember the particular Saucony's model but it was supposed to be comparable (Neutral) to my previous Mizunos model. OMG, they made my feet hurt! I'd get this random shooting pain that would go up from the ball of my foot to my big toe. I never knew when it was coming... It was horrible. I took them back to Roadrunner and went back to a pair of Mizunos. LOL
    Probably Ride or Kinvara.

    I found an old receipt for shoes when I was filing. It was for a pair of Saucony Guide 5s I had returned. I love the guide 7s and 8s. But the 5s killed me.

    Shoe companies are notorious for messing with shoes at each release. My cousin loves her Guide 6s and doesn't want to switch. I have a friend who found the Kinvara 4 unrunnable but the 3s were fine and so are the 5s. I've heard similar things for Brooks and Mizuno too

    So when you find a shoe you love, stock up
  • hrf2
    hrf2 Posts: 17 Member
    That's the advice my dad has given me and stupidly I didn't listen. He's a really great runner and normally I take his advice, and he recommended the asics, as well as Saucony and Brooks. So I'll keep them in mind!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    @hrf2 - Off topic a bit but have you ever tried Vibram FiveFingers? I won't run in anything else because they are just so amazing. I thought I would share my secret with you...and everyone reading this.

    LOL....they also got sued for making unsubstantiated claims about the benefits of barefoot running!

  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    @hrf2 - Off topic a bit but have you ever tried Vibram FiveFingers? I won't run in anything else because they are just so amazing. I thought I would share my secret with you...and everyone reading this.

    LOL....they also got sued for making unsubstantiated claims about the benefits of barefoot running!

    @BrianSharpe it amuses me that just a few years ago those stupid things were so wildly popular and now we have the maximal Hoka and Altra.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    edited June 2015
    @hrf2 - Off topic a bit but have you ever tried Vibram FiveFingers? I won't run in anything else because they are just so amazing. I thought I would share my secret with you...and everyone reading this.

    LOL....they also got sued for making unsubstantiated claims about the benefits of barefoot running!

    Lawsuits are a dime a dozen in America. All successful businesses are magnets for hungry lawyers. That doesn't mean that products are bad. The claims that Vibram made were hardly far-fetched (strengthens foot muscles, improves proprioception, eliminates heel lift, etc). That's on par with Cheerios claiming it improves colon health. The only mistake Vibram made was not hammering the importance of transitioning properly to minimize injuries, and that barefoot shoes aren't for everyone (as if anything is). But the lawsuit wasn't about that.

    OP - if you want to try minimalist shoes but can't afford them, try water socks, sometimes called beach shoes. They're about $5-10 at Walmart, etc. Make sure to read the above link about transitioning. If they don't work for you, you're out 5-10 bucks. :+1:
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