Running shoes! HELP!

sarahew415
sarahew415 Posts: 20 Member
edited December 17 in Fitness and Exercise
So I just bought some new running shoes. Brooks, to be exact. Not exactly sure what model though. And I ran a mile last night and I have a terrible blister on the back of my ankle on my right foot. Just my right foot, not the left one at all. I'm sure if the shoes are just too stiff right now and need to be broken in or if I need to trade them in for a different pair. I haven't gotten new shoes in so long, so I don't really know what to expect. Also, I wore ankle socks, so was the rubbing due to not high enough socks? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Replies

  • natachan
    natachan Posts: 149
    did your socks come up higher than your shoes? IE: did your shoe rub against the sock or bare skin?
  • sarahew415
    sarahew415 Posts: 20 Member
    My socks didn't come up high enough. So it was rubbing against the back of the shoe. I just haven't bought new shoes in so long that I don't know if thats normal for it to be stiff and if it will break in and loosen up.
  • TeresaC79
    TeresaC79 Posts: 316 Member
    It will loosen and break in. They actually recommend not wearing them on a long run right off the bat. You need to do some light running to get them broken in.
  • DFWTT
    DFWTT Posts: 374
    My socks didn't come up high enough. So it was rubbing against the back of the shoe. I just haven't bought new shoes in so long that I don't know if thats normal for it to be stiff and if it will break in and loosen up.

    New socks to go along with your $100 sneakers maybe. I have had nothing but Brooks and they have fit like gloves since day one, especially the Glycerins. Use ankle high and supporting for running instead of the super low sport socks; your feet will thank you.
  • maryduggins
    maryduggins Posts: 219 Member
    I actually have a friend who uses Saucony's, but bought a pair of Brook's because her Saucony's were worn out (I guess just trying a new shoe type or something) she had the exact same problem! I don't know which foot (one or both?) but it was the same spot.

    She just ran a half marathon last week and she wore her old Saucony's because she didn't want to risk being hurt(; Her husband wears Brook's (did the entire Tour de Pain (10k, 5k, 1/2 Marathon in 24 hrs)) and his shoes were great...

    I think the little 'bumps' (lol idk what to call them!) that are supposed to support your ankle/leg were doing it for her, whereas her husband's was smooth so it didn't bug him.

    I don't know if this makes any sense or helps, but at least you're not alone(;
  • juliekaiser1988
    juliekaiser1988 Posts: 604 Member
    Love my barefoot running shoes!
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    It will loosen and break in. They actually recommend not wearing them on a long run right off the bat. You need to do some light running to get them broken in.

    She had a blister after only a mile, though...

    To a certain degree shoes do break-in (uppers stretch a little and conform better to a runner's foot), but blisters in a short distance...no go. They will not get better if you are blistering that soon. I've had shoes that were absolutely not wearable for me. The original Saucony Guide is an example. It tore up my lower achilles area on both heels. I've been afraid to try Sauconys ever since, since they are notorious for having high, curved heel tabs. I've had a couple of NB models literally rub me the wrong way, too, though generally NB shoes fit me well.

    Sarah, you could try taller socks or something like Body Glide or Sport Shield over the trouble spot. Some people even find that a piece of duct tape covers a sensitive spot and won't rub off instantly like a band aid. If you bought the shoes from a legitimate running store they may take them back, too--they want you to be in the right shoe and continue to run (and buy future shoes).
  • sarahew415
    sarahew415 Posts: 20 Member
    Thanks for all the advice! Luckily, I have 15 days or so to take them back if I don't like them. I might try another mile tomorrow and see how that goes. And I'll wear higher socks to see if it prevents whats happening. I like the shoes, they are comfortable. But not worth it if I'm constantly getting my skin rubbed off!
  • SassyCalyGirl
    SassyCalyGirl Posts: 1,932 Member
    there is always an adjustment period when buying new shoes-try nylon footies under your socks

    I have to wear a "corn cushion" on my left 4th toe because my pinky rolls in and the nail cuts the other toe-no matter how short I keep my toenails.
  • spammyanna
    spammyanna Posts: 871 Member
    Thanks for all the advice! Luckily, I have 15 days or so to take them back if I don't like them. I might try another mile tomorrow and see how that goes. And I'll wear higher socks to see if it prevents whats happening. I like the shoes, they are comfortable. But not worth it if I'm constantly getting my skin rubbed off!

    I am having the exact same problem, but on my left heel. Can you find out what model they are? I wonder if its a certain one. I am wondering if I need to move up a half size, or just try a different shoe. I love them, other than the fact they gave me a blister.

    I ran over 3 miles in mine the first time.
  • SassyCalyGirl
    SassyCalyGirl Posts: 1,932 Member
    Thanks for all the advice! Luckily, I have 15 days or so to take them back if I don't like them. I might try another mile tomorrow and see how that goes. And I'll wear higher socks to see if it prevents whats happening. I like the shoes, they are comfortable. But not worth it if I'm constantly getting my skin rubbed off!

    I am having the exact same problem, but on my left heel. Can you find out what model they are? I wonder if its a certain one. I am wondering if I need to move up a half size, or just try a different shoe. I love them, other than the fact they gave me a blister.

    I ran over 3 miles in mine the first time.

    if you are properly fit for running shoes they should be one full size larger than your normal shoe size.
  • spammyanna
    spammyanna Posts: 871 Member
    I am already one size larger, but it really depends on the brand. I wear a 6 1/2 to 7 in regular shoes, and I bought these in a size 8. They felt fine in the store, and even when I tried them on the treadmill there. But once I actually ran in them, the blister appeared. I am wearing them today in the hopes that I can stretch them a bit, and not have to take them back.
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    if you are properly fit for running shoes they should be one full size larger than your normal shoe size.

    I've never found this to be the case, personally. My running shoes have all generally been 8-8.5, same as my casual shoe (and cycling shoe) size. If I went a full size larger I'd have 1.5" extra shoe beyond my longest toe, like clown shoes, heh. I generally have .5-.75" beyond my longest toe.
  • Skeena4
    Skeena4 Posts: 209 Member
    Here's a good article on tying runners... I have my heel slip on almost all runners I buy and have to tie them like the last example on the page... this was good advice for me given by a lady who "fitted me" for my runners.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12334-0,00.html
  • jillybeanruns
    jillybeanruns Posts: 1,420 Member
    If you have properly fitted running shoes you don't need to "break them in" as so many have said above. Size-wise, they should fit perfectly, the only adjustment is that you have to get used to the biomechanics of running with new shoes.

    Body Glide will save your feet, it sounds like you need a different sock - I highly recommend Balega Hidden Comfort and the Feetures Ultra Light and Elite socks.
  • onewithwings
    onewithwings Posts: 56
    So I just bought some new running shoes. Brooks, to be exact. Not exactly sure what model though. And I ran a mile last night and I have a terrible blister on the back of my ankle on my right foot. Just my right foot, not the left one at all. I'm sure if the shoes are just too stiff right now and need to be broken in or if I need to trade them in for a different pair. I haven't gotten new shoes in so long, so I don't really know what to expect. Also, I wore ankle socks, so was the rubbing due to not high enough socks? Any advice would be much appreciated.

    I would first ask if you've been fitted for these shoes? The very first investment to running should not only be your time but your shoes. I tell everyone who wants to get serious about running to visit one of their local running stores to be fitted for running shoes. I had purchased my shoes from a department store and was buying the wrong shoe for my feet. I ended up with blisters between my toes. I finally gave in and went to the running store and got a running evaluation and fitted for the CORRECT shoe.

    They had me run barefoot on a treadmill while they video taped my posture and placement of my feet. Once I purchased the correct shoe, I never looked back. I have not had a single blister or foot pain since.

    You will pay a little more for the correct shoe. Once you know what you can wear, you will be able to buy your shoe from any shoe source. The money was worth it for me in exchange for all the pain and bloody feet.

    Just My Two Cents

    ~OWW~
  • Wreak_Havoc
    Wreak_Havoc Posts: 597
    I use http://www.roadrunnersports.com/ to figure out what I need for the type of exercise I'm going to be doing. Then admittedly, I go find them locally for less. Over 20 years of buying shoes and never had a wrong pick yet! Good luck
  • SassyCalyGirl
    SassyCalyGirl Posts: 1,932 Member
    if you are properly fit for running shoes they should be one full size larger than your normal shoe size.

    I've never found this to be the case, personally. My running shoes have all generally been 8-8.5, same as my casual shoe (and cycling shoe) size. If I went a full size larger I'd have 1.5" extra shoe beyond my longest toe, like clown shoes, heh. I generally have .5-.75" beyond my longest toe.

    Have you ever been fitted at a professional running store? I was surprised to find this out when I went and it has made a huge difference. It allows your toes to spread on impact properly-also they can make sure you are wearing the correct kind of shoe for pronation purposes.
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    I always got blisters from my aspics, I had 3 pairs in different styles and they all rubbed my toes (even a size up). I switched to Brooks 5 months ago and I LOVE them. They are much lighter and I haven't had a single blister. You do need to make sure you have proper running socks. I suggest X-socks or 1000 mile socks. You need something that protects your foot and ankle with no seams.
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    if you are properly fit for running shoes they should be one full size larger than your normal shoe size.

    I've never found this to be the case, personally. My running shoes have all generally been 8-8.5, same as my casual shoe (and cycling shoe) size. If I went a full size larger I'd have 1.5" extra shoe beyond my longest toe, like clown shoes, heh. I generally have .5-.75" beyond my longest toe.

    Have you ever been fitted at a professional running store? I was surprised to find this out when I went and it has made a huge difference. It allows your toes to spread on impact properly-also they can make sure you are wearing the correct kind of shoe for pronation purposes.

    Yes. I've been running >6 years and >7k miles, including 3 marathons. I've never had a black or lost toenail, either! :laugh:
  • stepherzzzzz
    stepherzzzzz Posts: 469 Member
    What kind of socks were you wearing? If there was any cotton in them at all then they're probably to blame for the blisters.
  • spammyanna
    spammyanna Posts: 871 Member
    What kind of socks were you wearing? If there was any cotton in them at all then they're probably to blame for the blisters.

    I wear socks with cotton in them, and have never gotten blisters from them. I really think it's a sizing issue. I traded in my 8's for 8.5s, and problem solved.

    Different strokes for different folks!
  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    What kind of socks were you wearing? If there was any cotton in them at all then they're probably to blame for the blisters.

    I wear socks with cotton in them, and have never gotten blisters from them. I really think it's a sizing issue. I traded in my 8's for 8.5s, and problem solved.

    Different strokes for different folks!

    Yeah, cotton socks can cause blisters, but not in only a mile...if that were the case then every kid would have blisters from gym class. Blisters in a mile is definitely an issue with overall fit or a shoe that's simply not compatible with a person's foot/heel. I've had shoes with poorly placed seams that I've had to give up on.

    As for socks, I love wool. I used to swear by Smartwool, but in recent years the company changed hands and the quality doesn't seem to be what it was 5-6 years ago. I'm starting to look at other merino wool options.
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