Should I return new running shoes?

[chocolatepastry]

Hiya. Can anyone give any advice?

I got some new trainers yesterday but I'm not totally convinced on them

Did a short 2 miler this morning and whilst heel, ankle and above all felt fine my toes felt a bit squashed. Thing is, I already have a black toe nail (it's an overlapping toe) and I was hoping the new shoes would feel a bit more comfortable. Really don't want the rest of the toes turning black as well!

When I tried the shoes in the shop I was wearing normal socks not my usual running socks. Is that normal?

Should I take them back or just put it down to overthinking? 🙄

Got the London marathon to train for so need to get something sorted ASAP!

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Take them back!

If your feet are feeling it after two miles, imagine how they will feel after 26... Neither shoes nor feet should require breaking in.

Maybe size up? You want to have lots of space around your toes and forefoot, and laces will stop your feet sliding around.

[Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies]

I don't think you can take them back if you've run in them. Our local running shop is v. clear that once you've worn shoes outside they won't exchange or refund (obviously doesn't apply if they're faulty).

[SpaceDinosaur]

It depends on the shop TBH.

When I buy running shoes I get them fitted in my local running store. They have a treadmill, they film you running on the treadmill, slow it down and zoom in to check your gait and about a billion other things.

Then when you decide on your shoes you run on the treadmill and they check everything thoroughly.

If I had brought shoes from my store, been through the above fitting processes and had problems then I would return with the shoes because I would feel comfortable that the fault was in their fitting process.

But.
If I had walked in off the street, chosen a pair of shoes myself and bought them then had the problems that you describe then I would not feel entitled to any refund because just like when you buy other shoes, choose the wrong size, wear them out and they're not "great" it's your fault, not the retailer's.

It's not like they can resell them now.

[chocolatepastry]

Good point about feet sweeping more in longer distances

The guy said I could go for a couple of short runs in the dry and then take them back if not right!

Yes I had the whole gait analysis caboodle... Also just realised they didn't measure my feet, just used size of old ones but they are 9 years and 3 pregnancies old!

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I'd it helps my running shoes have at least a thumbs width between end of big toe and end of shoe.

[SpaceDinosaur]

Perfect Chocolate.

Then back they go! Insist on being remeasured and refitted.

[Thepurplehen]

My running shoes are a 6.5. My regular shoe size is a 5.

If you're wearing your normal size, I bet they're too small.

[MaidOfStars]

My running shoes are always big at the front. You shoudn't feel the ends (or even the sides) at all, IME. Also, heel lock lacing, to keep your foot jammed into the back of them.

[blowmybarnacles]

I bought mine back and got a half size larger. Much better.

You can also re-lace them to open them up
www.runnersworld.co.uk/shoes/how-to-lace-your-shoe/482.html

[chocolatepastry]

Thanks all

I took them back and tried a half size bigger and a wider fit. Went for the wider ones and sooo much better!

They were totally fine with the swap as well, even said I could take the second pair back if there was a problem.