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Are proper running shoes meant to be agony?

57 replies

QuentinInQuarantino · 23/02/2021 08:38

I started running in my old, flat, holey Nike Roshe trainers and completed the couch to 5k but with knee and hip joint pain I decided to buy some shoes which are designed for running in and bought the Nike Pegasus.

I've had to abort the last two runs after 10 minutes because of awful calf muscle pain as well as very sore feet.

They fit and are comfy until I am actually running in them.

(I can't go did a gait analysis as no running shops are open)

Is it a case of wearing them in? Will it get better!? Thank you.

OP posts:
Wobblybobblyboo · 23/02/2021 09:44

@QuentinInQuarantino ah I love it too! I feel like coach bennett is my friend. If running is your thing there is nothing better to cheer you up on a sunny day, or even a rainy day. I have recently had a baby and have just started up again - this has inspired me to get back on the nike run club (slowly and steadily!).

I know not everything can be classed as "essential retail" but my struggles to buy bras online throughout pregnancy and stuff like this with running shoes has made me feel like the system is a bit ridiculous when you can buy any old crap in the supermarket. Some stuff you cannot really buy online!

emummy · 23/02/2021 09:45

The Pegasus might have a different heel-toe drop than the old ones & your Achilles/calf needs to adjust. Agree with trying walking, see how that goes, and do some of the diy gait analysis. Hope it settles down.

QuentinInQuarantino · 23/02/2021 09:53

Ohh no @DorotheaDiamond I bought from amazon as they were cheaper but I don't think I can return them.

I can't go to a running shop but I am meeting a personal trainer soon - do they do gait anaylses? I'll definitely chat to him about it.

Yes coach Bennett is so kind! I'm a rock star!

OP posts:
DaisyandIvy · 23/02/2021 10:45

I run every other day or sometimes every 3 days. Have done for 13 years. I’m not an expert by any means but I’m not sure that running every day is good. I think you need to give your muscles a day or 2 to repair themselves after a run.

I’ve never had a problem with new trainers but I did have to stop for a year when I developed some ankle pain which I think was Achilles related and I believe was to do with overuse and impact.

QuentinInQuarantino · 23/02/2021 10:57

I know I shouldn't run every day and will probably stop doing that now! I started very enthusiastically and am worried about losing focus if I stop, but it's so enjoyable whereas I don't enjoy other exercise.

OP posts:
spottygymbag · 23/02/2021 11:08

Have you looked at the heel drop on your old shoes vs new shoes?

DorotheaDiamond · 23/02/2021 11:18

Personal trainer unlikely to know much tbh...pretty sure some running shops will do a gait analysis from video...

Or try various Nike/ASICS and send them back? I’m a big fan of ASICS gel Kayano also Nike vapour max next (or whatever they are called)(but not for every day)

QuentinInQuarantino · 23/02/2021 11:26

These are the old and new shoes. I think they look quite similar on the heel, but I don't know what I'm looking for. The main difference seems to be the cushioning. I'll wear them at work today (will be dancing!) to see if it's just running that hurts. I'll take spares!

Are proper running shoes meant to be agony?
OP posts:
ThatIsNotMyUsername · 23/02/2021 11:34

Please see if you can return them - Amazon are good for this. They will do you more harm than good - you can really hurt your knees and back wearing the wrong shoes (and the older you get, the worse this is!).

I always get gait analysis from the running store I buy mine from - I wonder if stores will be able to do this from a home made video?

Don't be disheartened - it's ot you, it's the shoe! I like Saucony or Brooks but I always go the the shop to try them out.

spottygymbag · 23/02/2021 11:51

Google the heel drop measurement. If you're very used to one set of shoes and tend towards tighter muscles it can play havoc. Agree with all the others though- not good if they're causing you pain.
If it's your calf hurting have you been checked or googled about calf strain?

QuentinInQuarantino · 23/02/2021 11:55

@ThatIsNotMyUsername that is true, they are amazing at accepting returns. I have until the end of March so I will try and contact a running shop. I'm meeting my marathon running friend soon so I'll ask him to recommend a local one and I'll call them.

OP posts:
TheHoundsofLove · 23/02/2021 11:59

I think that, especially if you're a relatively new runner, it could be the daily running that is causing the problems - I'd have a couple of days rest and then try them again.

TheHoundsofLove · 23/02/2021 12:05

Of course, it could be that the trainers aren't suitable for you. But, I also think it's possible that you could just be overdoing it, especially as what you're describing sounds more muscular ache than pain...

lastqueenofscotland · 23/02/2021 13:22

They aren’t meant to hurt no!
However running every day if you aren’t an experienced runner is a shit idea too. It may be fatigue rather than the shoes. I run every day, but it’s taken me running for 6 years to build up to that!

QuentinInQuarantino · 23/02/2021 14:11

Thanks. I talked to two running friends here and they don't think gait analysis is a thing in this country! But they all know their own gait. One suggested a podiatrist but that seems extreme. They also didn't like the look of my Nike Pegasuses, they didn't think they look supportive enough.

OP posts:
SoCrimeaRiver · 23/02/2021 14:39

My DH uses Asics trainers, and found he needs a size larger than he uses for day to day / walking. Maybe try a larger size or a different brand? He's on his 2nd and 3rd pair of Asics - he looked at some online reviews for suggestions of cheaper end quality trainers.

fellrunner85 · 23/02/2021 15:42

Some really bad advice on this thread (though some good advice too!)

Firstly, Pegs are an absolute classic running shoe for a reason. They're now on their 37th model precisely because they're cushioned, supportive, neutral, and suit almost everybody. Personally, I wouldnt run in anything else on the roads now, after years of working through Hoka, Brooks, Asics and the rest. Pegs are just a very, very, good and versatile shoe for everything from short runs to marathons and above.

The "almost everybody" is key though. They won't suit absolutely everyone and there is a chance they're not right for you, OP. From all you've said, though, I suspect that's the wrong conclusion to immediately jump to.

It seems much more likely that running in a cushioned and supportive shoe for the first time is making you run "properly", after previously flat-footedly "slapping" the ground in your unsupportive shoes. That means your muscles will be having to adapt to firing properly, and it's not surprising they're complaining about that!

What's also exacerbating the situation, I suspect, is running in them every day. Even slight heel-toe drops take adapting to, so a massive change from old and flat shoes to a really decent shoe will be massive. You need to adapt slowly.

I would recommend breaking them in gently and building up slowly in the new shoes. Foam rolling will also help the muscle pain. Good luck!

Cpl1586407 · 23/02/2021 15:48

How did you run at all in those roshes they are basically fashion shoes!

Agree with posters who say it may take a little time. Don't run every day. make sure you warm up and warm down your muscles before and after running (great 5-10 vids on this on YouTube), stretch every day even if you are not running.

Labobo · 23/02/2021 15:57

Do you get the pain if you run in your old shoes?

Is it possible that the bounce in the new cushioned shoes is causing you to lengthen your stride? Shorten it again - really short, almost too short, so that you can find a way of being really light on your feet while you run in the new shoes, then lengthen it gradually, maybe.

QuentinInQuarantino · 23/02/2021 15:59

@Cpl1586407

How did you run at all in those roshes they are basically fashion shoes!

Agree with posters who say it may take a little time. Don't run every day. make sure you warm up and warm down your muscles before and after running (great 5-10 vids on this on YouTube), stretch every day even if you are not running.

I know! That's why I bought proper grown up ones!!

Thank you. I will keep you posted!

OP posts:
QuentinInQuarantino · 23/02/2021 17:14

@Labobo I don't get any pain in the fashion trainers and that's what I was hoping this was about, the fact that my muscles are like "whaaaaat is going on?" And my joints are enjoying a break!

OP posts:
QuentinInQuarantino · 23/02/2021 17:16

@fellrunner85 thank you. I have until the end of March if I need to return them so I'm my plan is to try what you've recommended. I can always go for a long run at the weekend in my old awful trainers.

I had a health scare and an determined to do this!

OP posts:
Butternutsqoosh · 24/02/2021 07:46

Morning, those don't look suitable at all for running, you need proper support for your foot. I bought a new pair of ASICS 2 days ago and they are so comfy, to replace my old battered pair! I did the questionnaire online to ensure I got the right fitting pair for the way I run. I had treated myself to some trail running ASICS but I can't wear them as they are so inflexible due to the grip, but these are like running on marshmallows. Send yours back, get a pair specially designed for running or you will cause an injury

Butternutsqoosh · 24/02/2021 07:47

Here are mine!

Are proper running shoes meant to be agony?
clary · 24/02/2021 07:49

Echo others OP, they shouldn't hurt. Good advice here already, but let me add I run every day and have for years, I am in my 50s and if my running shoes make my legs or feet hurt, I stop wearing them.

I had some Sauconys that were agony so I sold them in eBay after a couple of wears. But it's not running daily that's an issue.

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