Please reassure me! I’ve been wearing the wrong running shoes

[Friedbanana]

I bought some Adidas ultraboost during last lockdown, and was running 5k-10k about twice a week for about a month, then stopped due to another condition, but I’d always get blisters and my feet would get hot and uncomfortable towards the end of the longer runs. I was just frustrated with myself as I bought 3 different shoes (obv couldn’t try them on in a shop!) and picked the most comfortable ones out of those 3 and sent the other back, and they weren’t cheap so I just stuck with them, hoping I’d get used to them.
From the beginning of feb I’ve really got into running again and go about 5 times a week, 3 5ks and 2 10ks normally, and I changed my socks and my feet didn’t get so hot/uncomfortable towards the end.. I did get calf muscle pain one time so had to stop, and still getting blisters but not bad ones. But I’ve now realised the shoes are completely the wrong pronation for me and I’m going to order new ones and just feel like a bit of an idiot for sticking with them so long. I hate wasting money and felt I had to make use of them! But anyway, I’ve been reading about injuries caused by bad fitting running shoes and they all sound so serious, so I’m just wondering, would I be aware if this has caused any lasting damage to myself, or will I be ok as it’s only been 2 months with a long break between?

I’m sorry this is sooo long, just stressing out a bit! Would be so grateful for reassurance or if not that then things to look out for in the future! Thank you!

Ahh, I’ve done more reading and actually I’m an under pronator and apparently Adidas ultraboost are a suitable shoe for under pronators! But they really aren’t right for me at all. But now I’m even more clueless on which ones to pick, I don’t want to make another costly mistake! Has anyone successfully bought running shoes during lockdown, or is it better to just not run until the shops reopen?!

It's a minefield! But don't despair OP, the right pair of trainers is out there...

Did you try buying a size higher than your normal one? Your feet will expand as you run, so it helps to get a half or whole size bigger than the 'right' fit.

For your pronation, stick to neutral/cushioning shoes and you should be fine, avoid motion control trainers which are for over pronation.

Adidas can be a bit narrow compared to other brands, so maybe try nike? If you buy direct from them, they have a generous covid returns policy to allow you to try several pairs.

www.vibrams.co.uk/blogs/news/barefoot-running-pronation-and-supination-by-ben-turner-from-athlete-adventure

Worth investigation, before you buy another pair. If you were injured, you'd know. You're not the first to do this, and you won't be the last. You'll be fine.

Ultraboost are a pretty neutral shoe so won't have done you any harm - I think you're overthinking, OP. Most people don't need motion control shoes unless their pronation is really, really, awful.

Why do you think the shoes are so wrong for you compared to, say, suddenly starting to run 10-15 miles a week from zilch? I think it's the latter that has caused issues rather than the shoes, perhaps?

I don't think you'll have injured yourself: if you had, you'd know it. I also find Adidas quite narrow and so uncomfortable at first, but I got used to mine. Maybe stick to 5ks if you're worried?

However, I was smug that I managed to get to a running shop just before the Xmas lockdown... much easier to try them on in person!

Are the trainers the same size as you would buy an ordinary shoe? I always have to go up a size for running. Where are the blisters?

I find Adidas quite narrow too. I get on better with Nike runners for fit.

Could it be the mileage? The rule of thumb to avoid injury is not to increase your mileage by more that 10 % each week. Cardiovascular system adapts much quicker to exercise than your muscles so you need to go steady on the increases.
Calf guards ( about £10 a pair from Amazon ) may help if calf’s are tight and then stretch, stretch, stretch, a foam roller is really good for tight calf’s.
Shoe wise, if you can’t wait til the shops open to get to a running shop for fitting then try going up a size. I’ve always ran in a shoe size bigger than I am to stop any loss of toenails/blisters etc.

I had a gait analysis and shoe fitting done at my local running shop and they told me to always buy a full size bigger than your normal shoe size. I did say I was worried about looking like a clown but (a) I don't and (b) they are so much more comfortable!

He also said I had a perfect gait, strike in the middle of my heel and push off from the centre of my foot 😇

An awful lot of over pronators have tight calf muscles which cause an increase in pronation when running.
If you are also getting aching calves or cramps, increase your pre run warm up and work on calf stretches daily.
This reduces the need for pronation control footwear as you are reducing the pronation.

I find Adidas difficult to run in because they're narrow but I wear under armour runners because I like the harder soles . Running in bouncy shoes isn't for me . I came to them via lots of trial and error. If I were you I'd keep wearing the comfy pair until you can get to a running shop for hair analysis. I also have larger sized runners than my ordinary shoes.

check with model you've got as there used to be an "ultraboost ST" which is a support shoe and "ultraboost" was the neutral version.
Where do you get the blisters as that might be a clue what's wrong with the fit on them.

Ahh thank you so much for all the helpful replies! Wasn’t expecting so many!! You’ve definitely all reassured me so thank you!
Yes the shoes are a size bigger, I checked the thumb rule when I got them, they are super comfy for walking, just when I run I do feel like I’m not running naturally sometimes? Like I’m having to adjust the way my foot touches the ground. But yes you’re probably right, I’ve increased too quickly. Interesting what you say about cardiovascular system adapting quicker- my resting heart rate has gone right down and I feel so much stronger and less tired/out of breath- that’s usually what stops me so I’ve been frustrated by my feet being the issue, but it makes total sense!

Blisters are always on the side of the foot, just under the big toe, and that’s where it hurts/gets hot (guess that makes sense 😅)

I might try dig out my old Asics that I got actually fitted in a sports shop years ago as I never had problems with them, but also don’t think I’d ever actually ran a 10k in them 😅 but they may do until I can go to a shop. Also realise I haven’t been properly stretching, like i do a 20 second toe touch after each run. I’m a massive idiot. But I learn. I did a proper calf stretch yesterday that I found online, after writing this thread, and funnily enough I was soooo tight! So yes, a few other issues to address as well as the shoes