I didn’t know I was supposed to size up (running shoes!)

[AlanJohnsonsBeemer]

Runners, please advise me!
I am running my first half marathon in a couple of weeks and went my longest run yet today (10 miles). I am usually a Park Run plodder.

I have very recently replaced my running shoes (a fortnight ago) and didn’t realise I should have gone up a half size or size for longer distances. My toes were really hurting by mile 8 and I had to stop and loosen them right up

I can’t really afford/justify another pair of Hokas, which are my usuals.

Would it be better to cut my toenails extremely short and hope for the best? Or by a cheap pair in a bigger size (I already wear wide fit)? Or do I need to bite the bullet and buy more £100 shoes?

Thanks in advance!

Hi OP, I think even cutting your toenails short won’t be enough to help this.

My running shoes are a 7 and a half and my normal shoe size is 6/6 and a half. I was convinced they’d be like clown shoes but I’ve done 2 half marathons in them and they’ve been great.

Asics outlet have some reasonable priced running shoes https://outlet.asics.com/gb/en-gb/womens-running-shoes/c/ao20201000/

I’d probably bite the bullet and get a new pair as you don’t want to be in agony running.

Size up and sell your current pair on vinted to recoup some of the loss. I am a full size bigger. I learned the hard way too. My calves were so tight in a smaller pair.

Did you buy your Hokas from their website? Because I think they have a 30 day return policy if so don't like them. Even if you've worn them
https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/30-day-guarantee.html

Thank you both! My calves are killing me, but I thought that was over exertion. Maybe it’s the shoes that have been holding me back all these years 😂.

I think vinting the new ones and replacements are the way forward. There are some great deals on the asics site, but as I am very over pronatey I should probably go to the shop and do this properly

I did! Excellent, thank you! I was poorly for a week, so will check when they were delivered.

Sportsshoes.com and others often have Hoka sales. I rarely pay more than 70 quid. Not that it's cheap but not as bad as 100!

I’ve got plenty of time 😀

Thank you @Whyherewego!

Remember that Hokas come up significantly narrower than most brands as well (their "wide" fit is like a Brooks, Asics or Nike standard fit) so not only might you have to size up length wise but, if your toes are getting crushed, you might want wide fit too.

I do not have wide feet and am usually a size 6.5 to 7. I need a 7.5 wide in Hoka.

I would get bigger shoes within your budget asap.

Too big isn’t good either though.

I have permanently damaged a few toenails from running, in one size up shoes.

Not a runner now but used to be and always thought it depends on the shoe - I thought Hokkas were for wider feet so you probably wouldn't need to size up. Asics used to be well known for being on the small size so I always went up at least half a size with them.

I love my Brooks Calderas. I had issues with plantar facilities (can't get close enough for spellchecker) so looked for the most cushioned shoes in the kingdom. The site advised going a size up so I did and they're perfect. Did feel like clown shoes at first. Hope the returning them goes well.

You might be able to get the same style hokas in a bigger size on Vinted - someone else may have had the same issue with theirs.

Definitely get new shoes, you don't want to be hindered by this on your first thankfully marathon! I didn't know this until I was a year into running either....currently still waiting for my big toe nail to grow back 🙄🙄 go and try a load on in the shop to see which ones work for you, then see what deals you can get ordering online xx

Thank you all, I have been to the proper running shop already this morning and am now the proud owner of a pricey pair of sized up Sauconys in a colour that will be wrecked in 2 park runs, so may save my old Hokas for muddy times.

I even got myself some posh socks, luckily it was pay day yesterday.

I feel a bit bad for using the 30 day Hoka returns thing as it was due to my lack of knowledge, but not bad enough to not do it. Also, they were like for like replacements for my old pair, so bought in good faith.

I no longer over pronate either, so unsure if losing weight fixed it or if the other shop I went to 18 months ago got it wrong

Good news on the new shoes OP!

As for the overpronation thing, it won't be that the previous shop got it wrong. The vast majority of new runners overpronate, due to a combination of carrying more weight, running more slowly, and having weak glutes.
That's why gait analysis when you start running is basically snake oil. Everyone gets told they overpronate and need stability shoes. Then you buy stability shoes that actually make the problem worse because they hinder you in developing better form (been there, done that).
Far better to start off with a pair of quality neutral cushioned shoes and start worrying about gait analysis much further down the road (eg when you've built up strength in all the places you need it and you've actually developed your "gait" to analyse!)

That is interesting @FeelinTwentySixPointTwo!