The Running Shoe Crisis Continues

Warning: Really boring post ahead if you are not a shoe-obsessed runner!

So, the marathon is less than two weeks away and I am having a full-blown shoe crisis. I normally run in Brooks Adrenaline, but for the past 8 weeks or so I really noticed my toes hurting and going numb. Also I was getting blisters on them. At first I thought maybe it was the socks. So I upgraded to Smart Wool. Nope. I also tried Quick Wicks. Still nope. I wondered if I was gripping my toes when I ran. I noticed it a little bit but not too much.

To get to the bottom of it I went to Gazelle Sports for a free gait analysis. I ran on the treadmill in minimalist shoes (note, it was a bit disconcerting watching my own butt when I ran). Turn out my shoes were probably too small but also provide too much stability where I don’t need it. So Josh the track coach suggested that I go down a bit in level of stability but add in some more with Super Feet inserts. Armed with Brooks Ravenna and shiny blue inserts, on Saturday I went for what was to be my last double-digit run before the marathon.

The inserts definitely took some getting used to, but my low flexible arches appreciated the support up the first hill. Miles 4-7 felt great, but then my feet started to ache a bit, and I noticed I was developing a blister on my left ankle. It became more and more bothersome, so I decided to switch them out at 8 miles. Except when I put my Brooks back on and went out for my last 4 miles, the balls of my feet were SCREAMING. I made it around the block and put on my really old Saucony. Unfortunately they are so old and worn there is not much cushion left, so I went around the block and called uncle.

I am now going to head back to the store and try some Hoka Arahi (my husband the show research guru thinks they would work great for me.)

So, now I know how runners end up with so many shoes! It is kind of funny because I only have three pairs of shoes that I wear for not running! (pumps, flats, and a pair of Dansko Hazel Mary Janes)

Here is hoping I can get this figured out in two weeks! My feet will definitely not handle 26 miles in the Adrenalines. I think my best bet is to hope I can break in the Ravennas, which will mean more mileage than I usually do during a taper.

Any shoe advice? Are you a shoe addict, running or pumps? Comment below!

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