When It Comes To Running Shoes- SHOP LOCAL!

 

Since starting this blog, I have averaged about 1000 hits a week and I receive multiple questions per week. The 2 most common questions that I receive are:

1.)    What is the best running shoe?

2.)    Do you think carbon-plate shoes are beneficial?

My answer for both questions—SHOP LOCAL!

It doesn’t matter if you are a newbie, weekend warrior or a dedicated runner—Shoes Matter!

You can buy running shoes from a variety of vendors—department store, big box sporting goods stores, chain stores, and online retailers (this really expanded during COVID). But the best way to buy shoes—your local running specialty shop

In November of 2021, I suffered an Achilles tear at the heel insertion point.  I had just completed the Boston Marathon (virtual) and while I had taken a few days off, I was eager to get back to running. I went out for an easy run and suddenly, I felt a pull and a pop. Luckily, I was close to home and hobbled home the best I could.  The pain became unbearable, so I reached out to my ortho doc and he got me in right away.

I wrapped my leg in ice and took off for the doctor’s office. I crucified myself during the entire trip. How could I have been so stupid to go and run that close to finishing a marathon? Don’t I realize I’m not as young as I used to be? As a coach, I should known better.

I’m fortunate that I have a doctor that is an avid runner. He gave me the same lecture that I had just given myself on the ride over. He then stated-- “Congratulations, your new running shoe for the next 6 months will be a walking boot.”  I knew it was bad, but that’s not the words I wanted to hear.

What he then said shocked me. He asked me what type of running shoes was I using? My response was “coach” based.  I have shoes for long runs, speed work and racing.  And I replace my shoes every 300 to 400 miles.

Again, his response was not what I expected. He explained that the injury that I had was not as much an overuse injury as an injury resulting from wearing the wrong shoes.  He took the shoe off my good leg and stated that while he was no running shoe expert, the wear pattern was consistent with a running shoe related injury. His advice was to go to a local running shoe store and get fitted properly—after I get my boot off.  He just had to throw that in there for a little sting.

Back in December of 2022, The Running Event trade show in Austin, Texas awarded the 50 Best Running Stores in America. Christina Henderson, the Event Director, stated—

"The 2022 Best Running Stores exemplify what makes our industry so special: commitment, community, and passion. Our awards program offers the opportunity to formally recognize and celebrate the best run specialty stores in America. Winners should be extremely proud of this honor—each one is a driving force in strengthening the communities they serve and growing the run specialty industry.”

There are thousands of running specialty shops in the United States and they are usually the backbone of their local run community. Small, independent running shops have always been the heart and soul of the local running community. These local stores provide support for their local community by providing assistance to local schools, races and the provide training programs and group runs.

There’s an old saying—"you get what you pay for.” A big box store or an online store may offer discount programs for purchasing a variety of items—just as grocery stores do. But the bottom line is the price of a current shoe is the same no matter where you purchase it.  Shoe companies use MAP (minimum advertised price) which is the minimum amount that a manufacturer or wholesaler allows resellers to advertise their products without consequence from the manufacturer.

After 6 months of wearing the boot and months or rehab, it was time to get back in shape and try to shred the many pounds that I had added as a result of wearing the wrong shoe. I headed to my local run store (PaceYourself) and met with Sam. Sam did a thorough consultation and analysis using in-store technology and his general knowledge based on his experience with other customers with similar injuries. He agreed with my doctor and I left the store with new shoes that have protected me from my own ignorance.

Final advice:

1.       Never buy shoes for looks.

2.       Never buy shoes in the morning. Your feet start swelling in the morning and they don’t stop until about 4 p.m. and that’s as big as they are going to get.  A good shoe rep will know this.

3.       When you go shopping, bring along the shoes, socks, and inserts you’ve been using. That way, when you try on a new shoe, you can compare it directly to your current experience. It’s also a good time to buy new socks and wear them when trying on your shoes….NO COTTON SOCKS PLEASE!

4.       Shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles depending on the brand and model. Keep track of the date that you bought them in your training log and make note of when they start to feel worn down.

5.       SHOP LOCAL

As for the Carbon Plated Shoe—

Just because Eilud Kipchage ran his world record in carbon plated shoes doesn’t mean that it’s the shoe for you. Just as your friend swears by his/her carbon plated shoes does not mean that it will be the shoe for your gait or foot type. Carbon plated shoes are no different than non-carbon plated shoes. They all come with different designs and composition.

Carbon plated shoes are generally cushy, bouncy, and generally, not stable. This is what makes them fast. It’s also what makes them tricky for some runners—especially those that need a stability shoe. 

Because they are a different shoe, it’s good to slowly introduce them into your running to allow your body time to adapt and minimize injury risk.  I use them to protect my foot from a plantar plate tear injury that happened years ago. I introduced them into my training slowly by using them while doing strides and a few short runs. It’s important to pay attention to any aches or pains that you might notice. Especially any new aches or pains in the midfoot or ankle region. 

Go to your LOCAL RUNNING STORE before you buy a pair of carbon plated shoes. Share with them your injury history. Let them look at your most recent pair of running shoes for wear patterns. It’s important to tell them the types of events that you are training for in the coming months and do you plan to train in them (it’s never a good idea to use a training shoe for your races and it’s also important to never use a brand-new pair of shoes on race day…you need to break them in first). 

Bottom line—I’m no running shoe expert, but an injury made me a little wiser to shop local.