Running Shoes: Is it safe to assume...

[tangentgirl]

...that if I go out for my first run in my new shoes and end up with the beginning of a big blister on my Achilles, those shoes are a bust?

Could switching out insoles help? I wore the same socks I've been wearing all year (well not the exact same pair, that would be stinky), and they're good blend running socks, so I don't think that's the culprit? This is my second pair of new shoes in a week, and I'd like to give them more than a 3-mile chance. But, y'know.

[jessmarimba]

Possibly, but not necessarily? My "it depends" caveat is whether the new shoes are designed to utilize a new/different-to-you running technique (more minimal, more stable, etc.) . In that case, you may be compromising your stride and may need to break them in gradually (maybe extremely gradually) or play with the insoles. If theyre a similar shoe to what you were using (equally stability/neutral/etc) then they may just not be the shoes for you. Some running stores do allow returns...

Edit - it can't hurt to take them with you to the store and ask for suggestions!

[Wahine]

Not necessarily. Usually heel/achilles blisters are related to the heel slipping as you run. There are a few different things that you can try.

One is a lacing technique shown here.

Another is to pre-flex the forefoot of your shoe about 60 times before you put it on. If the sole is too stiff the forefoot won't flex as you run which can translate into a slipping heel. This is especially true of beefier trainers and motion control shoes. So you grab the shoe by the heel with one hand and the toe with the other hand and flex the toes up as far as you can go. Try to make the shoe flex at about the area where the ball of your foot would be. Do this 60 times on each side, put the shoes on immediately and head out for your run. You shouldn't have to do this forever, eventually your shoes will break in a bit and should flex more easily on their own.

Lastly, a little bodyglide on your heels will often solve the problem at least until the shoes break in a bit.

[indysteel]

Wahine, I am so glad you returned to TE. You are just a wealth of information!!!

[nscrbug]

I have tons of foot issues, and it often takes me months to find the "right" pair of running shoes. Which is one of the reasons why I like to buy from Road Runner Sports. They have a 90-day return policy. Yes, that's right...90-days!! I know of NO other running shoe store that will allow returns after wearing shoes for 3 months. And believe me, I have used their return policy in the past...and it's legit. I bought a pair of shoes from them, and used them for almost 2 months, before deciding they were not the right shoe for me. I returned them with no problems at all. I highly recommend them.

[tangentgirl]

This is why I love TE. I think I've heard it all, then I come here...hooray!

My "it depends" caveat is whether the new shoes are designed to utilize a new/different-to-you running technique (more minimal, more stable, etc.) .

As a matter of fact, yes. I'm moving from a more motion-control type of shoe to a more neutral shoe. I did the Road Runner fancy treadmill/video analysis thing, and they said neutral is best for me, so I'm giving it a try.

you may be compromising your stride

What do you mean, Jess?

Another is to pre-flex the forefoot of your shoe about 60 times before you put it on. If the sole is too stiff the forefoot won't flex as you run which can translate into a slipping heel....

Lastly, a little bodyglide on your heels will often solve the problem at least until the shoes break in a bit.

Going to give all this a try...insoles, flex the shoe, bodyglide, and if all else fails, back to Roadrunner because, yep, I'm all about that 90 day return policy. Even Zappos won't let you send back used shoes.

Thanks!

[jessmarimba]

In that case, your feet may be expecting your shoes to support you in a different way, and the blistering may decrease as you adapt to the new shoes. I'm not certain about achilles blisters, though I could see your heel possibly rubbing one side of the shoe if you're attempting to rely on more support/stiffer insole that's not there. If you were moving to a more supportive shoe its not uncommon to get blisters on the instep, for an opposite example. I'd give them a few more tries with some adaptations.

Forgot about the lacing, Wahine! Mine have been that way so long it didn't even come to mind. Good catch

(Or, it could just be the shoes. I've had one pair of Nikes, ever, and while I did everything I could to make them work, their heels just don't fit me. Sock-eaters.)

[OakLeaf]

Fwiw, I do much better with BandAid Friction Block than Body Glide on my feet. Seems to last longer and soak into my socks less. While it's healing you might cushion the hot spots with Advanced Healing Blister Pads (which are also great for preventing blisters in known trouble spots).

[Wahine]

Wahine, I am so glad you returned to TE. You are just a wealth of information!!!

Thank you Indy. There are advantages to being older, means I've been at this for a while now I guess. You have to learn something here and there.

[tangentgirl]

Update: body glide + the trick with bending the soles back and forth + using the original insoles = problem solved. woot!

[Wahine]

Good news! Happy trails.