I am new to this whole athlete thing. I do not have all the gadgets and gear. Most importantly, I did not have the right sneakers. I have known this for a little while. I have noticed that after my runs, by knees felt tight and sore. My hips were out of whack. I knew this had to be shoe related. (It also could be because I have a big ass, but I am sticking to the shoes).
So, yesterday, I went to a sneaker specialty store. I thought the process would only take 20 minutes, so I drove over before my planned workout. Boy, was I wrong. 90 minutes later, and close to $200 bucks, I walked out with moon boots, anti-microbial socks, and new insoles for my kicks. Let's explain the process.
I walk in, and they first measure my feet. Then, they have me stand on a computer scanner and they measured my arch and my gait. Apparently I have a better arch than I thought. I always considered myself to have flat feet. Apparently, I have a 'flexible arch'. So you think I am finished, nope.
Then, they have me run on a treadmill, barefoot. They take a video of each of my feet, while I run. It shows in slow-mo, that I roll my ankles, where they should be straight. In the end, they recommend a mobility stabilizing shoe. Now, this sounded OK, except all the options in this category are weird looking. They all have extra thick bottoms, are generally flat, and kinda ugly. However, I am really hoping that my knees feel better, so I am up for the challenge. So, this is what I bought:
I am hoping I didn't get taken for a ride. However, I do like this RoadRunner Sports. I can try them for up to 60 days. If I hate them, I can return them covered in mud. I appreciate that. The bad news is I missed my workout to buy these shoes. It just took too long and I could not squeeze it all in. So today is the day that I get my test drive on my gear. Wish me luck!
I think it's a terrific idea that you can try trainers out and return them if they don't do the job... I really struggle with buying the right pair of trainers because I have massive feet (US women's size 12) and in the past have had to make do with what I can find in my size (men's ones, normally) and hope for the best!
ReplyDeleteI own those same shoes but in hot pink not blue. The foot surgeon recommend them. I think they are cute.
ReplyDeleteWooT! That sounds like so much fun. To go get fitted. I'm pretty sure you didn't get taken for a ride. Everyone that I've heard going to one of those stores and getting fitted. I hope you'll LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so exciting to me! To have your feet measured, and your gait analyzed, and waited on... like in a "real" shoe store?? How cool? I wanted to do this before I bought my shoes but the closest store that does this is almost two hours away. So I tried my best to analyze myself.
ReplyDeleteI think $200 for shoes, socks and insoles, plus experienced help (not to mention the option of returning them covered in mud) sounds like a pretty good deal. Let us know how you like them!
That's great, I was in the same boat when I started with my shoe-issue and got some Nike Shox that I absolutely ADORE. It makes a huge difference to have shoes working with you and not against you. I hope that you like them and it was worth all of that time in the store!
ReplyDeleteSounds very thorough to me. Plus, they aren't ugly IMHO. Of course, I would prefer pink but we can't have everything right?
ReplyDeleteWOW! Sounds like a COOL experience..Can't wait to hear how they work...
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