A Shoe Saga
Confession: my feet are weird. They are big, wide, flat, have bunions, and pronate too much. They make buying running shoes annoying instead of fun. Hardly anything seems to fit, and I worry about wearing a shoe that will make my bunion situation worse. I'm constantly jealous of other runners buying lots of shoes in awesome colors. But the reality is we have to (should?) choose the shoes that work best for our bodies and that means taking fit over fashion.
I can't be the only frustrated runner out there with this problem, right?
Since 2010, I've been wearing the Brooks Adrenaline in a women's wide. The shoe is great for me, the width is good, it has mesh over the bunion area, and I don't get any black toenails either. I love everything about it except that the wide color has always been some type of blue and white. Boring! I want fun, bright colors like other running shoes, or at least like the Adrenaline in regular widths. This didn't stop me from wearing it, but it has caused me to look around at other shoes in hopes of finding another good fit in a fun shoe.
I have tried on and/or test run in so many shoes in the stability category that it's ridiculous. Here's the breakdown for anyone with similar issues.
Mizuno Inspire in wide (ran in & returned) - still too narrow, felt constricting, way too tight in the heel
Altra Intuition (ran in & kept) - awesome foot shaped shoe, wide enough, calves don't like running in them even with slow progression, still wear when not running
Saucony Hurricane in wide (ran in & kept) - actually too wide, overly sloppy feel
Asics 2000 in wide (tried on) - still too narrow, too much structured overlay on the bunion area
Mizuno Alchemy (ran in & kept) - wide enough in regular, roomy in bunion area, but too much support
Mizuno Elixir (ran in & kept) - wide enough in regular, less support and less cushion, just ok, plus they discontinued it
Brooks Ravenna (tried on) - no wide version, too narrow
Brooks PureCadence (tried on) - no wide version, way too narrow, holy cow how does anyone get their foot in this thing...even the men's version was too narrow
Hoka Bondi B2 (tried on) - no wide version, needed size 10.5 (only came up to size 10), unsure of stability
Asics 3000 (ran in & kept) - no wide version, toe box could be bigger toward pinky toe but good mesh over bunion area, overall pretty good
Saucony Guide 7 in wide (ran in & kept) - almost too wide but roomy in bunion area, very cushy, overall good
Each time, I find the Brooks Adrenaline in women's wide to be the only shoe to really fit my foot. I've even tried men's versions of some shoes because companies like to suggest that as a wider option. I swear the men's shoes don't fit the same in the arch and heel as women's wide, and I get frustrated when companies think 'try men's shoes' is a valid answer for having no wides. I've been told this before on Twitter.
But now? Brooks removed the wide version of the Adrenaline trail shoe from the line, and the new Adrenaline road shoe felt more narrow than in the past. What!? The Adrenaline 14 also has more structure in the upper, meaning it doesn't leave the bunion area as open and feels more uncomfortable. So not only do I need to find a new trail shoe, I might have to find a new road shoe too. Sorry Brooks, I love you but I don't like you much right now.
On the bright side, the new Saucony Guide 7 seems to fit me fairly well. It's not the perfect Brooks Adrenaline fit and I've only run in them one time so far, but I have high hopes. Even better, the color I wanted came in wide! It was like a dream come true, at least in my running shoe world. I'll try to do a full review blog post a bit later when I have more run data.
With regards to trail shoes, I'm still at a loss. I've tried on the Salomon Mission and it felt good, but it's technically not a stability shoe so I have concerns there. Most trail shoes are not available in a wide version, meaning I really might have to resort to men's shoes and hope for the best with the arch and heel fit. If you know of any great fitting, wide toe-box trail shoes, please do send them my way! For now, I'm stocking up on the Brooks Adrenaline ASR in the old version.
Tell me, what are your shoe woes? Do you try different shoes or stick to one favorite?
I can't be the only frustrated runner out there with this problem, right?
Since 2010, I've been wearing the Brooks Adrenaline in a women's wide. The shoe is great for me, the width is good, it has mesh over the bunion area, and I don't get any black toenails either. I love everything about it except that the wide color has always been some type of blue and white. Boring! I want fun, bright colors like other running shoes, or at least like the Adrenaline in regular widths. This didn't stop me from wearing it, but it has caused me to look around at other shoes in hopes of finding another good fit in a fun shoe.
I have tried on and/or test run in so many shoes in the stability category that it's ridiculous. Here's the breakdown for anyone with similar issues.
Mizuno Inspire in wide (ran in & returned) - still too narrow, felt constricting, way too tight in the heel
Altra Intuition (ran in & kept) - awesome foot shaped shoe, wide enough, calves don't like running in them even with slow progression, still wear when not running
Saucony Hurricane in wide (ran in & kept) - actually too wide, overly sloppy feel
Asics 2000 in wide (tried on) - still too narrow, too much structured overlay on the bunion area
Mizuno Alchemy (ran in & kept) - wide enough in regular, roomy in bunion area, but too much support
Mizuno Elixir (ran in & kept) - wide enough in regular, less support and less cushion, just ok, plus they discontinued it
Brooks Ravenna (tried on) - no wide version, too narrow
Brooks PureCadence (tried on) - no wide version, way too narrow, holy cow how does anyone get their foot in this thing...even the men's version was too narrow
Hoka Bondi B2 (tried on) - no wide version, needed size 10.5 (only came up to size 10), unsure of stability
Asics 3000 (ran in & kept) - no wide version, toe box could be bigger toward pinky toe but good mesh over bunion area, overall pretty good
Saucony Guide 7 in wide (ran in & kept) - almost too wide but roomy in bunion area, very cushy, overall good
Asics 3000, I like this color combo.
Each time, I find the Brooks Adrenaline in women's wide to be the only shoe to really fit my foot. I've even tried men's versions of some shoes because companies like to suggest that as a wider option. I swear the men's shoes don't fit the same in the arch and heel as women's wide, and I get frustrated when companies think 'try men's shoes' is a valid answer for having no wides. I've been told this before on Twitter.
But now? Brooks removed the wide version of the Adrenaline trail shoe from the line, and the new Adrenaline road shoe felt more narrow than in the past. What!? The Adrenaline 14 also has more structure in the upper, meaning it doesn't leave the bunion area as open and feels more uncomfortable. So not only do I need to find a new trail shoe, I might have to find a new road shoe too. Sorry Brooks, I love you but I don't like you much right now.
On the bright side, the new Saucony Guide 7 seems to fit me fairly well. It's not the perfect Brooks Adrenaline fit and I've only run in them one time so far, but I have high hopes. Even better, the color I wanted came in wide! It was like a dream come true, at least in my running shoe world. I'll try to do a full review blog post a bit later when I have more run data.
Colors I really LIKE! Definitely a plus for Saucony.
With regards to trail shoes, I'm still at a loss. I've tried on the Salomon Mission and it felt good, but it's technically not a stability shoe so I have concerns there. Most trail shoes are not available in a wide version, meaning I really might have to resort to men's shoes and hope for the best with the arch and heel fit. If you know of any great fitting, wide toe-box trail shoes, please do send them my way! For now, I'm stocking up on the Brooks Adrenaline ASR in the old version.
Tell me, what are your shoe woes? Do you try different shoes or stick to one favorite?
I think my biggest shoe woe is that I find a shoe I love, and don't let it go...then cry when it's updated or (HORRORS!) totally removed from the shelves.
ReplyDeleteNow, I can't swear 100% here, but one option/though might be to try a men's shoe (*ducks*), but with an insert (I'm thinking Superfeet) designed for people with high arches (the green ones, I believe). This might let you get the best of all worlds: wide enough fit, stability, AND some arch support. I can't swear to it, but it's possible that the insert will provide enough "customization" that a men's shoe becomes comfy. In the meantime, I'll keep my ears open in the trail shoe department. Good luck! :)
No need to duck - that's a really good idea to use inserts with men's shoes. I hadn't thought of that! That could be the answer to my trail shoe width issue, men's Adrenaline ASR + inserts. Definitely going to try it. THANK YOU!
DeleteNo problem - fingers crossed that it works for your feet!
DeleteI'm struggling with shoes. My beloved 2011 Newton Gravity have way too many miles on them now to be safe. The 2012's I think caused all my heel and hip problems because they ran big. I ended up exchanging them for a smaller size but I think the damage was done. Now I'm running in the 2013's and they are causing my toes/forefoot to go numb. I can't win.
ReplyDeleteOh no, that's so terrible! It sucks when shoe companies have a great product and then change it a lot, that's the problem I'm having with the new Adrenaline. Terrible you were injured because of it. :(
DeleteI'd HIGHLY recommend you try the ALTRA PROVISIONESS 1.5's. These shoes have a removable stability wedge that allows you to have a lot or not so much stability depending on your specific stability needs. These shoes represent a WIDE toebox and a zerodrop running shoe. From their Website "The all-new Provisioness™ 1.5 combines lightweight, female-specific design with a unique stability wedge that provides support without weakening the foot over time like traditional dual-density stability. The removable stability wedge assists women with fallen arches, overpronation and excessive Q angles. The Zero Drop™ platform promotes better posture and alignment by placing the heels of balls of your feet equidistant from the ground. Lace up, hit the road and immediately feel the stability and comfort of the all-new Provisioness™ 1.5. "
ReplyDeleteAltra's are the only shoe I've ever seen that is truly foot shaped and not pointed at the end. The result is a very roomy toebox (you wont need a wide). http://www.altrazerodrop.com/fitness/en/Altra/Women/provisioness-15-womens
Yes I agree on the width and shape being great, and thanks for the suggestion! I actually have tried the Provisioness too, I forgot to add them to my list. I wear them all the time outside of running, but I had a heck of a time trying to run in them. Started with 0.5 miles each day for a while, major calf pain. Got to 2 miles over about 2-3 months but still had calf pain. Such a bummer! Apparently my body doesn't like zero drop.
DeleteThat's too bad. I was going to suggest Altras too -- I love the roomy toe box!
DeleteI don't have all the troubles you have, but shoe shopping has become a nerve wracking event more than just fun. My feet swell during long races leading to bloody toes. I've tried different shoes to help eleviate this, but it led to one pair that felt fine at the start and then gave me PF a few weeks later. So, I still have bloody feet, but I guess it's better than PF. Glad to hear you found some with fun colors!
ReplyDeleteI am SO happy to hear someone else has this problem! I can't figure out for the life of me why this happens even when I'm buying bigger shoes with wide toe boxes. Have you found any solutions???
DeleteUm, this sounds way worse than my predicament with wides - bloody toes? Eek! Is it from rubbing or jamming forward like when going downhill? Just curious, I don't have any good answers. :(
DeleteI swear I'm not paid by Altra you guys. But EB and Alicia should both look into the ALTRA shoe line. The only shoe I've seen with a natural toebox. Bloody toes are caused by crammed toeboxes that come to a point at the end. Your foot does not come to a point. Check out the Altra line.
DeleteBrian I love it. :) Makes me want to try running in mine again too! It's been a while, maybe my calves have gotten better...?
DeleteThanks for sharing - it is good to know I'm not alone with trying a million pairs of shoes. I just bought a pair of Men's Saucony's Guide (6) and seem to be doing okay in them. I'm encouraged that you like the Guide 7 - initial reviews of those seem to be good! Keep me posted on how they work!
ReplyDeleteI don't see New Balance in the mix, but I know they have widths. Maybe try them? In the meantime, maybe try to find the old ones online so you at least have working shoes while you continue testing? I hear you on the shoe woes; I've been through MANY brands and models!
ReplyDeleteI agree with trying out New Balance - they're a naturally wider shoe, and the 870/860 or the 1260 might be a good place to start. They've got some good stability and they're a great shoe. And they've made some good changes in the past few years in terms of colors and construction of the shoes. Or Asics Kayano, although I'm not sure about the overlays in the forefront of the shoe.
DeleteThanks Elise and Layla! I should look at them next time I buy shoes. I have no idea why I haven't tried them.
DeleteI wear the Saucony Progrid Rides, I have the Ride 3 and Ride 5. I tried Brooks Ravenna one time but they just felt like huge boats on my feet. I love the Rides, so hopefully they won't stop making them lol
ReplyDeleteEek I hope they don't stop making them for you! Glad to have something that works. :)
DeleteI have shoe problems too. Not the same but I am always searching for the perfect shoe. I have narrow feet and long toes. Also I supinate which is not common and most shoes put too much support and push me out farther. Anyway. I love the Brooks Ghost lately. Have your tried those? Many people also love the Nike Pegasus, so that might be worth a shot.... But I feel your pain. On the color situation too... most the shoes I pick only come in all over pink. I do not like pink that much. Lol.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried the Ghost, mostly because I use stability. My hubby loves the Ghost though!
DeleteOMG, a shoe twin! I've had the exact same issue. A loyal user of the Brooks Adrenaline but with wide feet, they are SO boring. May give the Saucony Guide a try...
ReplyDeleteI'm liking the Saucony Guide pretty well, although I wouldn't say I like them better than the Adrenaline yet. Something about those Adrenalines...
DeleteOh man - the Brooks Adrenaline 14 width is pink & salmon colored I think this time?! I was surprised! But no good it got narrower... Hope the Saucony Guide 7s work out for you -- I'll let you know if I come up with another shoe idea that might work for you!
ReplyDeleteYes! I actually don't mind the new color, I was glad it wasn't blue. :) I really think it felt narrower, perhaps I could go with the 2E.
DeleteHi! I just found this board and happy to hear others with the same woes. I keep buying and returning shoes. I have bunions and training for my first HALF. I ended up with Asics 2000's and they are good but needed a E width. Now I need a 9 / E width because I'm getting bloody toes ;-( These sneakers are great but I cant believe weating an E I still had issues. I'm not going to try Mizuno Wave Inspire in D width - has anyone tried them?
ReplyDeleteSabrina
Hi Sabrina! It's always nice to find others with similar issues and to help each other along. I did try on the Mizuno Wave Inspire in D, and I found them to be way to narrow. I'm still doing well with the Brooks Adrenaline 13 in D, but since the newer version 14 felt snug I'm going to try it in the 2E width instead. I hate the IDEA of going to a 2E, but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. Good luck with your shoes, hopefully no more bloody toes. I always go up half size in my run shoes to account for foot swelling.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recommendations. I don't have bunions but very similar feet issues. My current favorites are the Brooks Ravennas.
On another note, what do you all do for casual and dress shoes.
I like Birkenstocks sandals for good arch support and also the basic Dansko Professional clog. The cuter flat I've had luck with is the Vivobarefoot Jing Jing. It is a barefoot shoe so not supported, but strangely comfortable and wide enough. It's more foot shaped than most flats. http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/jing-jing-ladies?colour=Black
Deletehave you tried New Balance? They do fairly well with 4EE 's . check out their website. it has more selection than the new balance corporate stores.
ReplyDelete