Help! Do I need new shoes? Orthotics?

<< Rams Bladder >>

just a fooball!

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Quoted message said:

I have a question for your consideration.

You're talking to the right guy. Shoot-->

Quoted message said:

My feet have just started to
ache during my runs (but are fine after showering and putting on street
clothes), do my shoes need to be replaced?

More than likely.

Quoted message said:

size 12 New Balance 856's, 220 miles wear on
the shoes.

All treadmill miles? I've had NB's wear out quickly too, so it is possible.
However I did hard street miles, not treadmill.

Quoted message said:

If this is true, then I need to invest in a good OTC
orthotic.

Not a big fan of them. Try new shoes first.

Quoted message said:

It would extend the natural life of my shoe, and it would
actually save money since they are supposed to last through a few pairs
of shoes.

At $400 for custom ortho's, they'd better last a lot longer than that to pay
for themselves.

Quoted message said:

Any validity to the theory that perhaps the liner is what is
going out?

A lot cheaper to try than ortho's.

Quoted message said:

Lastly, if you think the shoe is on it's last legs, can you recommend a
shoe that may last longer than the NB 856? I have had my eye on the
Kayano X, but I don't know if they will do any better. Opinions?

Asics is a tough shoe, try them.

Quoted message said:

just a fooball!

You're so helpful.

I appreciate the reply, thanks! I guess I used the wrong term earlier.
I said "orthotic", but what I had in mind was a nice $25 sorbothane
insole that you can buy at the running store. Does this change your
opinion at all?

Rams Bladder

Quoted message said:

I said "orthotic", but what I had in mind was a nice $25 sorbothane
insole that you can buy at the running store. Does this change your
opinion at all?

No, "rams bladder" is still a silly name. But on the question of inserts, I'd
say try them before new shoes, it's much easier and cheaper.

Quoted message said:

I have a question for your consideration. My feet have just started to
ache during my runs (but are fine after showering and putting on
street clothes), do my shoes need to be replaced?

Certainly couldn't hurt.

Quoted message said:

Vitals: 40 year old male, 200lbs, 25 miles per week on a treadmill,
moderate over-pronator, size 12 New Balance 856's, 220 miles wear on
the shoes.

Yes, but how old are they? The rubber/foam in them slowly deteriorates from
exposure to air. If they're old, throw them out, or use them to mow the
lawn. I throw mine out every 6 months, regardless of mileage. I firmly
believe new, properly fitted shoes are the #1 way to prevent injuries.

Quoted message said:

I have read that you should expect approximately 400-600 miles on a
pair of shoes. Obviously there are many variables that go into this.
However, with my mileage I am way short of even the conservative end
of what is expected.

Yes, but your are a bit heavier than the "average" runner that shoes are
designed for.

Quoted message said:

I hate to think that I may only have a few weeks left of wear in them.
Good shoes are expensive but necessary - especially for a Clydesdale
class runner. :o) Maybe something else is wrong, I don't know. Here's

True, shoes are expensive. Be glad you're not a cyclist. Shoes go bad, you
spend what, $100? When I replace my bike(s), it's $2k-5k every other year
or so, depending on my financial situation. We're not even going to discuss
how much I spent on my racing karts in my younger days. Running is a *very*
cheap sport to participate in. That's one reason why I like it so much.

Quoted message said:

a theory that I would also like to bounce off of you knowledgeable
folk: perhaps the liner is what is going right now and the shoe
actually has more life. If this is true, then I need to invest in a
good OTC orthotic. It would extend the natural life of my shoe, and
it would actually save money since they are supposed to last through
a few pairs of shoes. Any validity to the theory that perhaps the
liner is what is going out?

Those stock "liners" or "insoles" are [censored]. Toss them out, go here:
http://www.yoursole.com/index.htm. If you like something a little more
"cushy", you might try the Sorbothane or Spenco insoles.

Quoted message said:

Lastly, if you think the shoe is on it's last legs, can you recommend
a shoe that may last longer than the NB 856? I have had my eye on the
Kayano X, but I don't know if they will do any better. Opinions?
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

If you truly are a Clydesdale, and suffer from low or flat arches, then you
owe it to yourself to try out the Brooks Beast at least once. Other than
that, if you have one, go to a *real* running store and get *properly*
fitted for a shoe that matches *your* gait and physiology. You'll be very
glad you did in the long run, no pun intended.

Regards,
H.