My Forum

Thanks Max's Mum. Out of interest, what shoes are you using?

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. The reason I ask is within the last 2 weeks I bought a pair of Brooks PureFlow for long training runs (training for London marathon). I ran 4, 6, 3, 11, 3, 3 and 13 miles all fine within those 2 weeks. I then ran a fast 4.5 miles and the next morning my peroneal tendon was strained and causing me to limp around. That was 6 days ago and although I'm not limping, it does still hurt slightly (still icing and taking iburpofen).

It seems very clear the cause is the PureFlow. I did the same injury about 2 years ago by foolishly wearing fibram ff's and the PureFlow are the same minimal style shoe, albeit with more cushioning. I clearly need some structure in my shoes.

Before the Brooks, I had beeing running pretty much trouble-free in Newtons and Adidas Boston 3. I eventually switched from Newtons because gave me a tight calf on runs over 5 miles. I eventually switched from the Bostons as the cushioning was too firm for my midfoot strike (I'm 6foot and 65kg - and have been told the Boston is designed for someone 30-40kg heavier hence the firm sole).

So, the advice is that the type of shoe should not be important to a midfoot striker, but my experience seem to contradict this!

I'm also considering whether subtle orthotics would prevent stressing my peroneal tendon again should I choose the wrong shoes? However, I am hesitant to go down this road as it may introduce new problems. What do people think?

Mark, I notice you are based in Kingston. I'm in SW14 so will try to drop in, hopefully at the weekend. I won't be fit to run, but it would be good to see what you would recommend.

Thanks

Hi,

I have been running for over 10 years. Over the past 3+ years have I transitioned successfully to a midfoot/forefoot strike. This has cured me of shin splints as well as improved my speed and endurance. As a result I have smashed my 5k, 10k and half marathon times.

However, I seem to have trouble picking the correct shoes. I have received conflicting advice about whether my flat feet are a concern when choosing shoes.

Some have said it should make no difference whether I get supportive, guidance, neutral or cushioned shoes as if I am running midfoot or forefoot I am landing in front of the arch and it therefore the shoe type never comes into question. This kind of makes sense. If my heel never (or barely) touches the ground (after my midfoot makes contact) then is the arch even in the equation?

Others say that the foot (flat foot in my case) will pronate no matter what touches the ground first.

Anyone out there with experience of gait analsys?