As I don’t have anything to say that I haven’t said before about the R race (and anything I say might make things worse), I thought I would review a product I consider excellent.
A few weeks ago, Glenn Reynolds noted that Amazon was offering “bestsellers in running shoes.” That got my attention, because I have a serious running shoe problem. I have Hallux rigidus in my right foot, and the condition has worsened over the years, and my right foot has become one painful size larger than my left. I run three miles every other day, and sometimes it is just murder, because I favor my painful right foot while running, meaning I run with a bit of a limp. This leads to lower back pain, which sucks because no one wants to hear about it. Hell, I don’t want to hear about it. I hate people who whine and complain about lower back pain. Doctors hate them too.
The worst part is trying to fund running shoes that don’t hurt. Last year I wasted a couple of days going to stores and learning that my size (8 toi 9) is “hard to find” because both men and boys buy them. (Doh! So, why not make more, if they’re more in demand? Are these places not in business?) After a frustrating search I finally found a questionable pair of Nike running shoes sort of in my size which have never really worked out, as they’re poorly designed and seem flat. The left one is too big and unstable, and I had to lace the right one one eyelet up so it doesn’t hurt as much. Trust me, this makes for some very frustrating running. I have come to dread it every day, and at 57 I am not getting any younger, am I?
So when I saw Glenn’s Amazon bestsellers in men’s running shoes link, I figured, what’s to lose? Frankly, I wish I had thought of this before, because the reason I can’t buy running shoes in stores is that they never seem to have my size, but online… well, it’s simple math. You just find your size and click it — something you absolutely cannot do in a store.
I clicked the link, not knowing what I would find, and I was very pleased to see that Amazon ranks bestselling running shoes in order of popularity. I couldn’t care less about brand names, and I certainly have no loyalty to Nike (in fact I hate them for hurting my feet!), so I just figured I’d try my luck with this Amazon best seller: “ASICS,” a brand I had never heard of before.
Rather than get a nine and have one too big I decided I would compromise and get an 8 1/2 if I could find them in triple width, which, amazingly, was no problem. I’ve never bought running shoes this way, as I have been conditioned to think you should always try shoes on first, but I thought “Hell I can always return them!” Today I finally tried them out, and I felt like a new man. All of a sudden my feet had support. They didn’t hurt or bind, the left one was not loose, and I was treated to a faster and more enjoyable run than I can remember having in years. No wonder the brand is a best seller. And hours later, here I am, with no back pain!
I never, ever, could have found these in this size in any local store.
I would rate the shoes and my experience Five Stars!
UPDATE: Thank you, Glenn Reynolds for the link, and a warm welcome to all.
I should add that these running shoes continue to perform flawlessly; I ran again with them today, and I understand why they’re an Amazon bestseller.
While I can’t deny that there are good running shoe stores, in my experience, they often don’t have my size(s), and they tend to be staffed by people who mean well, but are limited by stock they have on hand. If like me you need an oddball size, I highly recommend using Amazon.
Comments welcome.
Comments
18 responses to “My gain, with no pain!”
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve been using Vibram Five Fingers shoes for running recently, since they make you run on the ball of your foot instead of the heel. However, it puts my calves through an INTENSE workout, and they’re usually sore for the next day. If this doesn’t go away, I’ll probably switch back to traditional running shoes, and I’ll definitely think hard about getting the Asics you found on Amazon.
[…] As Hard As They Can Posted on March 2, 2012 5:18 pm by Bill Quick Classical Values » My gain, with no pain! A few weeks ago, Glenn Reynolds noted that Amazon was offering “bestsellers in running […]
Being called classical values and all I thought you might find interesting the source of the ASICS name:
Anima Sana in Corpore Sano
I’ve been running (and walking) in Asics for over thirty years. They don’t spend $$$ on advertising, rather they make fine shoes.
“Find shoes that match your feet and then stick with them” is good advice. And Asics doesn’t create “new models” willy-nilly so it’s easy to replace em when they get worn.
I’ve been buying shoes on Amazon for about seven years. The reason I started wasn’t me — though finding walking shoes that are pretty enough for me to wear skirts with (I often wear skirts in summer) helps and I only find them on Amazon: running shoes that look like pumps or boots help too.
I started buying shoes on Amazon as soon as I figured out they had size sixteen men’s. My older son started wearing those at thirteen and at first we had to go to Denver to get them, because our town is too small to support a population of Big Footed Critters I guess. Even in Denver they were carried only in one store and not always in stock. I don’t remember how I figured out they were available on Amazon, but it’s entirely possible it was one of Glenn’s links that I followed on a whim. Anyway, it saves us from driving to Denver and hitting the shoe store and HOPING they carry size sixteen at that time. (Which was not always the case.) As an added bonus, if I check a few times a year, periodically I find those very large sizes on sale and stock up for the kid. (He’s a mutant. His dad is a 12 and his brother is a 13.) I love living in the digital age.
If you’ve found a pair you like, go buy three more and rotate them until they wear out. You never know when they will discontinue that model.
I have plantar fasciitis and my physical therapist had me buy “The Beast” from Brooks. They’ve done very well for me. I have the same size feet, but legs of slightly differing length. Also, they last far longer than the Addidas I had been buying (and liked until my arches fell). My wife now buys them, too! It at first feels like you have boards strapped to your feet, but that’s the whole point – rigidity. Good Luck!
I gave up running because of halux rigidus. However, I’ve found that walking 45 minutes every day rather than running every other day works pretty well for me. It keeps me in shape and is easier on my body. I just wear Timberland Oxfords.
Running exercise is good for your health. Better health, less health care cost.
Why doesn’t Obama require insurance company cover your running shoes?
Asics are really good but like all higher end running shoes you’d do well to get them from a good running shoe shop, because they’ll know how to fit you with the right model to deal with your issues.
As for the Five Fingers, I understand it takes a month to 6 weeks for the calf pain to go away then you’re good to go. I don’t run in Five Fingers but wear them around the house and for walking. They do wonders for my messed up ankles and feet. (Bad tendinitis).
Instead of running I learned how to shoot. 60 years old and my knees and feet are fine.
Amazon recently bought Zappos and Zappos are absolutely the very best place ever to buy shoes. They are seriously good, fast, and have lots of write ups about the shoes you are looking at. If you can’t try them on, you can at least get a good idea of whether or not it’s worth ordering. Not to mention they have most awesome customer service. Good luck finding more shoes you like online!
My husband has small, wide feet, and he has a tough time finding comfortable shoes. I do most of the searching for him, so I empathize with your search for well-fitting shoes. Asics is the one brand of athletic shoe that fits him well.
I also have hallux rigidus in my right foot. The “knuckle” of my big toe has become large and stiff and causes pain after running. Because of that and some arthritic knee issues (I’m 59), I use elliptical trainers and bicycles for cardio exercise but I also like to take a 15-20 minute walk every day. Believe me I know how good it is to find a comfortable pair of shoes. IMO it’s possible that the main factor working for you in your new shoes is the triple E width. I’ve found that I can buy shoes a half-size smaller if they are wide enough. As a result, I have some comfortable size 11 wide shoes that don’t pinch my right foot as much as regular width 11 1/2 shoes would.
So I’m not running but I am walking. I park 15 blocks away from work and get two walks a day (sometimes whether I like it or not). You may find that stiff-soled shoes are, counterintuitively, easier to walk in because the foot/toe bends less. Joints swell in order to prevent movement; when you make the movement anyway it causes pain. Right now my favorite pair of shoes for waliing to work is a Rohde size 11 wide with a perforated upper. I may buy my next pair on Amazon :^)
Vibram 5-Fingers allowed me to run again after giving it up due to numerous foot/knee/hip issues so I am stalwart in their defense and yes, calf MUSCLE soreness is a side effect, esp. early in the transition. However, the key to injury avoidance, IMO, is less the shoe and more the stride. Mid-foot running is the key, and it can be done efficiently in any shoes. It can be done BETTER in low-heel, minimalist shoes like V5Fs, New Balance Nimbus or Merrel Trail Gloves.
Asics are a great choice for you; they’re one of the few athletic shoes that I’ve sold and thought were worth the money.
Given the width issues you are having, I would also suggest New Balance and their dress/casual/boot line Dunham as brands you can generally trust for quality and size availability. In their higher quality shoes, they’ll stock men’s 6.5 to 15 and AA to 6E. With a wide foot and hallux rigidus, the NB 856 would be good running one, and the NB 927 would be a good walking shoe. (But don’t bother with any New Balance numbered less than 800 or so … they’re nothing like the better ones.)
As for stores to get fitted, your best bet is to skip the chain athletic shoe stores (Finish Line, Foot Locker) in favor of independent running or comfort stores. Not only will you get a better curated selection quality shoes in a variety of sizes, you’ll also find salespeople who know what they’re talking about. (I imagine you had several conversations that went: You, “I have a hallus rigidus.” Shoe guy, “Huh?”)
My credentials: I’ve worked in comfort shoes (on and off through college and law school) for the last 8 years. Also, my husband wears 13 6E, so I know the pain of trying to find odd sized shoes.
my right foot has become one painful size larger than my left.
Then buy two pairs, one size apart. Yeah, that leaves you with extra shoes. So contact the National Odd Shoe Exchange. If you can find a partner with matching opposite sides, you’re golden. (DISCLAIMER: I don’t need and have never used the NSOE. I heard about them years ago from an asymmetrical co-worker.)
Listen to CJ!