I’m hoping the wonderful world of ST could help me out with my running shoe woes.
Over the last 2 or so years my running has been plagued with injuries, achilles tendonitis (3x), shin splints, tibial stress fracture, etc. I was thinking it might have to do with my shoes. I’ve been running in Asics Kayanos, they were the first shoe that were recommended to me when I first started running and they worked great for around 3 years, went through many pairs and went injury free for the entire time, with my running form improving quite a bit (quicker, shorter strides, less pounding my feet onto the pavement, much more relaxed and smooth than when I first started).
As I improved, however, I started getting injured, then injured again, and again, and I’m starting to think that the Kayanos might have something to do with this, so I’ve been considering trying something else (reading a few threads on ST saying negative things about the Kayano has influenced this decision). I tried a local running shop, but they insisted that I use Kayanos, why I don’t know. I tried another shop and they put me in Asics Evolutions with blue Superfeet insoles, and it was ridiculously uncomfortable, I couldn’t even run for a mile before my feet and legs felt like shit.
Here is the catch: I have wide, flat feet. My Kayanos are in 2E width for the wide toebox to accommodate them, and bunions don’t help. My feet aren’t the flattest I’ve seen, but my arches are definitely lower than most.
Other info, I’m 20 years old, 155-170 lbs depending on time of year and current injury, mild-moderate overpronator. I am not the most flexible person out there, but I’m working on it. Been running anywhere from 0-35 or 40 miles a week again depending on current injury. Races range from sprints to 70.3. Haven’t done a standalone running race in awhile, but I ran a 37 10K off the bike at Wildflower this year. During training runs I have no problem holding 6 min/mile for 10 or so miles.
So, any recommendations on shoes? Orthodics, perhaps? Let me know what you think.
Thanks.
If you are only 20 years old and as low as 155 lbs, you likely are in “too much” of a shoe. You probably won’t have much success just ditching them though and running in a flat right away, but switching to a more neutral shoe is the way to go. If 2 different shops put you in that much shoe/OTC inserts, we can glean that you do likely pronate too much. But, that does not necessarily mean you need shoes like that.
I’d suggest starting with a light stability shoe (i.e. the Asics DS trainer - still has a medial rearfoot post) at first, then slowly go down from there.
Thanks for the advice, I’ve been thinking about the DS trainer as well, however from what I have heard they are pretty narrow in the toes, and Asics does not make a wider version that I know of. That being said I’ve never actually tried them on, I’ll try to do so just to see.
I guess another question regarding wider shoes is would it cause a lot of harm if I went half a size or an entire size larger, but in a normal width, to accommodate wide feet? My casual shoes are a half size bigger (but in the standard width) than my running shoes and they are pretty comfortable and somewhat roomy, but I don’t run in those.
Listen to rroof. As an example, I was running in a stability shoe for years (Nike triax) and earler this year finally saw someone experienced with this and said I really should not be in a stability shoe, and recommended I try a neutral shoe and green superfeet, and it has worked out pretty well (Asics cumulus). He said way to many people are running in stability shoes that really should not be.
Thanks for the advice, I’ve been thinking about the DS trainer as well, however from what I have heard they are pretty narrow in the toes, and Asics does not make a wider version that I know of. That being said I’ve never actually tried them on, I’ll try to do so just to see.
I guess another question regarding wider shoes is would it cause a lot of harm if I went half a size or an entire size larger, but in a normal width, to accommodate wide feet? My casual shoes are a half size bigger (but in the standard width) than my running shoes and they are pretty comfortable and somewhat roomy, but I don’t run in those.
I have FLAT feet and my toes really take up quite a bit of room. I have run in the DS trainers with great success (although, I also used them with orthotics in them).
After bad ITBS I went to sport’s doc to check what’s the problem and how to kill it permanently and after video analysis it was obvious that I run like a cripple. Foot going in one direction knee in other. New shoes and complete custom soles hopefully solves the problem. I strongly recommend you (if possible) to do the same. Hardcore running is a huge stress for your body. Better prevent further injuries than not be able to run anymore, or as fast as you could.
if the asics ds is a little narrow for ya (me as well) I rotate the Kswiss Mi-souls with the lwt inserts (10.3 oz) with the Brooks ravenna, both extremely close to the ds trainer but fit wider feet alot better as well does the Brooks Axiom 2
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Thanks for the recommendations, I’ll definitely check those out along with the DS trainers.
Has anyone tried the New Balance 903/904’s? How do those compare to the DS trainers? I ask because I see that New Balance does offer those in wider sizes, should the other options not fit as well.
The NB 903/904 is an EXCELLENT shoe for people transitioning. Has a good medial support, but very light with little other control. Great shoe. Definitely wider in the forefoot if you need that for fit.
Similar boat, but female…as far as feet go.
I’m 31 now (gracious that comes out ugly) and 120lbs. I have darn near close to flat feet and fairly wide toebox.
I ran in the Brooks Ariel forever…then changed out of them because I really don’t need that much control. I went into a neutral shoe too quickly and ended up with an injury.
I am back in the Ariel and my PT and doc want to gradually move me down to neutral because while I have flatish feet, I run like a high arch runner and actually run forefoot as my natural stride.
Whatever you do, do it slowly. Don’t just jump into a totally different type of shoe.
good luck!
If you want to stay with Asics and don’t want to go with the Ds-Trainer (ds-trainer is much more flater than the Kayano), you can buy the 2140 which got more cushoning.
I have similar feet, very flat, a little wider than most. I’m a tad 
larger than you. I tried a pair of NB 902’s and now have three pairs in the closet. Haven’t tried the 903 or 904 but when the 902’s turn to dust I should be transitioned to a Pearl Izumi Streak. Supposedly a flat but they have a little support and I’m able to run in them without injury. Works for me…I like to feel the running surface…
I have a similar problem to you, overpronator, but my feet are narrow - B Width. I also weigh in the 165 - 170 lbs range. I have been using New Balance 902 / 903 / 904 for a long time as a tempo / speed work / race shoe. I match this to a custom orthotic made by a podiatrist. For long runs and to switch things up on me feet I also run in the 1223 / 1224 version. I have not been let down by New Balance.
I just wanted to follow up to my shoe finding quest.
I decided to go with the New Balance 904’s (team discount at the run shop helped make this decision, for some reason it doesn’t apply towards Asics product…weird). After going for a few runs in them, all I can say is WOW. They make a difference for sure, and I am able to run with more focus on a mid-forefoot strike rather than the backish of the foot strike that I had trouble with the Kayanos. Having less support doesn’t seem to bother my feet at all, even now after only a few runs my Kayanos just feel awkward. Definitely very happy with this shoe. Still I feel that injuries may be caused by behavior as much as footwear, so I have to try to remember to be careful and not to push it too hard.
Huge thanks to everyone who supplied their advice and opinions, I think with your help you have reestablished my love for running.