I am 150 lb nuetral runner and have resorted to running in the New Balance 991’s because of injuries…But can running in such a heavy shoe cause other injuries or just make me feel that much faster when I wear my racing flats.
This is the only shoe I run in. I have used it and its predecessor the 990 for about 6 years now. I use a size 14 4E with a custom orthotic insert and have no run issues even remotely attributable to the shoe. Attributable to my lard-ass-bad-running-attitude is another story.
I tend to get twisted ankles when I use heavy shoes. I’m not sure if it’s because my feet become slower or because there is less road feel.
If you only weight 150 you probably don’t need heavy running shoes.
Here’s a quick story. I ran 750 miles in Nov.,Dec., Jan. this past winter. I was running in adidas Boston’s but they broke down on me at 250-300 miles. I thought it was ridiculous to buy a new pair of shoes every months, so after I ran the LA marathon in early march I started running barefoot on the golf course behind my house when I started up again. After that I ran in nothing but old racing flats or on the golf course for April, May and June.
I only brought two pair of shoes with me when I came to Iraq in July; a pair of Brooks T3s with the insole ripped out and a pair of 8 oz. Asics flats. I am up to seven hours of running a week and more than half of that is in the Brooks shoe that has zero cushioning left. Over time your feet and legs adapt to the lack of cushioning and then you don’t need it anymore. I have been conservative in my mileage increases, but so far no problems.
It may not work for everyone, but it sure works for me.
Chad
Had an issue with asics nimbus calf cramping put raised heel orthotics solved the cramping then got knee and lower back pain,bought a pair of new balance 7 series had (n\b originally) put a 2mm heel raise in problems solved. Ithink there is to much cushioning in some running shoes this creates a lot of foot movement inside the shoe not an expert just a thought?
Hey DG, yeah some shoes may definetely have too much cushioning but that’s why there are so many shoes to choose from. a lot of people look at a shoe like the Nimbus, see the price, and decide that since they need a nuetral shoe more $$$ must mean a better shoe and go with it. In running shoes the trend among many companies is that while thier higher ticket shoes (ie Asics Nimbus $110 versus thier Landreth $90) do offer more cushioning they are generally geared towards heavier runners. So the decision to go from a mid range shoe to a high end shoe should be again based more on your actual needs as the more expensive shoe is often not the shoe you should be buying. Also while soft and cushy is nice a lot of people do better with a firmer shoe that can remain nuetral but still provide some good support, especially if you are dropping orthotics in them. anyways some food for thought.
With you talking about your calf cramping and your solution it might also be a calf flexibility problem. The lift reduces the range of motion the muscle goes through and keeps the pain away the shock absorbing motion of your foot strike is hampered. A lot of stretching and possibly massage might be the ticket. Also look for shoes with a firmer rearfoot, ie avoid most Nike, any asics with thier IGS system. Go for shoes like the Adidas Supernova Cushion, Brooks Dyad…
And if I’m completely off base just visit a good running store.
It is somewhat puzzling to me that the weight obsession we see in cycling does not come in to running shoes. It would seem to me that weight in running shoes would make a lot more difference than weight in bike parts given the obvious picking your feet up and setting them down over and over again.
I’m a much heavier runner at 195. I’ve run in asics numbus for years, but recently switch to the asics landreth a lighter shoe with less support. I’ve eliminated probably 1/2 lb from my feet and feel like my legs are getting stronger because they have to work harder to stabilize me etc.
The Landreth probably wouldn’t be appropriate for you if you are an over pronator, but perhaps the asics Gel DS trainer or the 2100. (okay so you should really go a good running store and have them hook you up) I’ve really bought into lighter, less cushioned, less control, but I also feel like I’ve been running long enough and far enough that my legs/body are ready for the change.
Running is hard, finding the right shoe is hard. Go some place were they can get you the correct shoe.