I currently run in asics. I bought a pair from Ross I think they are the Gel Nimbus 9 (black and green) for $20. Couldn’t resist. I have also ran in asics for the last 2 years. I have a real high arch, and towards the end of the season last year, my achilles area and outside calf muscle area have tightened up a lot, and become tender after a run. THis was never the case. I was wondering if this was from the shoes-not proper support or from just getting older (I say that and I am only 31). I also have one leg a little longer than the other-but don’t most people?
should I look into newtons? stay with asics? any other shoes worth checking out. I live 45 minutes from DC and was looking to go to a good running store-is Pacers any good? any other recommendations?
I’ve had the same experience and am currently running in Asics Cumulus, they are just a little less cush than the nimbus. I’ve also been happy in some of the Saucony neutral shoes. I’ve had to fight through a decent bought with Achilles tendinitis and other than a cool party trick (the grinding sensation) it’s no fun, but I did learn a few things.
Stretch the gastroc – In addition to the typical lean against the wall with a straight leg, heel down stretch, stretch the gastroc by standing more upright knee flexed and push your knee forward. You should feel this in the upper calf “under” the big muscles.
Soft shoes are not always better. Drop from the neutral+ shoes to the neutral shoes. The extra cushioning can just further stress already tight muscles/tendons. No nike airs.
I would stay far, far away from Newtons. Although I have never personally used them, when I was healing from my Achilles tendinitis, the doctor had me using heel wedges in my shoes, to reduce the stretch/strain on my tendon. The newtons would do the opposite.
Massage helps, so does the foam roller. A more flexible calf will reduce the strain on your tendon.
Don’t ignore these pains or try to fight through them. That’s how mine got so bad you could feel grating in my tendon.
Very good advice from Brynn. Yes, do stay away from Newtons for sure (no dig on them, just NOT for you right now).
Be very aggressive with the posterior (gastroc and soleus) stretches, however you accomplish it.
Stick with a quality, neutral shoe (Cumulus, Nimbus from Asics for ex). Let your local running store guide you from there as you might like a Mizuno Wave Precision to a Brook Axiom to Adidas Supernova, etc. I’d tend to shy away from shoes with medial posts since that can stress your peroneals more (the lateral/outside leg) in a typical high arched/rigid foot (I’m making a few assumptions here).