Anyone have strange feet

mehoco · September 28th, 2006, 04:03 PM

I have quite a problem choosing the right shoes for running. The problem is that I have very high arches - one the "water" test there is no middle just front and back. In addition to my high arches I am pigeon toe - so my feet turn in and cross over each other when running. Also I was looking at my old shoes and the inner part of the shoe is worn suggesting that I am pronating my foot when I run. I have been running for years and want to run a marathon but the build up of miles has taken a major toll on my shins. I have only increased by 10% a week, but each increase adds to my shin splints.
I am looking for some new shoes that might make a difference? Anyone else have any of these problems?

**g_samsa** · September 30th, 2006, 12:38 AM

I'm sorry, but I don't know of any specific shoe choices that might help. Have you been to your local running shop and asked them to fit you in a new pair of shoes. Some of the better shops will have a treadmill in the store that you can run on while they evaluate your stride and whatever biomechanical problems you might have. Most of the employees at most running stores have good basic knowledge of all the major problems afflicting runners. They also usually have good advise when it comes to shoes. I don't know if all these problems you mention can be corrected with just a change of shoes, but I bet most of the big ones can be relieved.

Possibly a podiatrist would be able to make you some inserts that could help with the high arch.

Speaking of pigeon toes. I knew an old time marathoner by the name of Patrick McMahon who came in second in one of the closest boston marathons ever (it was in the 60's). He had pigeon toes from hell. I don't know what he did to overcome that, but he competed for Ireland in the olympics and ran all kinds of great races. Something must have worked for him. That was back when running shoe technology wasn't so good. I'm sure there is hope for you.

**stephenlavin** · September 30th, 2006, 06:16 AM

for high arches which a physio told me i have you need a proper set of orthotics ...They cost a bit of money but in the long run are definately worth it. Dont buy some cheap pair cause they are rubbish ..if you want to fix the problem then you are going to have to invest .... You might have to look around to find somewhere that they make proper orthotics but it will be worth it ...as for your pigeon toe i cant help you there

mehoco · October 3rd, 2006, 11:46 AM

Thnks 4 the help. I've was trying to get a shoe to fix all problems instead of looking at several fix's. I got new shoes for the pronation and some amazing inserts for the arch. Took it all out 4 a short run and wow major difference.
Thnks again for the suggestions!

powerburn · February 19th, 2007, 06:35 PM

i went to a good running store, and the guy put me on a treadmill and ran me for a minute, and looked at how i ran. he gave me a shoe to correct my jacked up feet, i run pain free now, like im floating on air.

soerenmoeren · March 1st, 2007, 05:33 AM

my feet are pronated and i recently bought some nikes specially supporting that... but... when runnin my ankles start aching after a few hundred metres ... i think like my feet were never used to get that support on the outside of the running shoe... that totally sucks

blast7 · September 23rd, 2007, 09:05 AM

You do have some strange feet. LOL. j/k. Do you walk pigeon toed or just run that way? Also with regards to high arches you typically would not see extra wear on the inside of the shoe but if your forefoot is pronating excessively and your rearfoot is stable then this could be the case. It's very difficult to assess without seeing it myself. However, I hope the inserts help out.

**wildstang** · September 23rd, 2007, 02:20 PM

shoes make all the difference in the world. they will make you or break you!