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Click to view kcsoccer1727's profile Amateur 8 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Mar 21, 2007 10:16 AM

Shoes to wear on race day

Hi, I am looking for some suggestions on which shoes to wear on race day. I have been training for a half marathon for 7 weeks and the race is this weekend. After my first 10 mile run I felt great during, but I started having arch pain in my feet (particularly right foot towards the inside) in the shorter runs the week after. I went and bought some new shoes that week which would give me more stability (asics 2120) because I figured my old ones were worn out (and they look it but I have always liked running in them). My arch pain was still bothering me with the new shoes when I ran 11 miles and felt really sore and hurt from miles 4-11.

I ended up buying superfeet insoles (green) becuase the running store i went to said i might have an arch that collapses when I run and they have been helping (i think)and I have been wearing them in both new/old shoes. However, at the end of my six mile run with the insoles in the old shoes they really started to dig into my right food underneath the arch.
Since then I have tried the insoles with the new shoes for about 4-5 mile and they felt weird for a while but didn't hurt, but it was just obvious that support was there and I had a really good run. However, I am wondering if I had run farther if they would have started to hurt.
My question is..should I wear the superfeet insoles in the new shoes on race day? Or should I try the old shoes or no superfeet insoles. I was thinking of trying the first option but I am worried my feet are going to get really sore during the race. I think they might get sore no matter what but I really wish i didnt have to worry about it!

has anyone else had problems like this? I have also been icing sometimes and stretching every day, particularly my hamstrings and calves which are always very tight.
Click to view Joe_H1's profile Community Moderator 1,073 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
1. Mar 21, 2007 12:11 PM in response to: kcsoccer1727
think you should give the insoles a try. tough decision one good luck this weekend!
Click to view xraytriguy's profile Community Moderator 79 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
2. Mar 21, 2007 6:03 PM in response to: kcsoccer1727
Most insoles require a "break-in" period - not only for the product, but for your feet. Did your local running specialty store mention this? With your race being so close, I hesitate to suggest one way or the other - with or without the insoles (I'm very helpful, I know...). I would recommend going back to that store and explaining your problem. They should be able to guide you correctly, if they're worth their beans... good luck!!
Click to view irungrl's profile Community Moderator 149 posts since
Jul 3, 2007
3. Mar 22, 2007 11:02 AM in response to: kcsoccer1727
Since your race is so soon, I hesitate to suggest anything new on your feet or in your shoes. The insoles will break in easier than a new pair of shoes so I would go with the old shoes and insoles. It might help if you wear your old shoes/insoles as much as possible before race day to get a little extra mileage on the insoles. Good luck and have fun this weekend!!
Happy running!!
Click to view DaveVause's profile Community Moderator 614 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
4. Mar 23, 2007 9:16 AM in response to: kcsoccer1727
When I returned to running 3 years ago, I had problems very similar to your's. Some suggestions (all of which helped me):

  • Run in a stability shoe picked using the advice of a knowledgeable employee of a dedicated running shoe shop.

  • Make sure you lace snugly, but not too tight. If the laces are not tight enough, the shoe will not support your arch adequately.

  • Stretch your arch, too. Do this by kneeling on the floor, but with your toes curled forward under you, thus stretching the arch. If comfortable, rest your bodyweight back on your feet. Complement this by also stretching the front of your leg by pointing your toes to the rear.

  • Sounds like your calves and arches need strengthening: do heel raises. (google the term)

  • You might try a Strassburg Sock (google the term), or arranging to sleep at night so that your arch is stretched.

  • Be carful on hills, which place additional stress on calves and arches.




Dave Vause
08 MC Historic Half
07 Frederick Marathon
05, 06 MCM
blog: //community.active.com/blogs/DaveVause
personal web site: www.vause.name