quote:<HR>Originally posted by dollysmum:
Why would switching from a neutral shoe to a stability shoe be an injury waiting to happen? I have been running in Kayanos for a year because they fit the best and felt the best. I also have NB 826 which is a Neutral shoe which I also run in. Wouldn't I have noticed something while I was running if it was the wrong shoe for me? Thanks for any insight. I should go have my gait analyzed but those specialty running stores intimidate me.<HR>

Dollysmum
Basically, you can get into trouble with switching to a whole dfferent type of shoe that isn't right for your foot type.

Neutral shoes are just that - neutral. Aside from extra cushioning, which isn't likely to hurt anyone, they don't have extras that keep your foot from doing what it wants to do. If you are a mile overpronator who does well in a stability shoe, wearing a neutral shoe once in a while might not be a problem, even though it will allow your foot to overpronate. Or if you are mild overpronator who does fine in neutral shoe, going to stability shoe should also be OK.

HOWEVER, if you have high arches and underpronate rather than overpronate, a stability shoe that is specifically designed for the opposite of what your feet need is going to make your feet and your whole body alignment off - an injury waiting to happen.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by 410jen:
At this point, I'm just mad at myself for not getting properly fitted in the beginning. I appreciate any feedback that people may have, I thought it was crazy to blame the shoes, but I think that's what it is.<HR>

410jen
Can't help you with your specific Asics question, but No question going from a neutral shoe to a stability shoe can cause problems if you don't need the stability. I remember going from a neutral shoe with the same model that had been "improved" to add some stability. After my first run, I had a sore Achilles. Tried my old shoes for the next run - no problem. Went back to the new shoes and both Achilles started to give me problems before I finished 3 miles. It wasn't a question of my heel rubbing, my whole foot just felt "off' like I couldn't flex it properly. Every now and then I have tried a shoe with a litttle more stabilty (only if I knew I purchased it at a place I could send it back) and every time I try a shoe with stabilty elements, even if it's basically labeled a neutral shoe, I have more problems with my knees or my Achilles.

I train in Kayanos and they appear to be the same shoe.

I have had my share of lower extremity overuse injuries over the last 4 years. I currently wear soft bulky orthotics for plantar. For fear of overcorrection and because of their size, I was limited in my shoes and stayed with a neutral shoe going from the Dyad (brooks) to the 1060 (NB) and finally the fortitude (asics). The asics seemed to be the best at limiting additional stress on my calves, but i was still bothered by achille's inflammation/irritation. Not as much as with the NB. Tolerable to run 20 + mi per week, but not gone. Ran with a friend who noticed that my foot still turns after a 12 miler. She had me change to the 2120. I hate to jinx it, but this is the best I have felt in years and am up to 40 mi per week, getting ready for a PR at the White Rock Marathon in December. A slight bit of stability has helped.