So, you’re about to ditch those old shoes and buy a lovely shiny pair of new cushioned running shoes. Wait a minute, take time to consider what to buy!
Wearing the wrong type of running shoes can lead to various problems, including discomfort, pain, and even injuries.
One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing the wrong shoes that don’t fit correctly or don’t provide the necessary support for their feet.
When you wear incorrect running shoes, you may experience a wide range of symptoms. These can include blisters, calluses, and corns, which are caused by friction and pressure.
You may also experience pain in your feet, ankles, knees, or hips, which can be caused by poor shock absorption, inadequate support, or improper alignment.
Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, swelling, or even a burning sensation in your feet. I’ve had this in my big toe, trust me when I say it is uncomfortable!
What Happens When You Wear The Wrong Running Shoe?
Wearing the wrong running shoe can lead to a variety of problems, both short-term and long-term. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
Blisters: One of the most common symptoms of wearing the wrong running shoe is blisters. Blisters can form when there is too much friction between your foot and the shoe. If your shoe is too tight or too loose, it can rub against your foot or big toe and cause blisters.
Foot Pain: Another symptom of wearing the wrong running shoe is foot pain. If your shoe doesn’t provide enough support, it can lead to pain in your feet, especially in the arches and heels. This can be especially problematic if you’re training for a race or running long distances.
Knee Pain: Wearing the wrong running shoe can also lead to knee pain. If your shoe doesn’t provide enough cushioning or support, it can put extra strain on your knees. This can lead to pain and even injury over time.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the individual. Some people may experience more severe symptoms than others, and some may not experience any symptoms at all.
My own personal experience was a pair of running shoes that were too tight around my right big toe. It turns out my big toe problem was down to wearing the incorrect running shoes that were simply too tight in the toe box area.
How Do You Know You Have the Wrong Running Shoes?
Wearing the incorrect running shoes can lead to a variety of problems, from blisters and sore feet to more serious injuries. Here are some signs that you might be wearing the wrong shoes:
Pain in your feet: If you experience pain in your feet, especially in the arch or heel, it could be a sign that your shoes don’t provide enough support.
Blisters: Blisters are a common sign that your shoes don’t fit properly. They can be caused by shoes that are too small, too big, or don’t fit your foot shape.
Toe pain: If your toes are cramped or rubbing against the front of your shoes, it could lead to pain and even black toenails.
Shin splints: Shin splints are a painful condition that can be caused by wearing shoes that don’t provide enough shock absorption or support.
It’s important to pay attention to these signs and take action to find a good pair of running shoes for your feet.
This may involve trying on different shoes, getting a gait analysis, or consulting with a podiatrist or other medical professional.
Remember, wearing the correct running shoes can help you avoid pain and injury, and improve your overall running experience.
Common Symptoms
Pain in the Feet
One of the most common symptoms of wearing the wrong running shoe is pain in the feet. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate arch support, poor cushioning, or a shoe that is too tight or too loose.
Pain can be felt in different areas of the foot, such as the heel, arch, ball, or toes. If left untreated, foot pain can lead to more serious injuries, such as plantar fasciitis or stress fractures.
Blister Formation
Another symptom of wearing the wrong running shoe is blister formation. Blisters are caused by friction between the foot and the shoe, and can be exacerbated by a shoe that is too tight or too loose.
Blisters can be painful and can interfere with training, as they can take several days to heal. To prevent blisters, it is important to choose a shoe that fits properly and has adequate cushioning and support.
Numbness and Tingling
Wearing the wrong running shoe can also cause numbness and tingling in the feet. This can be caused by a shoe that is too tight, which can compress nerves and blood vessels in the foot.
Numbness and tingling can be uncomfortable and can interfere with training, as they can affect balance and coordination.
To prevent numbness and tingling, it is important to choose a shoe that fits properly and has adequate room in the toe box.
In conclusion, it is important to choose the right running shoe to avoid common symptoms such as foot pain, blister formation, and numbness and tingling.
By selecting a shoe that fits properly and provides adequate support and cushioning, runners can prevent injuries and enjoy a more comfortable and effective training experience.
Impact on Running Performance
Decreased Performance
When shoes are too tight or too loose, they can cause discomfort and pain, which can impact a runner’s form and technique.
This can lead to slower times and less efficient running.
Additionally, shoes that do not have enough support or cushioning can cause fatigue and muscle soreness, making it harder to maintain proper form and technique.
This can also lead to decreased performance and slower times.
Reduced Endurance
Shoes that do not fit properly can cause blisters, which can be painful and make it difficult to continue running.
This can cause a runner to cut their run short, reducing their endurance and overall fitness.
Shoes that do not provide enough support or cushioning can also lead to fatigue, making it harder to maintain a consistent pace or run for longer periods of time.
This can also lead to reduced endurance and overall fitness.
It is important to choose running shoes to avoid these negative impacts on performance and endurance.
Properly fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning in supportive shoes can help improve form, technique, and overall running performance.
Injury Risk From Wearing the Wrong Running Shoes
Sprains and Strains
These injuries occur when the ligaments or tendons in your feet or ankles are stretched or torn.
The wrong pair of shoes can cause your feet to roll inward or outward, putting extra stress on these areas.
Common symptoms of sprains and strains include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
In severe cases, you may need to rest and elevate your feet or ankles, and use crutches to avoid putting weight on the affected area.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones of your feet or legs.
They can occur when you repeatedly put pressure on your bones without giving them enough time to rest and recover.
They can increase your risk of stress fractures by altering your stride or causing your feet to hit the ground harder than they should.
Common symptoms of stress fractures include pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area.
You may also notice a decrease in your performance or difficulty walking. In severe cases, you may need to wear a cast or brace and avoid weight-bearing activities for several weeks.
It’s important to choose running shoes to avoid these types of injuries. Make sure you get shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support and cushioning for your feet and running style.
If you experience any pain or discomfort while running, stop and seek medical attention to prevent further injury.
Prevention and Treatment
Here are some tips to help you prevent injury:
Get your feet measured by a professional to determine your correct shoe size.
Choose shoes with proper arch support for your foot type.
Replace your shoes every 300-500 miles or when they show signs of wear and tear.
Don’t wear shoes that are too tight or too loose.
Try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest.
If you have already experienced symptoms of wearing the wrong running shoe, there are some things you can do to treat your injury:
Injury Treatment Plantar Fasciitis Rest, ice, stretching, physical therapy, and wearing shoes with proper arch support.
Shin Splints Rest, ice, stretching, physical therapy, and wearing shoes with proper cushioning and support. Runner’s Knee Rest, ice, physical therapy, and using shoes with proper support and cushioning.
Take the time to find the right new running shoes for your feet and replace them regularly to keep your feet and body healthy.
Signs You Picked the Wrong Size Running Shoe
Running is a great way to stay fit and healthy, but it can be painful if you don’t have the right shoes. Wearing the wrong size running shoe can cause a variety of problems, from blisters to shin splints.
Here are some signs that you may have picked the wrong size running shoe:
Blisters: One of the most common signs that you are wearing the wrong size running shoe is blisters. Blisters are caused by friction between your foot and the shoe, and they can be painful and make it difficult to run.
Toe Pain: If your toes are cramped or pressed against the front of the shoe, you may experience pain in your toes. This can be a sign that your shoes are too small.
Heel Pain: If you experience pain in your heel, it may be a sign that your shoes are too big. Your heel should fit snugly in the shoe, and if it doesn’t, it can cause pain and discomfort.
Arch Pain: If your shoes don’t provide enough support for your arch, you may experience pain in your arch. This can be a sign that your shoes are too flat or don’t have enough cushioning.
It’s important to choose the right size new running shoes to avoid these problems. Make sure to measure your feet regularly and try on shoes before you buy them.
Don’t be afraid to try different sizes and styles to find the perfect fit for you. Your feet will thank you!
Why Do New Running Shoes Need Breaking In?
Many runners make the mistake of assuming that their new running shoes are ready to go right out of the box.
However, new cushioned running shoes need to be broken in before they can be worn comfortably for extended periods of time. There are a few reasons for this.
Firstly, a new pair of shoes are stiffer and less flexible than shoes that have been broken in.
This stiffness can cause discomfort and even pain when running, especially if the shoes are not the right fit for the runner’s feet.
Breaking in a new pair of shoes allows them to become more flexible and conform to the shape of the runner’s feet.
Secondly, new shoes may have excess materials or manufacturing residue that can cause irritation or blisters on the feet.
Breaking in the new shoes allows the excess materials to wear away and the shoes to become more comfortable.
Finally, breaking in new shoes allows the runner to adjust to the feel and fit of the shoes.
This adjustment period can help prevent injury and ensure that the runner is comfortable and supported while running.
What injuries can you get from the wrong running shoes?
Wearing the incorrect running shoes can lead to various injuries and do more than just make your feet hurt, some of which can be serious.
Here are some of the most common injuries:
Plantar Fasciitis: This is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the heel and arch of the foot. It is caused by the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becoming inflamed or torn. Using shoes that do not provide enough arch support can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Shin Splints: Shin splints are a common injury that affects runners. They are characterized by pain in the front of the lower leg, and are often caused by overuse or improper footwear. Having shoes that do not provide enough support or cushioning can lead to shin splints.
Knee Pain: Knee pain is another common injury that can result from wearing the wrong running shoes. Shoes that do not provide enough support or cushioning can put extra stress on the knees, leading to pain and inflammation.
Blisters: Blisters are caused by friction between the skin and the shoe. Using shoes that do not fit properly or that are too tight can lead to blisters.
It is important to choose the right running shoes to prevent these injuries.
Make sure to get a proper fitting and choose shoes that provide adequate support and cushioning for your feet and running style.
If you experience any pain or discomfort while running, stop and seek medical attention.
