Comments on: Running in Heels: My Strategy to Overcome Injury

By: Sergio

Sergio — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pete, another interesting post, as usual. I also had a problem similar to yours in the past that cost me 2 weeks of training. I had never have the intention to go back to my Nike Vomero but now, at least, I may have some use for it someday in the future. It seems that shoe rotation is more important than previously imagined. I am also very happy alternating treadmill with the streets. I think it may have a similar effect. No pain so far, although increasing milleage. I am looking forward for your following experiences. Regards,
Sergio (Brazil)

By: John

John — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pete – interesting post – did your forefoot or heel strike in the Ronins?

By: Corey

Corey — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Your very lucky to have so many pairs of shoes.

By: AshwynGray

AshwynGray — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pete, I can really relate to this post. A couple of months ago, I was experiencing some significant discomfort on the lateral side of my left foot. This mostly occurred when running longer distances on pavement in my Inov-8 f-lite 230s.
My Google searches led me to believe that this was either due to peroneal tendon issues or the lesser known lateral version of PF. I didn't want to give up running. So, I picked up a pair of Ronins in order to offer more of a heel lift and extra cushioning in lieu of my f-lites. The discomfort went away. I still run on pavement in the f-lites, but not longer than 4 miles for now.
Anyway, the Ronin is a great training shoe, I think. The 9mm heel is definitely noticeable the first few times running. But, you'll find that you can still maintain a mid-foot strike in them. I intend to write a review of them on my own blog. So, I'll be curious to see if you have further impressions to share about these shoes. The wide toe box is great, isn't it?

By: Paula Kiger

Paula Kiger — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Pete, well that pic of you in the high heels alone was entertainment enough to start the morning! To share a bit of my experience with you, I think that peroneal tendon is at the heart of the problems I have been dealing with since July. It took me until the end of August to accept that resting it was going to be necessary to let it heal (not saying YOU need to rest it-hopefully yours is just an irritation). I did read somewhere that lifting the affected heel helps, because it shortens the achilles and therefore relieves some of the pressure on the attachment area (and that’s where I exhaust my anatomical knowledge, especially when talking to an anatomy professor!). And I have noticed, when walking around in “street shoes” with a bit of a heel that I have often been more comfortable than I have been in flats. Do be very attentive to this and listen to your body — although my “injury journey” has taught me a lot about other things (yoga, swimming, some other fitness options), it has been maddening to be out of the sport and know that I may have to start back five minutes at a time. Here’s my blog about part of this journey: http://waytenmom.blogspot.com/… Take care!

By: Greg Strosaker

Greg Strosaker — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Nice experiment Peter, and while a single run isn't enough data to make a good conclusion, of course, your logic certainly makes sense. Plus, thanks for the mini-review of the Ronin's, the next step in the Mizuno line I'm considering.

By: Spyros

Spyros — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Pete Larson.

I wear minimal casual shoes and i noticed that it is more difficult to walk midfoot/forefoot than to run.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to ArtistInNature.

Yeah, sometimes runners just can't win!

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to CityFit.

I have no idea if this is true, but I read somewhere that the tendon can get
irritated sometimes from running in a narrow shoe, especially of the lateral
portion of the foot extends beyond the sole a bit. The two times I have had
this issue have resulted from running long miles in relatively narrow shoes
- the Nike Lunaracer and the Saucony Grid Type A4. I don't think it's so
much compensation as it is just irritating it over two really intense, long
runs in a narrow shoe. I'm guessing, so hard to know for sure.

Pete

By: Jason Fitzgerald

Jason Fitzgerald — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I was really hoping this was a post about how you tried high heels…you know, for the “science.” I like your take on minimalism though – it’s something I’ve been talking about for awhile. Instead of being dogmatic about it, minimalism should really be used as a tool to accomplish certain things rather than some type of running ideology. Barefoot running or minimalist shoes can help you run with more efficient form, strengthen your feet and lower legs, and just make you feel better. But it’s not the right decision every day for most people. Cheers!

By: Dan Caouette

Dan Caouette — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

OK, come clean, Pete! What other clothes are you borrowing from your wife?! ;)

I have also found that wearing shoes with a heel lift helps alleviates the pain from my calcaneal spur (Achilles insertion). Makes even more sense for my injury... I'm still surprised I ran that 1/2 marathon two weeks ago.

BTW on Sunday I tried my Bikilas again. It was the first time in over a month. I made an easy 3 mile run in them! 9:00 minute miles, nothing special, but NO HEEL PAIN! From now on I'm definitely going to rotate between shoes with different heel lifts.

By: Julie @ Hotlegs Runner

Julie @ Hotlegs Runner — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

great idea! will try that. nice pic of you in heels! LOL ;p