Duh. Common sense, right? Apparently not when your getting your shoes on sale. Meh, who cares if they're an entire size too big. And they're running shoes that you'll be wearing 5x/week for at least an hour. Who needs comfort when you can get a sweet deal?
No need to chastise me on this because I definitely learned my lesson. About 5 months ago this exact scenario happened to me. I found a cute pair of running shoes at a ridiculously low price, and pleaded with the salesperson, "are you sure you don't have these in a size 8? Or even 7.5?" Nope. Only a 7. I was in complete denial about the pinch on my toes, the pressure on my heal, and the tightness over my arch. Who feels pain when looking at a new pair of black and pink Nike's? Besides, smaller shoes make your feet look cute. Deal. Swipe, Done.
The buyer's euphoria soon wore off though as I laced up and went on my first run. Hmm. Ok kind of painful. Well, I still have to break them in! They'll be just fiiiiiine. A few months later, nothing changed. Working out had become second nature to me. I would set an alarm, but I really didn't need to, because every day like clockwork I would lean over completely awake and well rested and turn it off 5 minutes before it would have gone off. (I guess early morning seminary can be a good thing! haha) I love to workout. I love the way I feel, I love being empowered and sensing my strength as I progress everyday. But those darn shoes were making my life miserable; so yesterday, I decided to do something about it. Count on me to get another deal; I had a coupon to this specialty store called 26.2 (the distance in miles of a marathon). Now, I run, but I am not a runner. I do everything, yoga, cardio, strength...you name it. (This actually will work to my advantage I learned as I won't use the "mileage" on my shoes as fast on the elliptical or stair stepper as I would on the open road or treadmill. Sweet.)
So this shoe place was pretty darn cool. They put me in a neutral pair of shoes, brought me to the back where there was a treadmill, recorded video of me running and then slowed it way down and analyzed my stride. Talk about customer service! I was very impressed. They then gave me three pairs of different brands of shoes that would accommodate my feet. I was sold once again on the Nike's (my favorites, always) and blissfully walked home on a cloud.
The next day I awoke (before my alarm) and nearly jumped out of bed, thrilled to wear my flashy yet comfortable shoes to the gym. (photographed above are the GOOD shoes that fit). So if you can take anything away from this, it is: spend the money (get a deal if you can still) and invest in a pair of shoes that fit. Always.
Ha! That's hilarious! I think I was with you when you got the good deal with the sucky shoes!
ReplyDeleteOn a different note: when we went to Vegas, we went into the Adidas outlet, and as we were leaving, the guy was like, "I hope you come again to ah-dee-dahs." I guess that's how it's pronounced, in German, cuz isn't it a German company. But all of us started sniggering. Hahaha.
Nice photo! Love your story...I took a 2 1/2 hour walk yesterday in my nice-fitting rain boots (lots of mud in the woods). Never mind that I wore my winter coat, with hood, and gloves. The sun was out and the views of Robinson State Park were excellent, really really good. It's that time of year when the 40' canopy of leaves is budding so there's still lots of sun and sky. I saw a painted turtle basking on a log in a pond, 2 mallard duck couples nesting, a Canada goose, fronds of ferns curled and ready to unfold, 2 chickadees nesting, the remains of a tree trunk AFTER a woodpecker bore a dozen square holes in it, 3 vernal pools, brooks, Westfield River... stuff I drive by every day of my working life (to and from Agawam) but slowed down to really see. Thanks, Kathie! (a retired teacher, for whom I do a family art activity in the park on its annual Robinson State Park Day)
ReplyDeleteMykle loves that place. He's gone in to a couple different shoe stores around town and done the whole treadmill test thingy. He has this weird issue where his left ankle turns out a whole lot more than his right- he was just born that way. When we went on our first date, I noticed this when I saw him run- he looked ridiculous! But the running tips he's gotten and the shoes they sold him have really helped him normalize his stride.
ReplyDeleteI think if the shoe doesn't fit, you should buy it and then give it to me! Haha, kidding...maybe...
shoes that are too short lead to ingrown toenails - ouch!
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