Okay, it is said that girls LOVE shoes. That is pretty much true. I love looking at shoes, I love touching shoes, and I love thinking about getting new shoes, but the truth of the matter is when it comes to actually buying new shoes, it is a process that causes me great stress and many tears.
You see, I have very large feet, size 11 to be honest. I have struggled to find shoes that fit my whole life, and until recently I have had very unattractive shoes, because most shoe makers do not make shoes for Big Foot!
Running shoes have also always been a problem because of the way my foot is shaped. It is very long and narrow but with a wide toe box (as it is called!). Therefore I need a shoe that lets my toes move and breath, but holds my heel in tight. I found some really great running shoes this past summer and have really enjoyed them. However, through all of the reading I have done on running and running marathons, I have read that one must have a few pairs of shoes broken in, just in case one gives out before the race. So, being the rule follower that I am I set off to get a second pair of the shoes that I am currently running in.
Of course, this would be no small task, as anything that involves shoes and my feet never is easy. My local sports store was no longer carrying the particular shoe I wanted. Instead they had a very similar version which the clerk said would "propel you forward, and make your running effortless!" SOLD!! Anything to make me run easier, I don't care what it costs, I have to have it!!
These shoes felt pretty good in the store, nice and tight in the heel, enough room to comfortably wiggle each toe. And with the added ease in running I was sure these would be my favorite shoes. Did I mention they were cute too?
I was really excited to get in the gym and try my new "wonder shoes" out. However, because I had been running 4 days in a row, I needed a rest day, and had to wait a whole day until to try out my new shoes.
Finally it was time to use my brand new shoes, and the experience was nothing short of a horror movie!! Even from the first seconds of running, I could tell that these shoes were like none other, they pinched my toes, and rubbed on my heel, but I told myself that it was just because they were new, and they would start to feel better as my run progressed. Boy, was I wrong, the pain in my toes became even worse, I felt like the flesh was melting off of my big toe, my heel was starting to blister, and I continued running, hoping that these "wonder shoes" would suddenly start working their magic! I ran three miles before I finally admitted to myself that these shoes simply would not work for me.
Peeling the shoes off of my feet, I looked at the mess they had caused. My big toes were red, the skin rubbed off, and bleeding. I had two big blisters on my heels. Wonder shoes these were not!
Luckily, I bought them at a store that offered a 15day trial, and could return them for another pair that would work better. I returned them the very same day, I wanted those devil-shoes out of my possession!
Again, the store did not have the shoes that I wanted, but offered me a different brand, and made no claim that the shoes would help me become a better runner. I ran with much difficulty for three day, putting blister covers on my heels and friction guard on my toes. Even my favorite shoes did not fit like they once had, and I was worried that I would never run again. It took me a few days to get up the courage to try out my new shoes. I went for a short run the first day of use: not too bad. The heel is not as tight as I would like it, but the toe box is perfect and really allows my foot to relax. I have run in these shoes 3 times now, and they are comfortable, THANK GOD!!
But I also found my favorite shoes online and bought 2 pairs, because I never want to have to look for new running shoes again!!! At least not until my 1/2 marathon is over!!
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