"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Thursday 24 June 2010

The Right Shoes


One of my first posts on this blog last year was about cutting my running shoes to remove a part that gave me blisters. You can read the post here.


Since then I’ve cut and ran in 3 pairs of Nike Pegasus. This is the Pegasus +25 and +26. I’ve done more than 3000km in these 3 pairs and have had no injuries. This alone is probably a great success formula. I now need to buy shoes again and can’t help to wonder if this is the right way of doing it.


I had no injuries, so the shoes are perfect…after I cut of some part that gives me blisters… Is this right or should I look at another shoe? I’m not sure, but cutting a piece off a brand new running shoe I just paid R1000.000 for is not always that much fun. I’ve only seen a picture of the Pegasus +27, but it looked as if the part that doesn’t work with my running style is still there.


So what do I do? Stay with the same, cut them and be sure I won’t get any shoe related injuries. Or do I look for something similar that I don’t need to cut and hope I won’t get any shoe related injury?


Would anyone else cut their new shoes to be perfect or would you rather choose a different brand that won’t need cutting?

14 comments:

KovasP said...

This is a tough one Johann. If the shoes are good after cutting, then that's good to know. On the other hand, maybe you could find a shoe that was just as good without surgery. I used to run in the Pegasus, but now have the LunarTrainer and LunarGlide, both of which are really comfortable.

ajh said...

Have you been fit at a running store and run on the treadmill and been videotaped? All that. I would hate to cut new shoes but if it's working....

Emz said...

I'm with Kovas & ajh. Seriously they said exactly what I was going to except . . .that I am highly impressed with your doctoring skills. ;)

misszippy said...

I would think there's a pair of shoes out there you wouldn't have to alter. And there's always barefooting!

Evolving Through Running said...

I'd say if what you're doing with the shoe surgery is working for you, then stick with it. I'm learning the hard way recently that changing things up in my fitness routine, even if on the surface it appears it can only be a positive thing, doesn't always turn out to be a change for the better. A new brand/type of shoe can be a significant variable to deal with.
That being said, since I can't help myself, I'm re-evaluating my devotion to my Gel Nimbus before I dive into version 12. I don't think my shoes are the root of my problems, but I haven't ruled it out yet.

Giorgio said...

I've never run in the Nike pegasus, but if your shoe surgery works you won't change things.

Thanks for your encouragement about Fifa World cup, Johann! But Slovakia held on for a dramatic 3-2 victory over Italy that sent them into the second round. Eliminate Italy :(

Christina said...

Don't change anything. Cutting into the shoes work and resolves your blistering problem and it doesn't seem to affect the total life span of the shoes. Either way, at the end you've worn the shoes so that they are unrecognizable from the new shoe.

Julie said...

Hi Johann,
I just can't believe how many miles you get out of your shoes!?! I feel like I am purchasing new shoes every two months and they are not cheap!

I am not sure what I would do about the shoes.

Do you have another race this weekend?

Lesley Looper said...

Good question! I would assume that I needed to keep looking for a different model, but your method is a lot cheaper!

Your story would make a good Nike commercial! That's a lot of miles!

Unknown said...

I think we all have different needs and issues when it comes to shoes and our feet! I would definitely cut up shoes(and have)to keep running in a pair of shoes that work for me. I say and do that because I've had huge feet issues over the past 10 years and there isn't ONE perfect pair of shoes for me anymore. You are smart!! I agree with Julie though, you should maybe switch them out more often!

Molly said...

I feel like you have found a system that works, stay with it! But maybe you should bring the shoe to the store and show them exactly where the issue is, and they can give you some suggestions.

Chris K said...

Where's the wildlife pictures! Kidding. Man, this is the 3rd blog I've read today about shoes. Once you have a formula that works Johan, I say stick with it.

Jennifer said...

I would probably do a bit of both. Make some attempt at trying a few different pairs or styles just to make sure the "perfect" shoes are not out there and then I would be right with you with my Exacto cutting away. If it works stay with it. Cheers!

The Green Girl said...

I say 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Well, except that technically, you are. ::grins:: Well, you know what I mean.

Sounds like these shoes - with your slight modification - have worked well for you. I also liked Molly's suggestion of taking the shoe to the store to get some expert advice.