Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

I run on my toes... all the time. Not just when I sprint, or run fast, ALL THE TIME. It's the only way I've ever run, and I've tried to change my gait but can't seem to.

Anyway, I am wondering if there is any shoe out there for road and trail running that has a really well padded and cushioned forefoot and toe. I also over-pronate, so if it also has something for stability, it would help.

I would also really like to hear from anyone else who has this problem (if that's what it should be called...) and what they have done about it. I get blisters on my big toes, and sometimes I lose my toe nails because of this. Gross, I know, but I would really like to find some shoes that work for me. Do they exist?

Sara dragune@cgocable.net

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Sara Jones']

[Dan]

Hi Sara,

A friend of mine has a similar "problem." The only shoes with enough forefoot cushioning are over-built throughout the rest of the shoe, because most all shoes are designed for heel striking.

The best I could offer is to find a shoe that's designed for a fairly neutral runner. Even though I'm a die-hard Nike believer, one of the best shoes I've run in was the original Brooks Radius. I'm still trying to locate old pairs... They are very well padded in the forefoot, reasonably light, stable, and fit great. Unfortunately, they changed the design rather drastically after the second generation (the SC, which I believe stayed pretty similar to the original Radius).

Other than that, Nike tends to offer the best cushioning, so you might get lucky with one of their light-weight models. Of course, the pronation issue could be a tricky one. I didn't know that was possible with toe-running?! I was told for quire awhile that I needed stable shoes, but I eventually realized that I was better off with something flexible and light weight.

Dan