Iceburner 0 #1 December 6, 2008 So, i really hate running, so joining the Marines proly is viewed by some as a dumb idea....however, i dont mind the humps (get your mind outta the gutter folks) or any of the pt, but like i said, never been a fan of running. So, after a couple years in i decided to try some new running shoes (a nike pair) i broke em in (for about 2 months, nothing serious, just 3-4 mile runs), then on a 6-7 mile run today i ended up with some really shitty blisters, both feet and on the balls of the feet, so i'm assuming it's the shoes or my stride....anyone recommend a better pair of shoes/something in my stride that may cause this? or a way to actually like running? PMs appreciated or just reply to this thread edit to add: i dont think it's my stride as i haven't had blisters like this from running in a pair of broken in shoes before...boots yes, shoes no Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GaryRay 0 #2 December 6, 2008 did you just join or have you been in a while... im 6 months from EAS and for all my running i use new balance, i get the most bang for the buck and they are super comfy and they make shoes for every style of how people walk. what is your job in the Marines?JewBag. www.jewbag.wordpress.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chiquita24 0 #3 December 6, 2008 I think New Balance shoes are the best too! They're comfy, have good arch support and there's a ton of different styles. Now I'm not a runner by any means-well at least not now, but I used to be,and I've always had luck with these shoes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LaRusic 0 #4 December 6, 2008 Im in the army, run lots. I think nike runners are shit, they dont fit my feet right at all, same with adidas. best runners in my opinion are ASICS, with new balance and Sucony a close second.....make sure you are actually getting runners and not cross trainers or any of that crap remember to replace them about every 6 monthsThe Altitude above you, the runway behind you, and the fuel not in the plane are totally worthless Dudeist Skydiver # 10 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hypsin 0 #5 December 6, 2008 Had the same problem - blisters all over the place. Huge suckers, one on top of another (literally), some filled with blood. Then again, I went through a total of 2 pairs of running shoes while in Corps. Best idea - go to a local running store and have them recommend a pair specific for your gait. I did that - never had a problem with blisters since. Running sucks, no way around it. MP3 player helps on solo runs, but in formation you are SOL. 2 kopeks from a nasty civilian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aresye 0 #6 December 6, 2008 I use New Balance for my running as well. Best shoes I've worn out of them all. ASICS are too expensive for me, and the only Adidas pair I've worn running were decent at the most. You mention blisters on the balls of your feet. This could be one of two things. Either you're running from heel to toe, and there's enough slack in the shoe size that the balls of your feet are rubbing against the bottom of the shoe, creating friction, or you're running too much on the balls of your feet, causing the same. If you don't enjoy running, I highly suggest reading about, and taking up the POSE method of running. The impact itself is on the balls of your feet, but it's distributed over your entire foot through the stride. It's the most efficient form of running that takes a lot of practice, but will get you running the farthest, and fastest when you do it right. Plus, when you've got the POSE method down, it's actually fun. I was in your same shoes (no pun intended) for a long time, and just despised running. I had the typical heel to toe stride, and I wish I had learned about POSE before I joined, as running is the reason why I was dropped from BUD/S. Now that I run POSE, I have found my times coming down drasticly, and my endurance going up, thus allowing me to enjoy running much more. Other than that though, another way to enjoy running is to map out your run before you go run it. I use http://www.mapmyrun.com to plot my run, and determine distance. In addition to that, you can also plot many different courses. If you're in a mountainous region, then plot some trail runs. Running is so much more enjoyable when you aren't running laps around downtown, or on a track.Skydiving: You either learn from other's mistakes, or they'll learn from yours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuFantasma 0 #7 December 6, 2008 Quote So, i really hate running, so joining the Marines proly is viewed by some as a dumb idea....however, i dont mind the humps (get your mind outta the gutter folks) or any of the pt, but like i said, never been a fan of running. So, after a couple years in i decided to try some new running shoes (a nike pair) i broke em in (for about 2 months, nothing serious, just 3-4 mile runs), then on a 6-7 mile run today i ended up with some really shitty blisters, both feet and on the balls of the feet, so i'm assuming it's the shoes or my stride....anyone recommend a better pair of shoes/something in my stride that may cause this? or a way to actually like running? PMs appreciated or just reply to this thread edit to add: i dont think it's my stride as i haven't had blisters like this from running in a pair of broken in shoes before...boots yes, shoes no I joined the Air Force ... and had no problem running a mile and a half once a year.... we are not trained to retreat !Y yo, pa' vivir con miedo, prefiero morir sonriendo, con el recuerdo vivo". - Ruben Blades, "Adan Garcia" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gonzalesna 0 #8 December 6, 2008 There's nothing wrong with joining the Corps... I love it and I've been in for over 5 years. from my experience, it's unimportant for the type of shoe. I always buy the cheap stuff. others will wear specific brands and swear they help them... to me it sounds like the kids that think their new shoes make them faster or jump higher... but that's just coming from me. It's common for any new shoe to cause blisters because they're stiff. my reccomendation for them is to wear them while walking for a few weeks and let your foot shape them up some. Other than that, just tough it out and let your feet develop some callouses. I don't have any problems anymore because i've got a lot of callouses on my feet. On the downside, my feet are almost as rough as my hands. Whatever happens, take care of your feet. don't leave blisters open, as they'll get worse. get some moleskin and that'll also help cover the spots that irritate your feet. Some people refrain from beating a dead horse. Personally, I find a myriad of entertainment value when beating it until it becomes a horse-smoothie. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #9 December 6, 2008 ASICS get my moneyWhen an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fluffyduckie 6 #10 December 6, 2008 I would recommend also going to a store that specializes in running. The staff there are usually runners as well, and they know how to solve all kinds of issues with fit. A generic shoe store (Foot Locker, DSW, etc,) is not going to help as much. New Balance I think is the best, but anywhere that specifically caters to runners is a solid bet."I love when humans fly," Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #11 December 6, 2008 I think when you are having issues with your shoes that you should definitely go to a running store to get some help. You might spend $20 more than you would at a discount store, but the advice you get will be worth it. My son was having a problem with shin splints, so I took him to be fitted. They looked at how his old shoes were wearing and the shape of his foot before recommending a pair. It wasn't a "cool" brand as far as teenagers are concerned, but they solved his problem.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hungarianchick 0 #12 December 6, 2008 I agree with the posters who recommended a "runner's store" They will measure your foot and analize your gait and determine wheter you are an over or under pronator and recommend the right shoe and insoles accordingly. Well worth the extra $$$. "I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,230 #13 December 6, 2008 Are ya gellin?!??!?! Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gonzalesna 0 #14 December 6, 2008 negative ghostrider, the pattern is full.How you been brother? Sorry I missed ya in Seattle... I tried gettin' ahold of you, but there's no doubt you were busier than a bull on a cow farm. I hope everything is going good with ya.Off my tanget... I'm also against going to running stores for their 2 cents worth of ideas but that's because I don't want to hear bs coming out of some high school kid's mouth while he tries to make a sale. I always buy the cheapest shoes available at the exchange website. I've bought cross trainers, but I usually stick to running. I run a 5 min 46 second mile average. it's not the shoes, it's the effort you put out. Some people refrain from beating a dead horse. Personally, I find a myriad of entertainment value when beating it until it becomes a horse-smoothie. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iceburner 0 #15 December 6, 2008 thanks for the response everyone...i normally used asics, but decided to give a new style shoe a chance...broke em in and then ended with the problem....i'm going to head out to a running store and just see what they got to say. I'm not a bad runner (average a 630 mile) but i just simply hate it...haha. Thanks again for the recomendations and tips though Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #16 December 6, 2008 Quotethanks for the response everyone...i normally used asics, but decided to give a new style shoe a chance...broke em in and then ended with the problem....i'm going to head out to a running store and just see what they got to say. I'm not a bad runner (average a 630 mile) but i just simply hate it...haha. Thanks again for the recomendations and tips though IF you go to a decent place they can eval your running. I get shin splints everytime I run. It wasnt until I went to a good store that they told me that I practiaclly run on my ankles. They fitted a shoe for me with some crazy thick wedges to help my foot hit the ground evenly and it helped alot. I still get splints but not nearly as badly as before.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micduran 0 #17 December 7, 2008 Definitely go to a running store and get a gait analysis. They'll put you on a treadmill and video your feet as you run. This can correct 95% of your problems. Depending on where the blisters are they could be caused by the how you tie your shoes, as well. Good luck. Blisters suck!!Be patient with the faults of others; they have to be patient with yours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BGill 0 #18 December 7, 2008 Throughout my ultramarathon training (80mi+ weeks) I've had to deal with my fair share of blisters. I haven't had ones on the balls of the feet, but here are some general tips that might be of use. First, know that blisters are caused from a combination of moisture (which softens the skin) and friction (which irritates the soft skin and causes fluid build-up beneath the skin.) If you want to eliminate the blisters, eliminate these problems. 1. It is possible that your shoe fit is causing the friction on the balls of your feet. Like others have said, a properly fitting shoe helps tremendously. Go to a running store and get fitted by knowledgeable staff. Find what works best for your foot. 2. Bodyglide: This lubricant is applied like a deodorant stick. I cover every crevice of my foot (and elsewhere on the body to prevent chafing) during long runs. It works great and lasts a good long while. I swear by it. 3. Drymax Socks: Hands down the best running socks out there. People have run the Badwater Ultramarathon in these with no blisters (135mi through Death Valley in the middle of summer). Hydrophobic fibers close to the foot and hydrophilic fibers further from the foot keep moisture away from the skin. Combine that with ePTFE fibers that have the lowest coefficient of friction of any fiber out there, and you have the best damn sock I've ever seen. I haven't had a single blister since switching to Drymax. A true lifesaver for blisters. 4. Engo Blister Prevention Patches: I haven't personally used these (haven't needed to since switching to Drymax socks), but my go-to guy for foot care info highly recommends them. Put them on the hot spots in your shoe and they reduce friction, thereby reducing the possibility of blisters. Hope this info helps. Running can be fun if you're training properly and running at the right pace for your skill. Have fun out there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LOSTandCRAZY 0 #19 December 7, 2008 I had to put custom gel inserts into my Nikes, but other than that, no problems. Helps if you buy a pair that's over $100.00. The rest of them pretty much suck ass.... I'm doing 10K runs in them, with no blisters, no shinsplints, and no hip or back aches."Get these balls!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aresye 0 #20 December 7, 2008 One way I've found helps prevent blisters, can definitely help during a run. We obviously feel a blister forming before it actually forms. Once you feel that spot from a new shoe, take some neosporin, and apply it over the area. Cover it with a thick square of cotton from a t-shirt, and secure it with athletic tape. You can now continue your run without developing a blister in that area, so you can also continue breaking in the shoe, in which otherwise you would have to put on hold because a blister forms. Shin splints, ITB syndrom, stress fractures, and practically every other form of running injury can be prevented as long as you keep a healthy stretching routine, prevent running the same route every time, and run POSE correctly. I'm pretty bad at running still, but I've never gotten a running injury due to the fact I run POSE.Skydiving: You either learn from other's mistakes, or they'll learn from yours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites