Ok, maybe just my feet are weird. Ever since last fall, when I started running in Vibrams a lot, I’ve found that my right foot hurts in regular running shoes. I get this pain near the top of the ball of my foot, right where the toes start. It’s not unbearable and it doesn’t affect my gait, but it does make running uncomfortable after about the 6 mile point. It’s like I’m landing too hard on a bruise.
I thought maybe it was that my shoes were too small, so I bought my next round of shoes in a half size bigger. I had hoped that with a summer of wearing the Pure Connects instead of either more drastic drop shoes OR VFFs that I’d retrain my feet. But, no. Yesterday’s run was pretty uncomfortable by the end and my feet were a bit sore this morning.
I’ve really got to solve this problem. I can’t imagine how my poor feet are going to feel if I run the major mileage I have coming up on a sore right foot. (And I have a lot of reasons for not attempting this in Vibrams). I guess I’ve got to find a running store with a good return policy and start trying some different shoes.
I’ve got to be the only crazy person who, when their feet are sore, runs in Vibrams to give their feet a break. Bizarre!
I hate to say it, but it sounds like a neuroma to me. I’ve had them on both feet, and the feeling sounds similar to what you’re describing. I’ve had luck using some foam pads in my shoes which, when placed correctly, take the pressure off the nerves that get irritated and cause the neuroma issues. The other thing I’ve found is that I need shoes with wide toe boxes so that my feet don’t feel squished or pressured. Also, I’ve given up on all my high heel shoes 🙁 Anyway, just a thought and something to ponder and/or research.
Hope you can figure it out, and good luck with all your upcoming miles. Can’t remember how I found you site, but I always enjoy reading!
OMG, I have the same pain! I’ve started to soak my feet in warm water and epsom salt, hoping that can calm it down. I’ve had it for some time now (albeit different degrees of pain), but interestingly enough, I survived my first ultra last week without much foot fanfare – phew! (say THAT five times fast)
I’m hoping the bathing and some time off for me will work. If you find anything more helpful, I’d love to know too! Good luck!!
My friend is the same way – she prefers her Vibrams, especially when she is sore, and I need all the cushion I can get. I’m sure you’re more experienced than me in this, but at my local running store (Bryn Mawr Running) they were very helpful and they said as long as I only try the shoes out on the treadmill at home that they will take them back. I’m sold!
Have you tried going into a wider width? Maybe the pain you’re feeling is your toe bones scrunching together. I hope you sort it out soon, sounds awful.
How strange that the pain is in regular shoes, not the Vibrams… I have no words of wisdom, although it sounds like your feet prefer a very flexible shoe. Hope you can figure it out!
Have you tried Running Warehouse online? They will return anything in any condition for up to 90 days, and they include a return shipping label in all of their packages to you.
I’d strongly suggest going to Road Runner Sports & becoming a VIP. 90 day unconditional shoe return policy. Amazing.