Recommend me some ultra-cushioned shoes....

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

Hi there. Long story cut reasonably short....I ran competitively for maybe 12-13 years (was a 34min 10km runner)....had to stop through illness in 2014, couldn't run after (story for another day!) so took up cycling. I cycle a lot and I'm in really good shape but I am looking to get back into some form of running again. I went for a few runs in a new pair of trainers that I used to get on very well with, but they are merely moderate cushioning at best (Asics Gel-DS Trainer).

The problem I have is that I just went for a run at what felt like a comfortable, sustainable pace which was around 7:45-8min/mile (HR was around 145-150, so nothing drastic) but bugger me my ankles and knees felt it! I strained a peroneal tendon mildly too....so I have been doing some eversion exercises and also wobble cushion stability work too, but I'm thinking that whilst I'm purely doing base miles and no speed work yet it's worth just getting an ultra cushioned shoe to get me back into running. I'm a relatively neutral runner, very, very mild pronation and a slightly reduced arch but nothing major.

I was looking at the Asics Gel Nimbus 22....has anyone got any other suggestions and why they may be better?

Thanks very much in advance!

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

ajap1979 said:

Have a look at the Asics NovaBlast too (the Gel Nimbus of recent years have had terrible reviews), and the New Balance Beacon V3s. Personally I tend to feel more beat up after running in ultra cushioned shoes.

Thanks for your thoughts. I had read in recent years the Nimbus had bad reviews, but the new model (22) is apparently a marked improvement!

Hmmm!

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

i4got said:

If you're looking ultra cushioned have a look at Hoka One One (the One is pronounce O-nay)

Yes I've been looking at those...not sure whether it'd be the Bondi 6 or the Elevon 2?

edit - I think it's actually between the Bondi 6 and the Clifton....but probably the Bondi 6!

Edited by TyrannosauRoss Lex on Thursday 18th June 20:08

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

Thanks for your suggestions chaps, I ended up ordering a pair of Hoka One One Bondi 6s. Should be delivered Saturday at some point

I have read a few reviews which state they seem to take time to "bed in" and soften up, so I'll bear that in mind.

Will let you know how I get on within the next week or two

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

Just an update guys.....I got the Bondi 6 and oh my are they soft! I have to build my miles back up very slowly, I went for a very short run on Friday in my old shoes, only 0.7 miles and throughout my ankles felt OK but knees were just sore/tender. I went for a run in these Monday, only 0.9 miles but absolutely no ankle pain, knees a little tender but nothing compared to with the other shoes. Did 1.2 miles yesterday and no ill effects, knees only sore for maybe 0.4 miles and then felt fine.

The pace feels comfortable and I don't look at my watch when I run but still wear a HRM, the 1.2 mile run I did was at 7:50/mile and max HR was 144. I just need to be very careful about building the miles up because my legs and breathing just felt like I could have gone on for much, much longer than 1.2 miles but I decided I just need to be sensible about this. I am still cycling lots and where my running mileage is so low I'm just adding it onto my normal training without reducing my cycling for the time being.

I plan to just run 3 days per week and I've said no more than 2 miles or so for 4 weeks even if that feels fine, just to allow my body to get used to the impact before I can start to increase the mileage a bit more.

Thanks very much for the suggestion on the Bondi 6, they are without a doubt the most cushioned shoe I have ever run in. I will keep my DS Trainers because I'm sure in a couple of months I will be fine to run in them once I'm used to it a bit more. I am also very happy and a little surprised than sub 8min/mile still feels my natural "mechanical" pace. Any slower just feels bizarre, so that is positive.

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

ajap1979 said:

Muscle memory is an amazing thing.

When you can I’d definitely recommend mixing it up with a harder shoe.

Definitely! I plan to use the Hokas for 4 weeks or so and then use the firmer shoes just for shorter runs initially just to build up impact resistance. Will keep you posted. I very much appreciate your help.