Great Running Shoe Post PTTD Surgery - Foot Problems Message Board

smile2006 · 11-09-2008, 08:29 AM

Hello-

I was cleared to run this past Friday after PTTD tendon transfer, debridement and osteotomy on August 13. I knew I needed a new pair of shoes as I trashed both pairs of my running shoes wearing them on the foot opposite my cast and walking boot and then on my swollen surgery foot when I began walking again. I have worn NIKE shoes for the 18 years I have been running (for the past 5 years I've worn the Air Pegasus). However, I decided to go to a running speciality store since my surgery foot is still a bit swollen and not back to its "real shape" yet. They actually put you on a treadmill and analyze your foot strike pattern via video. I had a neutral foot strike pattern prior to tearing my tendon falling down some stairs and I was glad to see that I still have neutral feet!!! I tried on several pair of Nike highly cushioned neutral shoes (Air Vomero 2, Pegasus plus and Air Moto) but they quickly took a back seat to the Pearl Izumi Syncrofloat 2 shoe. These Pearl shoes have a 360 lacing system which allowed me to get a snug fit on each of my feet even though each is slightly different at this point. These shoes are nice and "cushy" and feel great in the arch/foot. I've only done 2 runs in them (a flat 3 mile run today on a track) but I'm telling you these shoes have an incredible fit that doesn't come close to the NIKE fit. Time, of course will tell the full story but my immediate feeling is these are great shoes post-PTTD surgery for runners because you can personalize the 360 lacing system on each foot. I also saw they have a version of this shoe for non-neutral feet too. Hope this helps someone!

Titchou · 11-09-2008, 02:20 PM

It's always best to get a good fit from a proper store. Before I had my foot surgeries, I wore whatever was on sale to jog in. Bad! That's on reason my foot was so messed up - no proper running shoes. Afterwards, I went to the local track place and got a proper fit. They gave me 3 choices and I went with the Saucony Hurricane. Wonderful shoe on my foot! I then broke the same foot several years later and went back to them to be sure the same shoe was still the correct one. It was. I'm still wearing them - newer model of course - but loving them. Everyone is different and should get fitted properly for the best outcome. Congrats on getting back to running.

smile2006 · 11-09-2008, 04:48 PM

Yes, I was extemely pleased with all the help I got. I got to go outside and actually run in them. If I run in them for a couple days and don't like them then I can bring them back. Since they do fitting and analysis so completely I assume few people have to bring them back. So far so good with them as I said in the initial post. It is great to be starting up running again. My foot feels good and hopefully will be able to withstand running. I'm going to stick to a rubberized track for the short term. It's very hilly on roads where I live and I think a treadmill would be difficult to endure when the fall weather is so beautiful. Anyway, even if someone is looking for a comfortable running/athletic shoe to wear post surgery, I'd suggest perhaps going to a running store so they can help you out with shoe choice. Also I lucked into a sales person who is getting a Ph.D. in physical theraphy which didn't hurt!

sandcastles · 11-09-2008, 04:52 PM

Hello Smile,

Congratulations! I am so happy to hear that you are back to running again. You have done wonderfully. It seems impossible to believe that you can actually run.

I have had a set back, I am back on crutches. I had a very bad experience in PT. The PT squeezed my foot and tried to “mold” my foot into the Orthoics. It just about killed me. I walked into the PT session doing so well (I was even pushing off with my left foot) and to leave there with tears streaming down my face and in such pain has been unbelievable and very discouraging.

I will see the OS tomorrow - I hope to God that it’s soft tissue and not the hardware or bone that was injured.

Again, I am thrilled to hear that your doing so well - and that there is hope for the rest of us!

Take good care of yourself,

Sandy

nscrbug · 11-09-2008, 05:16 PM

I am currently in the process of searching for new running shoes. I have always purchased my running shoes from reputable running shoe stores that offer gait analysis. The last place I went to, also had the video/treadmill setup which is so helpful. Although I am not post-surgery, I do have many issues with my feet, so finding a shoe that works for me always turns into a trial & error game. I buy a shoe, run on the treadmill a few times and usually within the first 10 minutes I can tell if the shoe is a "keeper" or not. I just returned a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus 10's to my local running store. I have PF on my left foot, a neuroma on my right, plus I wear custom orthotics. The shoe felt decent in the store on their treadmill, but when I tried it out at the gym the following day...it was PAIN city! I've always wondered about the Pearl Izumi running shoes(I'm a big fan of their cycling products), and I think I will try them out next. It usually takes me about a good 2 months of trial & error, before I find a shoe that works.