New tennis shoes killing me feet

[KINGROGER]

Hello!

Just had my first game of tennis of the year. Very enjoyable.

However, wore my new tennis shoes for like the 3rd time. Both my feet are in severe pain on like the sides of my feet, in the middle on the soles.

Shoes are correct size. Just wondering best way to break them in to stop this pain? My normal running shoes don’t cause this pain but I was told to wear proper tennis shoes.

“My” feet

 

[TahoeTennis]

You have chosen, poorly.


Get new shoes asap

 

[KINGROGER]

You have chosen, poorly.


Get new shoes asap

Spelling error in the title meant my, auto correct.

Also they weren’t expensive they cost me about £40. Not buying really expensive tennis shoes I don’t play often enough to justify it.
There’s no way these ones will get better?

 

[TypeRx]

Don't be cheap when it comes to your health/body -- it is penny wise pound foolish. Buy new shoes at a store that can properly fit them or try on several different types before deciding.

I have been using adidas Classic Barricade Bounce for the past several months and thought they fit great but have developed blisters and a couple black toes. Just switched to Asics Gel FF and I can already tell they will be healthier for my feet. Sizing was also very important as I typically wear a size 10 but with the adidas had to go up to 10.5 for what I thought was the right fit. Now, back to size 10 with the Asics. They are very snug, but with these shoes they are supposed to be.

 

[KINGROGER]

Don't be cheap when it comes to your health/body -- it is penny wise pound foolish. Buy new shoes at a store that can properly fit them or try on several different types before deciding.

I have been using adidas Classic Barricade Bounce for the past several months and thought they fit great but have developed blisters and a couple black toes. Just switched to Asics Gel FF and I can already tell they will be healthier for my feet. Sizing was also very important as I typically wear a size 10 but with the adidas had to go up to 10.5 for what I thought was the right fit. Now, back to size 10 with the Asics. They are very snug, but with these shoes they are supposed to be.

Thank you! I’ll perservere with these a couple more times if they start to hurt I’ll bring a spare pair of regular running shoes.

Otherwise I’ll go into the shop and try various ones on there.

 

[TypeRx]

If you are playing infrequently and your running shoes are much more comfortable, use those instead of poor-fitting tennis shoes. Problem solved and you don't have to spend any $$. Just realize the running shoes may wear very differently with tennis vs. running and they may not provide as much "tennis specific support". Basically, they will most likely be just fine!

 

[KINGROGER]

If you are playing infrequently and your running shoes are much more comfortable, use those instead of poor-fitting tennis shoes. Problem solved and you don't have to spend any $$. Just realize the running shoes may wear very differently with tennis vs. running and they may not provide as much "tennis specific support". Basically, they will most likely be just fine!

Ok mate thanks I will do.

 

[OnTheLine]

Yeah, running shoes will work just fine: Except for turned/sprained ankles.

Running shoes are designed for straight forward running ... not lateral cutting, etc. Have seen people catch the outer lip of of a running shoe and go down pretty hard .... now you are out of everything for many weeks with a messy sprain.

 

[KINGROGER]

Yeah, running shoes will work just fine: Except for turned/sprained ankles.

Running shoes are designed for straight forward running ... not lateral cutting, etc. Have seen people catch the outer lip of of a running shoe and go down pretty hard .... now you are out of everything for many weeks with a messy sprain.

That’s why I bought the tennis shoes mate. Shame they’re so uncomfortable.

 

[Fanman]

I had the same issue with the Nike Flyknit Vapors. After wearing it once on the court damn near threw them away. Walk around normally in them a bit & hope they can break in, if not then you might just be out of luck. Unfortunately a lot of inexpensive tennis shoes are really stiff & require a lot of break in.

 

[KINGROGER]

I had the same issue with the Nike Flyknit Vapors. After wearing it once on the court damn near threw them away. Walk around normally in them a bit & hope they can break in, if not then you might just be out of luck. Unfortunately a lot of inexpensive tennis shoes are really stiff & require a lot of break in.

Will give that a go, thanks mate.

 

[Hmgraphite1]

If your foot is still growing I understand not wanting to spend. Otherwise get a good pair it will last you ten or more years if you don't wear them out, play alot. Per year you talking about minimal differences for the best with no discomfort. Some feet pronate, some suppinate, some light people like supportive shoes, some heavier like soft shoes. I put one of each shoe on different feet walk around , keep the good one, try a third choice on other foot, until you got the best one for you.

 

[Dags]

Loosen the laces at the area where the pain is occurring. It sounds like you have them too tight midway up the foot.

 

[old man stringer 67]

I have only been playing tennis for 55 years-had heart attack,stroke, heart failure, quad bypass, cancer-throat chemo, radiation 33 sessions, , I play at least 1.5-2 hours per day. but I never wear tight shoes- do spend the extra few dollars on comfort, shoes may last you a long time but be comfortable- buy a little bigger and tighten the laces if you need them tighter-buy on sale if you want to save- last years good shoes are this years bargain, good luck

 

[tennisbike]

An expensive pair of shoe that fit poorly is no comparison to an inexpensive pair that fits well.

Recently I returned a pair of New Balance 996v3 9.5 when my feet felt pinched inside. The exchanged 996v3 2E 9.5 at least allowed me to get on the court. But I got a black toe on the first outting and that was it. I gave the shoes away. The plastic piece that holds the forefoot in place was so rigid and did not seems to be able to break in. Still, I think the 9.5 even at 2E has the toe box or ceiling too low.

I tried my luck with 786v2 3E at size 10 and the shoes fit much better. The insole was not molded, appeared to be cheaper material, with lower heel cup. Now I wonder if I should have tried the size 10 for 996v3. No I like the leather on 786v2. The fit is good.

 

[stiggytennis]

Hello!

Just had my first game of tennis of the year. Very enjoyable.

However, wore my new tennis shoes for like the 3rd time. Both my feet are in severe pain on like the sides of my feet, in the middle on the soles.

Shoes are correct size. Just wondering best way to break them in to stop this pain? My normal running shoes don’t cause this pain but I was told to wear proper tennis shoes.

It sounds like your shoes are a bit tight for width, or the arches are a bit high. Perhaps wear them as much as you can to break them in more; it takes me around 10 hours (sometimes more) to break mine in, while my feet ache in the process.

 

[KINGROGER]

Thanks mate. I tried them a couple more times but loosened the laces a bit and they don’t give me any problems now.

 

[kimguroo]

Please stop using running shoes for tennis.
running shoes often make rubber skid marks on hard courts.

Running shoes won’t give enough protection for tennis. Tennis requires explosive movements for initial first step or two and side to side movements. Running shoes do not provide enough stability.
Also running shoes require lighter weight so less cushion materials than Tennis shoes.

I try to play tennis as long as I can so I don’t try to save money to go cheaper things. The biggest reason is any injury causes more money in US. Inexpensive shoes do not offer same protections than expensive one.
Also I don’t try to wear too long for same shoes because most of shoes degrade midsole foam. Usually change shoes around 70-120 hrs (depends on model).

Shop around to find previous version/season shoes. Probably it will be the better option.

 

[KINGROGER]

Please stop using running shoes for tennis.
running shoes often make rubber skid marks on hard courts.

Running shoes won’t give enough protection for tennis. Tennis requires explosive movements for initial first step or two and side to side movements. Running shoes do not provide enough stability.
Also running shoes require lighter weight so less cushion materials than Tennis shoes.

I try to play tennis as long as I can so I don’t try to save money to go cheaper things. The biggest reason is any injury causes more money in US. Inexpensive shoes do not offer same protections than expensive one.
Also I don’t try to wear too long for same shoes because most of shoes degrade midsole foam. Usually change shoes around 70-120 hrs (depends on model).

Shop around to find previous version/season shoes. Probably it will be the better option.

Thanks mate. Been wearing these ones and they’re nicely broke in now.

 

[Bender]

Didn't know you played...what shoes did you buy anyway?

Vapor X? 9.5? Flyknit 9.5?

 

[Dandow93]

An expensive pair of shoe that fit poorly is no comparison to an inexpensive pair that fits well.

Recently I returned a pair of New Balance 996v3 9.5 when my feet felt pinched inside. The exchanged 996v3 2E 9.5 at least allowed me to get on the court. But I got a black toe on the first outting and that was it. I gave the shoes away. The plastic piece that holds the forefoot in place was so rigid and did not seems to be able to break in. Still, I think the 9.5 even at 2E has the toe box or ceiling too low.

I tried my luck with 786v2 3E at size 10 and the shoes fit much better. The insole was not molded, appeared to be cheaper material, with lower heel cup. Now I wonder if I should have tried the size 10 for 996v3. No I like the leather on 786v2. The fit is good.

I had the same experience with those New Balance 996v3s. I went a half size up and still felt immense pain on the sides of my feet similar to what OP is describing - glad they do 30 day returns, horrible things.

 

[BenC]

I had the same experience with those New Balance 996v3s. I went a half size up and still felt immense pain on the sides of my feet similar to what OP is describing - glad they do 30 day returns, horrible things.

I tried the whole New Balance lineup and found the only shoes that felt true to size (I normally wear 9 2E) were the 1006 and 806, but the 806 felt very heavy and stiff.

 

[tennisbike]

I tried the whole New Balance lineup and found the only shoes that felt true to size (I normally wear 9 2E) were the 1006 and 806, but the 806 felt very heavy and stiff.

786v2 E2 size 10 works for me. My typical size is 9 1/2. According to the product description, the upper is made of leather and mesh. The fit is better for me. They are relatively less expensive too.

 

[norcal]

I have only been playing tennis for 55 years-had heart attack,stroke, heart failure, quad bypass, cancer-throat chemo, radiation 33 sessions, , I play at least 1.5-2 hours per day.

Damn man, more power to you!

 

[old man stringer 67]

one last trick to help provide extra comfort is to leave out the last lace in the top of the shoes. if your foot hurts on the top, this will stop the downward pressure on the top of the foot. I cannot believe that no one has mentioned this easy fix. People do not play as long as they used to. Priorities in life today are really screwed when tennis does not rate at the top. Your mom needs to take your cell phone away. Shoes today are the best they have ever been. but be very selective and listen to how your foot feels. Better buy today before crazy taxes get us all.

 

[snowpuppy]

If the your foot is in pain you have to understand your feet. There are some key consideration, are you wide or narrow feet? over pronation or under pronation? Do you have high-instep (tall feet)?

If you have the money, going to an orthopedic specialist. But they are $$$$$ so the next best thing is to look for insole (superfeet… etc) or even their custom options.

 

[Ronaldo]

Laces???

 

[d-quik]

The plastic piece that holds the forefoot in place was so rigid and did not seems to be able to break in

you referring to this part right? where 3 different pieces of construction meet?

 

[socallefty]

Unfortunately tennis shoe manufacturers are notorious for changing the width and length of their tennis shoes even on the same model with every new version they introduce. In particular, shoes are getting more narrow particularly in the arch area. So, you might need to buy shoes that are half-size bigger and wear thick socks (like Thorlos) if you continue to have pain.

When a pair of shoes gets old, I tend to tie my laces tighter and the pain can reappear if the shoes are too narrow - so, be careful with how tight you lace the shoes as it gets older.

 

[tennisbike]

you referring to this part right? where 3 different pieces of construction meet?

Actually no. If I remember it correctly, these type of shoes, that looks like the top is completely fabric, is actually lined with some kind of plastic which does not stretch. If you look inside the shoes you can see and feel it. It goes over and around the foot.
When the shoe is shaped right for your foot, it is fine. If not, hard luck breaking them in. So this part is a change from the good old leather shoes like the KWiss I had in 80's. They were stiff and heavy until broken in, but they do get broken in. Now a days the idea of broken in is probably about the insole getting a bit worn down.

 

[d-quik]

Actually

So how long did you end up owning the 996v3? Or did you return it? Did it "eventually get broken in? If yes was it eventually satisfactory or still crap after break-in?

 

[Ronaldo]

Have the 996v2 and they never quite felt comfy above my hammertoes,

 

[tennisbike]

So how long did you end up owning the 996v3? Or did you return it? Did it "eventually get broken in? If yes was it eventually satisfactory or still crap after break-in?

No I gave it away. First I kept it thinking it was close enough and it would break in. But it hurt so bad, I gave up on it. In my experience, which may be short, it did not break in. The hurt was not like only when I had to stop. It hurt after playing about 30 minutes. I pretty much gave up on that series. I do have a pair of 986E2. Not as fancy as 996v3 but worked.

 

[d-quik]

No I gave it away. First I kept it thinking it was close enough and it would break in. But it hurt so bad, I gave up on it. In my experience, which may be short, it did not break in. The hurt was not like only when I had to stop. It hurt after playing about 30 minutes. I pretty much gave up on that series. I do have a pair of 986E2. Not as fancy as 996v3 but worked.

damn man i feel like if it wasn't for the stupid narrowness and stiffness these shoes would have been soooo nice (like I mean could have became my favourite). literally everything else about the shoe i find desirable except for the upper/width. tragic. it was also not that cushioned but i dont care. just the width/stiffness.

 

[Isca]

IMO 'break in' is a myth. Shoes are either right for your feet or not. No point enduring pain and risking injury or onset of serious issues as a result of improper footwear whilst engaging in a demanding impact sport. If you try a pair of shoes on and they're pinching, too stiff, feel like blocks of concrete on your feet etc, you've got the wrong shoes. Best to go to a physical store or buy from an online store with a free delivery, free returns policy. I had to try 4 different shoes to find some that fit my wide duckfeet.

 

[tennis tom]

I've had good luck with any Asics for running or tennis--no break-in, consistent sizing from one model to the next--lightweight too.

 

[tennisbike]

I think we all agree that shoes are important, but .. the fit.. Here is my rant..

Different sports has different .. needs. I used to wear cycling shoes that was "snug". It was about efficiency. As long as your feet do not go numb, it was good. I took that idea to extreme and rode sock-less for years because the narrow leather shoes does not have room for socks. I was young and stupid. On the same token, ballet slippers also need to be "form fitting".

When I finally got back to tennis, it took me some time and many black toes to realized that I need more room for my toes. I remember wearing K-Swiss tennis shoes in 80's. They were heavy but rugged, took some time to break in. But they were the least expensive full leather shoes at the time. I wore out a pair in a month during the season. Thank goodness the season was not that long.
Now a days, leather is no longer leather I learned. From a shoe maker, who ran shoe factory in China, "leather" may be made from leather fragments and reconstituted, kind of like particle board in lumber. That idea was a bit of shock, probably to you. Right, some leather was not made from one piece of hide but grind into small bits and essentially glued together. Sure it is leather but from many cows. Gosh!

Back to fit.. fit is highly personal. For a long time, I resisted buying online. But I gave it a try and found Prince Warrior to be super comfortable to my feet. I bought them again and again after I figured out the size I like. Guess what, it was plastic!? Like many shoes nowadays cracks on the either side of the forefoot, the upper I mean. When I keep the laces "snug", they still play pretty well even when cracked. I do not know, perhaps the 6-month guarantee sole is not a good idea for me, since I do not play that hard or so frequent any more. I no longer wear out the sole so easily, and the insole was probably bad. I do like putting good insoles in my tennis shoes when I have them. But it is getting about impossible to find the Prince Warrior shoes anymore. I hated the T-22, tried a few sizes and none worked.

Anyway.. I just need to remember to re-tighten my laces after warm up. Somehow my feet felt looser as I play. And I wonder how the "Greek god" break shoe laces.