Terrible, terrible shoe problems

[Cindysphinx]

When I first started playing tennis four years ago, I wore New Balance. These made my toenails fall of. Yeowch!

I switched to Barricade II. These worked well and I went through many pairs. In January 2008, I started having plantar faschiitis. The Barricades seemed to make it worse.

I told my tale of woe here, and in February 2008 someone suggested KSwiss Defier. This helped with the plantar faschiitis, but I got a wicked blood blister on the ball of my left foot, right behind the toes near the crease in the fat pad. That one healed, and now I have another debilitating blister on the right foot, same spot. A friend also wears Kswiss (Ascendor?) and has had blisters in the same place. I have tried a few different socks, have used double socks, and have laced as tightly as possible, and still I got this latest blister.

I need to try a new shoe. Does anyone have a suggestion on something I could try?

Having foot trouble sucks all the fun right out of tennis. I'm about to throw myself the mother of all pity parties at this point, so if one of you can save me I'd much appreciate it.

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

Maybe look into the reebok match points. Ive had them for a while and they were great fit for me and plushy. This is my preferences though. Maybe consider it

The Nike Vapor Vs are really nice best fit all around

 

[Spokewench]

Cindy: I had a a pair of KSwiss (that were supposed to be the best for the value) in Tennis mag 2007 when I first started playing. They were slightly wide for me but not too bad (i have very narrow feet). I however got plantar fasciitis so along with PT and stretching that I still do, I got a runners orthotic with a high arch and that helped a lot. Then I went and tried on shoes and bought a Nike Air (at that time top of the line) shoe because that was the narrowest shoe I could find. This seems to be working as I can keep my plantar fasciitis under control with that shoe as well. The Kswiss shoes sometimes gave me blisters when it was very hot, so far the nike's are fine without blisters but I have not worn them in really high heat yet. Have you ever tried really thin smartwool socks. They seem to work well for me and maybe some baby powder in your shoe to try to keep your feet dry. If I am playing a long time, I bring an extra pair of socks. The dry socks help also.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Cindy: I had a a pair of KSwiss (that were supposed to be the best for the value) in Tennis mag 2007 when I first started playing. They were slightly wide for me but not too bad (i have very narrow feet). I however got plantar fasciitis so along with PT and stretching that I still do, I got a runners orthotic with a high arch and that helped a lot. Then I went and tried on shoes and bought a Nike Air (at that time top of the line) shoe because that was the narrowest shoe I could find. This seems to be working as I can keep my plantar fasciitis under control with that shoe as well. The Kswiss shoes sometimes gave me blisters when it was very hot, so far the nike's are fine without blisters but I have not worn them in really high heat yet. Have you ever tried really thin smartwool socks. They seem to work well for me and maybe some baby powder in your shoe to try to keep your feet dry. If I am playing a long time, I bring an extra pair of socks. The dry socks help also.

I feel like the Kswiss have to be the culprit, given my long and unremarkable history with Barricades.

I don't think I want to do anything with my socks. Both blisters happened during private lessons, when I'm getting yanked all over the court. This last one started in the first 15 minutes on a cool day, so suspect it's not due to moisture/sweat. And I've tried many socks lately, both thick and thin.

I have a podiatrist helping me with the PF. It's weird. The right foot used to be the bigger problem, and now it is the left. I think it's because he has me wearing a boot at night (boy, that has really helped), but I only have one boot, so the foot without the boot gets neglected. I'm trying to hold off on the custom orthotics for many reasons, including that they are expensive and many people don't get relief from them.

Me, I need some different tennis shoes and a second boot. Unless someone has a different idea, I'll try one of the Nikes that have been suggested.

 

[TonyB]

I agree with the Reebok suggestion. Many of their shoes are pretty well cushioned.

Prince also has some plushy shoes. Might want to try some of them as well.

 

[fortunecookiesjc]

Alright so basically

prince t20s
Nike vapor Vs
reebok match point / kfs pump

 

[ojingoh]

I switched to Barricade II. These worked well and I went through many pairs. In January 2008, I started having plantar faschiitis. The Barricades seemed to make it worse.

Cindy get the orthotics. Plantar fascitis happens when the tendons that support your body weight can't support your weight -- sometimes the tendon's too thin, or they're damaged and can't heal, or they're not supple enough, shoes are totally wrong, court's too hard etc. The orthotics will help support that -- these days you can get a pretty thin composite orthotic that weighs next to nothing and takes almost no volume out of your shoe. Unless your feet are in the wrong shoe size, I don't think a shoe would cause a total breakdown in your tendons.

Also, it might not be tennis that's causing your fasicitis. If you work standing up or walk a lot, these could contribute.

Do you stretch *after* you play tennis? 10-15 minutes minimum? One of the best easy stretches you can do during the day for your feet is rolling a tennis ball with your foot especially around the arch. I try to do this whenever I'm sitting at my workstation.

I personally would find a super supportive shoe, not a cushy one. Breathe Frees I found to be plenty supportive and pretty cushy. Still no replacement for othotics though


Good luck with the fascitis!

 

[Cindysphinx]

Cindy get the orthotics. Plantar fascitis happens when the tendons that support your body weight can't support your weight -- sometimes the tendon's too thin, or they're damaged and can't heal, or they're not supple enough, shoes are totally wrong, court's too hard etc. The orthotics will help support that -- these days you can get a pretty thin composite orthotic that weighs next to nothing and takes almost no volume out of your shoe. Unless your feet are in the wrong shoe size, I don't think a shoe would cause a total breakdown in your tendons.

Also, it might not be tennis that's causing your fasicitis. If you work standing up or walk a lot, these could contribute.

Do you stretch *after* you play tennis? 10-15 minutes minimum? One of the best easy stretches you can do during the day for your feet is rolling a tennis ball with your foot especially around the arch. I try to do this whenever I'm sitting at my workstation.

I personally would find a super supportive shoe, not a cushy one. Breathe Frees I found to be plenty supportive and pretty cushy. Still no replacement for othotics though


Good luck with the fascitis!

Thanks, Ojingoh.

It's definitely tennis that is the problem. Singles, more specifically. In December, I decided to focus on singles. It's been nothing but foot trouble since then. The PF started with that and was aggravated by my newfound desire not to stand on the court flat-footed but instead to split-step, etc. The movement drills my pro has me doing (feed to FH, recover to middle, feed to FH) are absolute murder.

Yeah, I'm doing all the classic stretches, and the PF is coming along. It felt like I was walking on a golf ball for a while there, so I'm glad it's not as bad as it was. I feel like if I could stick with the Kswiss, I could get this licked without custom orthotics (I am using Superfeet, which the doc says is OK for now). But I can't stick with the Kswiss because of the blisters.

Call me crazy, but the idea of popping $400 for custom orthotics until I'm sure nothing else will work is unappealling.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Oh, hey. What's the deal with the pump in the Reeboks? I'm not a big fan of gimmicks or things that can break. . . .

 

[El Guapo]

Cindy get the orthotics. Plantar fascitis happens when the tendons that support your body weight can't support your weight -- sometimes the tendon's too thin, or they're damaged and can't heal, or they're not supple enough, shoes are totally wrong, court's too hard etc. The orthotics will help support that -- these days you can get a pretty thin composite orthotic that weighs next to nothing and takes almost no volume out of your shoe. Unless your feet are in the wrong shoe size, I don't think a shoe would cause a total breakdown in your tendons.

Also, it might not be tennis that's causing your fasicitis. If you work standing up or walk a lot, these could contribute.

Do you stretch *after* you play tennis? 10-15 minutes minimum? One of the best easy stretches you can do during the day for your feet is rolling a tennis ball with your foot especially around the arch. I try to do this whenever I'm sitting at my workstation.

I personally would find a super supportive shoe, not a cushy one. Breathe Frees I found to be plenty supportive and pretty cushy. Still no replacement for othotics though


Good luck with the fascitis!

Not true. Plantar fasciitis has nothing to do with tendons.

 

[OrangeOne]

1. Ask your podiatrist in regards to shoe choice, s/he will certainly know more than people on here.

2. Orthotics changed my life in regard to knee pain and sport.

3. Firm and supportive is almost always going to win over soft and cushy when it comes to sports shoes, in my opinion anyways (and that of my knee surgeon, for me at least anyways).

 

[Topaz]

Cindy, right now I'm mostly wearing Prince MV4s. I do have inserts in them, and I do still tape my left foot for PF (but just a bit, not the extensive tape job I used to do)...but overall I like them. The fit of the heel, especially, is something I like.

From time to time, I am still wearing my Adidas A3 prevails, though it appears that they are being discontinued. Bar none, this shoe has done the most for my PF, and have the best arch support of any shoe I've tried. What size do you wear? TW still has some, on sale even, just not in my size.

If I could combine the heel of the MV4s, with the arch support of the A3s, I'd be in heaven.

Also, the A3s seem to give a bit more ankle support. I rolled my ankle for the first time, EVER, in the Princes, but it wasn't real bad. More likely a result of getting tangled up in my own feet than the shoes.

My next purchase will probably be more MV4s, though I would like to try their new OCs...maybe the T20. I can't bring myself to buy something that has anything lower than a 'medium' height arch though, and that really narrows it down!

Edited to add: The MV4s really lace up tightly...I love that! And they were comfy from the get go, too.

 

[Topaz]

Not true. Plantar fasciitis has nothing to do with tendons.

'Tis true...more a soft tissue problem than anything else.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/plantar-fasciitis/DS00508

 

[Topaz]

Oh! And Cindy...one of my regular doubles partners is a runner...a serious runner. Eight miles is a short run for her, and she runs 6 times a week.

For the last year, as she's heard me complain of PF and watch me tape my feet, she's been nudging me to go to her chiropractor - who is an athlete himself and specializes in soft tissue injuries. She swears by this guy, and says he keeps her running and has helped her through many injuries.

I hemmed and hawed...for a year. But now my back has gotten to be so bad, that I finally broke down, and my appointment is Wednesday morning. The two things I'm going for: my back, and PF. I'll report back after my appt.

***Disclaimer - I really don't want to hear any 'feedback' about chiros and what everyone thinks of them. I know the controversies. So, anyone reading this who feels compelled to post in such a way...really, just go post someplace else. Thanks! ***

 

[tarkowski]

When I first started playing tennis four years ago, I wore New Balance. These made my toenails fall of. Yeowch!

I switched to Barricade II. These worked well and I went through many pairs. In January 2008, I started having plantar faschiitis. The Barricades seemed to make it worse.

I told my tale of woe here, and in February 2008 someone suggested KSwiss Defier. This helped with the plantar faschiitis, but I got a wicked blood blister on the ball of my left foot, right behind the toes near the crease in the fat pad. That one healed, and now I have another debilitating blister on the right foot, same spot. A friend also wears Kswiss (Ascendor?) and has had blisters in the same place. I have tried a few different socks, have used double socks, and have laced as tightly as possible, and still I got this latest blister.

I need to try a new shoe. Does anyone have a suggestion on something I could try?

Having foot trouble sucks all the fun right out of tennis. I'm about to throw myself the mother of all pity parties at this point, so if one of you can save me I'd much appreciate it.

Hi Cindy,

I have experience with all the above but from a guy's perspective. The Defier is a nice shoe, but it isn't well ventilated, and it does run a bit on the 'wide' side of average. These 2 traits, coupled with what I felt was less supportive outsole and insole, lead to blisters for me as well. I also believe that I got a case of plantars from these as well - due to improper arch support.

The new Barricade V is an excellent, supportive shoe - as is the Nike Vapor V and Cage II. The Cage II is especially ventilated and a nice, snug, but comfortable fit. No blisters.

I have been using Superfeet green in all my shoes to help with the plantars - and they work great. That, along with PT and strength training have helped quite a bit.

Good luck!

 

[Cindysphinx]

Hi Cindy,

I have experience with all the above but from a guy's perspective. The Defier is a nice shoe, but it isn't well ventilated, and it does run a bit on the 'wide' side of average. These 2 traits, coupled with what I felt was less supportive outsole and insole, lead to blisters for me as well. I also believe that I got a case of plantars from these as well - due to improper arch support.

The new Barricade V is an excellent, supportive shoe - as is the Nike Vapor V and Cage II. The Cage II is especially ventilated and a nice, snug, but comfortable fit. No blisters.

I have been using Superfeet green in all my shoes to help with the plantars - and they work great. That, along with PT and strength training have helped quite a bit.

Good luck!

Barricade V, huh?

Are all of these Barricades with their fancy Roman numerals that different from one another? I have liked the IIs in the past, but the Vs are kinda pricey. If they're really different, I'd give them a go given my positive history with Addidas. But if they didn't work out, they'd be an awfully high-end shoe for mowing the lawn.

Topaz, let me know what you decide about the chiropractor. I have another appointment with the sports podiatrist and I'm starting to panic. The next step in our treatment plan for me would be PT ($$) and orthotics ($$$). I feel like I could lick this pretty quickly if I'd just give up tennis entirely . . .

 

[SempreSami]

Replace your legs with those blades, like that guy that's trying to compete in the Olympics.

 

[ojingoh]

all you ever wanted to know abou pf, well in easy to read hyperlinked text:
Plantar Fascitis
I should have been more specfic about tendon part, but yes it is not called a tendon, like the achillies is a tendon.

 

[ojingoh]

Call me crazy, but the idea of popping $400 for custom orthotics until I'm sure nothing else will work is unappealling.

No I hear that. But 2 points I'd make:
$400 is peanuts for a new foot. See if insurance will pop for it. Go see an ortho or a sports med doc -- pods are awesome at what they do, including making orthotics obviously. But let's face it an ortho has more clout as far as medical expenses. Read your policy. They won't pay for orthotics?


Be nice to your feet and your teeth. Best health advice my mom ever gave me.

Glad I could help Cx

O

 

[BullDogTennis]

you need to go and get some heel cups, special soles that have little cups that rest your heels in...they help alot

 

[TheShaun]

cindy, have you seen the tw review of the asics resolution? they seem very cushioned.

 

[Cindysphinx]

OK, I ordered some Barricade Vs.

I figured I've never had any luck with any Nike shoe, so maybe they're just not made for me.

I thought about Topaz's Prince, but that ankle rolling thing is scary. I've never rolled an ankle. I could have gone with the discontinued Adidas, but I'd hate to like it and then not be able to get it next time.

The Barricade Vs say you have to break them in. I hope that doesn't mean they wear like a brick . . .

Got my next podiatrist appointment next week. Custom orthotics are in my future, I'm thinkin'.

Thanks, all!!!

 

[tbini87]

OK, I ordered some Barricade Vs.

I figured I've never had any luck with any Nike shoe, so maybe they're just not made for me.

I thought about Topaz's Prince, but that ankle rolling thing is scary. I've never rolled an ankle. I could have gone with the discontinued Adidas, but I'd hate to like it and then not be able to get it next time.

The Barricade Vs say you have to break them in. I hope that doesn't mean they wear like a brick . . .

Got my next podiatrist appointment next week. Custom orthotics are in my future, I'm thinkin'.

Thanks, all!!!

the IVs and Vs are pretty nice shoes. i don't know how they will do as far as helping your foot problems, but hopefully they help! they are pretty comfy and very durable which is great. and you can wear them out and get a replacement pair which is nice too. they will probably need to be worn for a few days before really being broken in. hope they work out!

 

[Cindysphinx]

My Barricades came. Boy, howdy. These are some pimped out shoes!

I got the gold because . . . well because no way was I getting "cherry" and the white seemed so blah. The gold ones are anything but blah. Anyway, they say to break them in, so I'm doing that, I guess. Just wearing them around the house. So far, i can't feel any difference compared to my Barricade IIs, but they're not worse either.

They are as heavy as all get-out, though . . . .

 

[Supernatural_Serve]

They are as heavy as all get-out, though . . . .

If you get orthotics, they will be fitted by removing all that cushiony support stuff and replace it with an orthotic that should yield a lighter shoe.

This is a good question for your doctor. What does the orthotic do to the overall weight of the shoe? and is this shoe the right shoe for me in terms of support, cushion, toe room, weight?

We all want a light weight high performance shoe that supports and cushions our feet perfectly but unfortunately some of those objectives are at odds with each other.

 

[scotus]

Custom orthodics these days are great. My first pair a long time ago was rock-hard and heavy.

The pair that I just got is light and even has a layer of Spenco material for cushion.

I used to wear a lot of store-bought shoe inserts, such as Dr. Scholl's, Superfeet, WalkFit, etc. But I started getting some bunions and tailor's bunions, because I was getting support where I wasn't supposed to.

Anyway, go see your podiatrist.

 

[Cindysphinx]

If you get orthotics, they will be fitted by removing all that cushiony support stuff and replace it with an orthotic that should yield a lighter shoe.

This is a good question for your doctor. What does the orthotic do to the overall weight of the shoe? and is this shoe the right shoe for me in terms of support, cushion, toe room, weight?

We all want a light weight high performance shoe that supports and cushions our feet perfectly but unfortunately some of those objectives are at odds with each other.

Yeah, I took out the insole and put in my Superfeet. They're still heavy, but then again, I'm not setting any land speed records no matter what I put on my feet.

Good idea. I'll wear them to the appointment next week.

Boy, I'm going to be annoyed if I get orthotics from him and they are no better than Superfeet. There's goes my video camera budget . . .

 

[Cindysphinx]

OK, the Barricades are working. My feet feel better. I played two hours in them on Saturday, and I didn't have foot pain at all during the match. I even ran today before my match! I feel like I'm turning the corner, finally!

Woo-hooo!!

 

[benne]

the callouses on the balls of my feet get too large and break off once or twice a year, usually around the same time for both feet. this hurts but i got used to it. supposedly im supposed to grind them off and make them smaller or something. but i would try that if that's what's having with your blood blisters.

 

[tbini87]

OK, the Barricades are working. My feet feel better. I played two hours in them on Saturday, and I didn't have foot pain at all during the match. I even ran today before my match! I feel like I'm turning the corner, finally!

Woo-hooo!!

glad you like the kicks and that they are working! i was pretty stoked when i got a pair of V's as a replacement pair for my IV's! you aren't running in your tennis shoes are you? will you be able to wear them out in time for a replacement pair?

 

[Topaz]

Cindy, how do you find the sizing with the Barricades?

I'm a 6.5 in Prince, and an 8 in my Mizunos! I never know which size to try!

 

[HyperHorse]

I would have recommended plushier/more comfortable shoes than the B5s.
If you respect your body you will get orthotics made.
It's either orthotics or saw your foot off.

 

[Topaz]

*raising hand*

Cindy, I will volunteer to saw your foot off, if it comes to that! *grin*

 

[SempreSami]

I would have recommended plushier/more comfortable shoes than the B5s.
If you respect your body you will get orthotics made.
It's either orthotics or saw your foot off.

If the shoes are working, why bother?

P.S. Top avatar choice

 

[HyperHorse]

If the shoes are working, why bother?

P.S. Top avatar choice

Cheers man, New Order rock...
About Cindy's feet, the Barricades are usually a durability/support shoe...
Not the best for cushioning or comfort, but if it's helping her then no, she doesn't need to switch shoes...
Just that i didn't think its the first choice for people with joint problems.

 

[idalewis]

OK, the Barricades are working. My feet feel better. I played two hours in them on Saturday, and I didn't have foot pain at all during the match. I even ran today before my match! I feel like I'm turning the corner, finally!

Woo-hooo!!

Cindy, did you end up liking the Barricade Vs? Did they help with the PF?Would you buy a second pair?