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1/11/13 6:54 P

If you've just begun using custom orthothotics, there is definitely a break-in period (you, shoes, inserts - tomatoe/tomato). You need to very slowly add miles with the orthotics. I've been told by both my podiatrist and physical therapist that minor shin splints/ache are expected in the beginning.

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1/10/13 3:32 P

I agree, it is more likely YOU getting used to the fit and ride of the shoe. When I have stayed with the same shoe model, there was NO break-in....only when changing shoes models. Now, I try to rotate between two or three different shoes.

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1/9/13 10:03 P

i'm in agreement that it's not the shoe that is breaking in (if it's a new model for you) it's you that is getting broken into the shoe.

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1/9/13 8:48 P

I'm still relatively new to running (less than a year) so I've been re-fitted for all three pairs of running shoes I've gone through at a store specific to running shoes. What I mean by "breaking in" is just that I'll have some shin pain for a few runs then I'm okay (no blisters or anything). It's happened every time I've made a change. Right now I'm actually running with new custom-fitted inserts and I'm having some soreness. Does anybody else have experience with these?

Edited by: ERICADAWN1986 at: 1/9/2013 (20:49)

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1/9/13 8:36 P

I have only had one pair ever break me in ... I ran for 30 minutes and had three blisters. Since I got them off the discontinued table for 40% list, I had to keep them. Nice lawn mowing shoes the became.

Otherwise, right out of the box.

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1/9/13 4:40 P

Another possibility is that you're hanging on to your old shoes and inserts too long and the "aches and pains" period is your body getting used to a good shoe after have suffered with a bad shoe for a while.

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1/9/13 11:52 A

Are you switching styles of shoes, or is this happening with a new pair in the same model or style? If you are switching say from a stability shoe to a neutral shoe, it could be an adjustment period for your body, rather than the shoes being broken in. Personally, I like to rotate through 2-3 pairs of shoes during the week so I'm not running all my miles in a single type of shoe. The shoes also last longer this way. If you're sticking with the same or very similar shoe, there shouldn't be a break in period beyond the first 2-3 runs.

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1/9/13 11:34 A

I have never had to "break in" a pair of properly fitted running shoes. That being said, when I get a new pair I try to do a couple shorter runs before a long run and have at least a couple weeks in before using them in a race.

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1/9/13 10:36 A

Has this always been a problem? You should not have to break in running shoes. If they don't feel comfortable, maybe you should get refitted. In fact many experts recommend that everyone should get refitted once a year.

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1/9/13 10:18 A

Whenever I get a new pair of running shoes or inserts, I always feel like there's a 2 week breaking in period where I have a few new aches and pains until my body adjusts. Do you experience that also and if so, how long does it last?