Expert: Daphne E Brown MS CPRP - 4/5/2004

Question
Help! I bought some new aerobics shoes. They are the Nike Air Max Challenge shoes. They were super comfy when I tried them on at the store... great cushioning so I thought they would be good for taking the impact of step aerobics. However, I just tried them out today. The well cushioned bottom of the shoe made the skin on the ball of my foot hurt really badly. Now my skin is so sensitive it almost hurts to walk. What has caused this? Are the shoes too cushioned or too tight? Also, while in class, the underneath arch of one foot was in pain and the other was not. Do they just need time to break in or should I get a different shoe? I have thin boned flat feet so I liked the cushioning in the shoe...great for jumping around in. I just don't know what to do. My feet are on fire as I sit here.  I hope you can help me, thanks.  

Answer
***Suggestions offered here may or may not help you in your particular situation.  Please consult with your physician when beginning and/or changing an exercise/nutritional regimen***

Adria,
I apologize that I just received your message.  There has been a change in web master, so this may be the reason for the delay in me receiving your question.

So you are having difficulty with the fit of your Nike shoes?  I am sure about the season or style of Nike you mentioned.  It doesn't matter really, since it seems that this pair is making you miserable.

Go to these sites for information on athletic shoes:
http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/1999/11_99/shoes.htm
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/runningshoes
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/beforeyoubuy/a/aabyb_shoes.htm

Follow some of the advice these sites give you to help you select better shoe for you.  You may even need to seek help from your podiatrist, if you haven't already.  Hope these sites give you information that you can use.  Take care.

Sincerely, Daphne
PS.  Have you taken those painful Nike's back yet???