Which "foot professional" should I listen to?

Question

I had to go to an orthopedic recently for a muscle issue in my foot. Since I'm a runner, I've been taking extra care to keep my feet healthy and safe.
When I told my orthopedic dr that I was professionally fitted for running sneakers, and that the shop recommended I wear a size bigger than normal (since they say feet swell up when you're running longer miles and help breathability), she was NOT impressed and said a bigger shoe size would be dangerous because the feet would be moving around more and prone to injury.
My dr is NOT a runner or a sports injury specialist, so I"m thinking the running shop pros are more knowledgeable about the feet and running sneakers?
The dr seems to think it's a gimmick (though I'm not sure how??) but her "professional" opinion is extremely wrong in the running world.
Who's judgement do I trust? I feel ok wearing either size - one slightly bigger and one that's true to size.

Adam D · Accepted Answer

Where did the running store "professionals" get their credentials?  What makes them experts?  You know where the doctor got her expertise.  That's one avenue for you to use when comparing the two opinions.

There is no reason larger shoes would help "breathablilty".  The shoes material handles that.  Your feet may swell a little during a long run, but never a full shoe size, that's a ridiculous notion.  I'd say a half size of swelling would be pretty extreme even.  I do know that shoes which allow your feet to move around too much can make it easier to get blisters on long runs.

Ultimately, you're the only one in this discussion that know both parties (the doctor and the running shop employee), which puts you in the best position to decide who you trust.

. · Answer

Some people's feet do swell a lot when running (mine do). I wear a 9 in a street shoe (non-running shoe) and an 11 or 11 in running shoes BUT they do tend to run small.

You can also make sure if you wear a running shoe that is larger than your everyday shoes, make sure it allows you the ability to lace it up more tightly. That can help keep your foot more stable in the shoe, but still allows you to lace it more loosely if you're experiencing some swelling. There's also a lacing technique called "heel lock" which can help keep your heel from sliding around within the shoe, if that's a problem. You can read about it here https://www.locklaces.com/blogs/resources/how-to-tie-a-heel-lock

This site shows various lacing techniques based on your foot width and possible foot issues https://runrepeat.com/top-10-running-shoe-lacing-techniques

Jogger2425 · Answer

The orthopedist has a valid point. I knew a runner who had chronic knee problems until someone at a running shoe store noticed his shoes were oversized. His knee problems were the result of his foot moving around given the extra space.

I don't believe wearing a bigger size helps breathability. Running shoe uppers are made to be breathable.

I often hear advice that runners should get shoes a size larger than their street shoe. But, the reason is different:  Running shoes tend to size small. But, it isn't true across the board. Some shoes are sized more accurately than others.  Some models might be true to size.

I've never bought shoes with extra room based on the assumption that my feet will swell during a workout. I've done workouts as long as 30 miles. (Those long workouts were walking and jogging.)

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Which "foot professional" should I listen to?

3 Answers