If the shoe fits – review and giveaway

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 Permalink

This post has been sponsored by Nuffnang and The Athlete’s Foot.

It’s an almost-Christmas miracle! I have a new pair of shoes, which are giving me a spring in my step as opposed to the usual – aching shins. Of course, I cannot take any all of the credit for this achievement because I’ve realised that seeking the right advice makes finding your fit, a whole lot easier!

Just over a year ago I wrote about the fact that I needed new shoes. I’d just started exercising after a long hiatus and decided my new workout regime deserved some decent shoes. Of course – although I KNEW I should get properly fitted – I didn’t, instead just visiting large discount chain where I bought shoes that I have now discovered were COMPLETELY WRONG!

I’m a supinator (or under-pronator) you see. I tend to roll outwards on my feet. In fact, sometimes I’m so extreme I completely lift the insides of my feet off the ground when lunging or squatting. And because I’ve been wearing the wrong shoes I’ve suffered a myriad of problems: from numb toes in Zumba classes; to shin splints (predominantly on the outside of my calves) when walking; in addition to recurring plantar fasciitis. All of this I better understand now, as I’ve finally been fitted for shoes by people who know what they are doing.

shoes-TAF-Bundy-974x1024To celebrate the release of a new Asics range at The Athlete’s Foot, I was provided with the opportunity to experience the store’s professional shoe-fitting experience first-hand and to take home a pair of shoes that actually fit me properly.

The Bundaberg store in Queensland (one of 130 stores in Australia) is closest to my new hometown and the roadwork-ridden trip there VERY worthwhile given the excellent service I received in-store.

Manager Joanne, looked after me and I appreciated that she didn’t roll her eyes when I confessed to buying ‘whatever was on sale’ rather than something that actually suited my foot.

We looked at the worn outer sole of my old shoes and she pointed out why they were so very wrong for a supinator like me.

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The in-store foot scan (which uses Fitprint scanning technology) confirmed that I put a lot of weight on my heels and the outsides of my feet.

shoe-imprint-300x243Indeed as I strolled around the shop Joanne and her team (Katie and Megan) noticed that I plant my heel very strongly with each step (which obviously led to my successful – albeit brief – race walking career!).

Joanne informed me that I needed some serious cushioning in the heel of my shoe. (She also provided me with some “Memory” comfort insoles which remember / form to the shape of your foot and some Experia socks with extra padding in the heel and toe.)

Joanne had me try a number of shoes, including the new Asics GT 2000, which along with the Asics GT 1000 and Asics Kayano 19, are currently available exclusively at The Athlete’s Foot.

It blew me away that the staff were able to watch me walk and easily pick which shoe suited. After a couple of laps of the store everyone agreed that the Asics Gel Cumulus 14 offered this not-so-little supinator the best support.

I wasn’t surprised however, when the women’s shoe I was wearing proved a little tight and Joanne suggested we switch to the men’s shoe, which offers a slightly wider fit. (Have I mentioned that my feet – like the rest of my body – are not petite?!)

I was slightly sad to be removing the bright blue, pink and lime shoe, but mollified once I saw that the men’s came in red and lime.

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As soon as we had the men’s shoes laced I noticed the difference. And with the memory insole thingy I felt like I was walking on air.

shoes-PicMonkey-Collage-1024x512Once back home and with an added motivation to exercise I headed out on my morning walk. I have to admit the new shoes took some getting used to. My oldies are well-worn and familiar BUT suddenly I had a spring in my step. The new shoes are much lighter and I can certainly feel the extra heel support.

Oh, and did I mention they are red!?

And while I’m continuing to enjoy my new shoes, I’m very excited to be able to share with one of my readers the chance to experience the in-store fitting so you too can ‘Find your fit’.

I’m giving away a $100 voucher to The Athlete’s Foot and all you need to do is leave a comment telling me why YOU need new shoes this summer?

Perhaps like me you’ve been wearing the wrong ones. Or maybe you’re just in need of some new shoes for your chosen sport or activity.

The Athlete’s Foot will choose the most interesting or ingenious answer!

This competition closes at midday Australian Eastern Standard Time, 29 November 2012 and is open only to Australian readers. (Naturally, readers from other countries are more than welcome to leave a comment and I’d encourage you to pop into your local The Athlete’s Foot for your own shoe-fitting experience!) Full terms and conditions are available here.

NOTE…. THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED. THANKS TO THOSE WHO ENTERED.

Disclaimer:
This post was sponsored by Nuffnang and The Athlete’s Foot. However all opinions expressed in this space are mine, written with the objective of giving readers my personal opinion of the service and products I received.


32 Comments
  • Lyndal
    November 22, 2012

    they look awesome!! As for why i need new shoes this summer… well if i keep eating cheese popcorn at this rate, i’m going to morph into one and will need to get my feet moving to not look like the michelen man! Seriously though, i havent run since we went to hawaii in April, and I’d really like to start again, new shoes would be a great kick start motivator 😉

    hope you are well lovely xx

    • Debbish
      November 22, 2012

      Hi Lyndal and I can relate to your michelen man fears!

      Deb

  • Karen Collum
    November 22, 2012

    With four small kids (three of whom are preschoolers) finding time to exercise is tough. I’ve just joined a gym and am getting up at 5:30am so I can exercise before the kids wake up. A new pair of fancy shoes that were just right for me would be a great incentive to keep up the hard work.

    • Debbish
      November 22, 2012

      I’m really impressed with your commitment. I don’t think anything before 7am is in my vocabulary any more!

      Deb

  • KatApel
    November 22, 2012

    I need new shoes because my first-born child has suddenly shot UP and is rivalling his mother (and father) for height. Eeep! So a pair with ULTIMATE LIFT would be excellent! 😉 In truth though, said son(s) needs the shoes more than me. As mum to two quickly growing, active lads, I’m thinking GOOD shoes are needed to combat the ankle/knee aches they both seem to suffer from. AND – I could even buy them from your lovely team in Bundaberg. 🙂 #closestmajorcentre

    • Debbish
      November 22, 2012

      Oh… a local (sort of!). I’m in Hervey Bay, so Bundy suited me – though I’ve recently relocated from Brisbane! And – how unselfish you are – thinking of your kids first. (Well, actually if you won the voucher for them it would leave more money for your pair!!!)

      Deb

  • Alison
    November 22, 2012

    I have black toes from running. Thought I had sorted them out, but they are back! New shoes might possibly save me from any further toe nail mutilation!

    • Debbish
      November 22, 2012

      Oh Alison… that sounds terrible! Toe nail mutilation should be avoided at all costs!!!

      Deb

  • Jeanie
    November 22, 2012

    My feet often go to sleep when I walk or jog. I just know that I need new shoes but it feels odd to throw away the new shoes I bought that I assume cause this.

    • Debbish
      November 22, 2012

      A proper fitting sounds like what you definitely need. I’ve kept my old sneakers to scuff about in when I’m not walking short distances etc. (Or as a spare if I go down to the beach and get them sandy!)

  • Manchester Podiatry Clinic
    November 22, 2012

    They look great! I really enjoy reading your blog posts 🙂

  • 2012 Adidas f50
    November 22, 2012

    Hello, just wanted to say, I liked this blog post. It was funny. Keep on posting!

  • Sasha
    November 23, 2012

    That’s what causes the numb toes?? I’ve always wondered how the heck that happens when, you know, my heart is thumping away and you’d think my entire body was getting throughly, well, pumped. Time for new shoes…

    • Debbish
      November 23, 2012

      A fitting is definitely the way to go Sasha if you can cos the person who helped me (Joanne) pointed out how I ‘hang’ over the side edges of my shoes. I also had shoes with high arch support which is something I don’t need. The heel support is more important given the way I stand and walk.

  • Lou Lou
    November 23, 2012

    That’s the first time I’ve seen a pic you, you are beautiful! The red shoes look awesome too!!!!

    • Debbish
      November 23, 2012

      Oh Lou Lou – thanks, but I hate the photo… though it wasn’t as bad as some! I figured I had to put ‘me’ in it somewhere rather than just my feet!!!

      PS. I’m finding I keep wearing red t-shirts to match the shoes!!!

  • Caitlin
    November 23, 2012

    I am a graduate student that walks everywhere or takes public transportation, so I am really in need of new shoes!

    • Debbish
      November 24, 2012

      Oh and good shoes are important in that case. I recently wore casual sandals somewhere that required a lot of walking and my feet were killing me by the end of the day. It made me realise that good shoes are important if you’re doing a lot of ‘incidental’ exercise. When I was working (and walked to the train station from home, then from the train station to work etc) I wore sneakers INTO the office each day and had a stash of shoes under my desk to wear around the office. I know it isn’t always the best look (though my new red shoes would look superb!!!) but is certainly the most comfy and sensible.

      Deb

  • nondiscrypt
    November 24, 2012

    Shoes and clothes bore me … but when I saw there are new Kayano’s out I must admit my pulse started to race a little with excitement (and it purple too – my favourite colour!)

    When I started the 12wbt donkeys years ago; like you my shoes were of the “that’ll do” variety – I’m embarrased to say that I was quite chuffed by my $19.99 Target specials! Ugghh 1 week of the “Learn to Run” program = 2 weeks of not being able to walk and 6 weeks of physio … a very expensive and painful lesson in the importance of good quality, properly fitted shoes.

    I’ve given up on the exercise and dieting but I still religously wear my Asics – they still make me feel fit, healthy and sexy ! (all of which I’m not)

    (I’m going to go treat myself to 19’s today and line then up with my 16’s, 17’s and 18’s … I sincerely hope the winner of your voucher gets to experience that “moment of enlightenment” and warn that it’s likely to be a love affair for life)

    • Debbish
      November 24, 2012

      I know what you mean about wearing the right shoes can make you feel fit and healthy! Even just cos they’re often a better quality so a lighter material and give you that spring in your step.

      I must confess I’ve always been a bit of a ‘brand’ snob when it comes to sports stuff (as a result of a lot of sport as a youngster). In the earlier post I mentioned the ‘Tigers’ (Asics) I wore in the early days, before getting Nike boots. (Before both of those I wore Addidas. Somewhere I have a picture of me (aged 8 or just under). I’d just won my first MVP for basketball, just gotten my first pair of bball briefs (I was now a BIG girl) AND I had new Addidas shoes. BUT I’d broken my wrist/arm so was devastated. There I am in my uniform with my trophy and cast (oh and I think I had a bit of a Farrah Fawcett Charlie’s Angels hair thing going on as well!!!)

      Deb

  • Georgia
    November 24, 2012

    I’m so excited to have finally stumbled on a fellow Aussie’s health and fitness blog (thanks to your hilarious MizFit guest post)!
    As for the shoes, well, I would quite simply LOVE a new pair of runners. After a full knee reconstruction 17 months ago, I’ve only recently started getting back into exercise. In particular, I’m starting to jog, with the hope of participating in some longer fun runs in the new year (eeek!). A new set of runners would really kick start my training…also, being that all things red are faster, I’d be sure to win…right? Right? 😛

    • Debbish
      November 24, 2012

      Hi Georgia – I’ll go and check out your blog and thanks for your lovely comments about my guest post! I’m a huge fan of MizFit’s and was honoured when she asked about a guest post.

      Glad to hear you’re on the road to recovery after your knee reconstruction and well done on getting back into running.

      Deb

  • Char
    November 24, 2012

    How did I not get this post? I’ve just realised today that I’ve missed a few – bummer! I kinda like the red shoes. Who cares if they’re the male model?! And we all know that red makes you fast.

    • Debbish
      November 24, 2012

      It’s not too late for the competition Char, so you’re in!!!

  • Jess
    November 24, 2012

    I need new shoes because I have run a holes in the soles of the current one. Keeping up with my little ones is tough on my running shoes!
    ps love your red shoes!!!

    • Debbish
      November 25, 2012

      Hee hee! Running shoes to keep up with your littlies!

      Deb

  • Sharon Rooney
    November 25, 2012

    I need new shoes for running this summer in the park

    • Debbish
      November 25, 2012

      Oh, a great use of new shoes. I’m not a runner so envy those who are!

  • Jenny
    November 28, 2012

    I did a mud run a few weeks ago and my trainers haven’t recovered! They’ve been through the wash twice now and still come out an icky brown. Time for a new pair!

    • Debbish
      November 28, 2012

      Oh Jenny… Are you in the UK, cos only Aussie entrants are eligible. I’m so sorry. But… well done on the mud run! Two things I hate more than anything (mud and running!). I can recommend getting properly fitted though as it was enlightening!

      Deb

  • SydneyGen
    November 29, 2012

    Hi! Well actually, I’d love a new pair of shoes, but I’d actually like to nominate my hubs! I have been desperate to get him to an Athletes Foot instead of the “buy 1 get 1 free super warehouse” he goes to. He’s a budget man, but he’s really loving the freedom of walking/running. With this voucher, I can convince him to get the right shoes for him, instead of him feeling the burn and sore feet……

    • Debbish
      November 29, 2012

      Yes… I wish I’d gotten properly fitted last year when I bought new shoes!!!

      I’m actually yet to replace my Zumba shoes and tired of numb toes!

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