New Balance 991 Question

Hi All,

For years I've been running on Asics Duomax. When the model I liked was being retired, I stocked up
on numerous pairs. That lasted me for a few years more, until recently when it became clear it was
time to find a new favorite shoe!

For my birthday my fiancee surprised me with a pair of New Balance 991's. (He's a sweetie, what can
I say?) They are very comfortable to walk in and wear around the house. However, running seems to be
another story. I can't seem to get used to them. They feel too... rigid. Particularly around the
heel. I keep thinking I'm going to twist my ankle.

Also, after running in them a handful of times, I started to get this nagging pain in my right hip.
It would start after my run and continue for days. I've switched back to my old worn out Duomax's,
but the nagging pain is still persisting, though I've learned to cope and lessen the pain by taking
anti-inflammatories and icing my hip immediately after a run. (Yes, I have scheduled a PT
appointment later next month to figure out what's going on; I have a history of lower back injuries,
so I'm not messing around this time!).

Meanwhile, I went online and researched the 991 model. Apparently, these sneaks are designed for the
mild to moderate overpronator who needs cushioning and stability. I don't believe I overpronate. At
the end of August, we went to the shore and I ran barefoot on the beach just to be sure. I don't
over or under pronate; my foot prints looked quite normal.

So my question, can these shoes harm someone who does not over or under pronate? Should I give up
trying to run in them?

Also can anyone point me to a web site that demonstrates some good stretches for the hip flexors?
Preferably something with visuals, because I tend to find it hard to follow text descriptions.

Thanks!

jen

On 23 Sep 2003 18:26:16 -0700, shinypenny0001@yahoo.com (shinypenny) wrote:

>Hi All,
>
>For years I've been running on Asics Duomax. When the model I liked was being retired, I stocked up
>on numerous pairs. That lasted me for a few years more, until recently when it became clear it was
>time to find a new favorite shoe!
>
>For my birthday my fiancee surprised me with a pair of New Balance 991's. (He's a sweetie, what can
>I say?) They are very comfortable to walk in and wear around the house. However, running seems to
>be another story. I can't seem to get used to them. They feel too... rigid. Particularly around the
>heel. I keep thinking I'm going to twist my ankle.
>
>Also, after running in them a handful of times, I started to get this nagging pain in my right hip.
>It would start after my run and continue for days. I've switched back to my old worn out Duomax's,
>but the nagging pain is still persisting, though I've learned to cope and lessen the pain by taking
>anti-inflammatories and icing my hip immediately after a run. (Yes, I have scheduled a PT
>appointment later next month to figure out what's going on; I have a history of lower back
>injuries, so I'm not messing around this time!).
>
>Meanwhile, I went online and researched the 991 model. Apparently, these sneaks are designed for
>the mild to moderate overpronator who needs cushioning and stability. I don't believe I
>overpronate. At the end of August, we went to the shore and I ran barefoot on the beach just to be
>sure. I don't over or under pronate; my foot prints looked quite normal.
>
>So my question, can these shoes harm someone who does not over or under pronate? Should I give up
>trying to run in them?
>
>Also can anyone point me to a web site that demonstrates some good stretches for the hip flexors?
>Preferably something with visuals, because I tend to find it hard to follow text descriptions.
>
>Thanks!
>
>jen

My experience with these two brands is that if Asics fit you well, NB probably won't. Go back to
Asics, try the 1080's, you'll love 'em.

shinypenny wrote:

>
> Also can anyone point me to a web site that demonstrates some good stretches for the hip flexors?
> Preferably something with visuals, because I tend to find it hard to follow text descriptions.
>
> Thanks!
>
> jen

http://physicaltherapy.about.com/lib.../aa081501i.htm
http://www.idahofitness.com/running/...nditioning.htm
http://www.myfit.ca/exercisedatabase...stretches&ID=4
http://www.drbackman.com/psoas_muscle_stretch.htm
http://www.workoutsforwomen.com/stretch2.asp?type=hips
http://jaxmed.com/massage/pirformis_stretches.htm

but I couldn't find the ones my PT gave me - but movements are similar to these. Some use exercise /
stability ball. I included a number of pages since some of them are part of larger sites with
assorted types of stretching that might be useful - and some give different levels of detail /
illustrations than others, depending upon what you find more useful. Good luck.

Dot

--
"Success is different things to different people" -Bernd Heinrich in Racing the Antelope

Sorry to hear that the 991 does not work for you.

I also got a pair as a birthday gift, 3 weeks ago and they are working out perfectly for me.
Previously I had been using the 998 model.

Lewis.

******************************

shinypenny0001@yahoo.com (shinypenny) wrote in message
news:<c8cb5319.0309231726.61712a9b@posting.google.com>...
> Hi All,
>
> For years I've been running on Asics Duomax. When the model I liked was being retired, I stocked
> up on numerous pairs. That lasted me for a few years more, until recently when it became clear it
> was time to find a new favorite shoe!
>
> For my birthday my fiancee surprised me with a pair of New Balance 991's. (He's a sweetie, what
> can I say?) They are very comfortable to walk in and wear around the house. However, running seems
> to be another story. I can't seem to get used to them. They feel too... rigid. Particularly around
> the heel. I keep thinking I'm going to twist my ankle.
>
> Also, after running in them a handful of times, I started to get this nagging pain in my right
> hip. It would start after my run and continue for days. I've switched back to my old worn out
> Duomax's, but the nagging pain is still persisting, though I've learned to cope and lessen the
> pain by taking anti-inflammatories and icing my hip immediately after a run. (Yes, I have
> scheduled a PT appointment later next month to figure out what's going on; I have a history of
> lower back injuries, so I'm not messing around this time!).
>
> Meanwhile, I went online and researched the 991 model. Apparently, these sneaks are designed for
> the mild to moderate overpronator who needs cushioning and stability. I don't believe I
> overpronate. At the end of August, we went to the shore and I ran barefoot on the beach just to be
> sure. I don't over or under pronate; my foot prints looked quite normal.
>
> So my question, can these shoes harm someone who does not over or under pronate? Should I give up
> trying to run in them?
>
> Also can anyone point me to a web site that demonstrates some good stretches for the hip flexors?
> Preferably something with visuals, because I tend to find it hard to follow text descriptions.
>
> Thanks!
>
> jen

"shinypenny" <shinypenny0001@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:c8cb5319.0309231726.61712a9b@posting.google.com...
> Hi All,
>
> For years I've been running on Asics Duomax. When the model I liked was being retired, I stocked
> up on numerous pairs. That lasted me for a few years more, until recently when it became clear it
> was time to find a new favorite shoe!
>
> For my birthday my fiancee surprised me with a pair of New Balance 991's. (He's a sweetie, what
> can I say?) They are very comfortable to walk in and wear around the house. However, running seems
> to be another story. I can't seem to get used to them. They feel too... rigid. Particularly around
> the heel. I keep thinking I'm going to twist my ankle.

We sell these shoes to lots of people who use them as an everyday casual/walking around shoe but
very few people I know actually run in them. They do have a very firm heel because of the
polyurethane used there. Even though these shoes have a cult following and have caught on as a
fashion shoe with the kids you can probably get a better shoe to run in for less money.

Jim Johnson

Dot <dot.h@#att.net> wrote in message
news:<ptacb.151076$0v4.11237531@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>...
> shinypenny wrote:
>
> >
> > Also can anyone point me to a web site that demonstrates some good stretches for the hip
> > flexors? Preferably something with visuals, because I tend to find it hard to follow text
> > descriptions.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > jen
>
> http://physicaltherapy.about.com/lib.../aa081501i.htm
> http://www.idahofitness.com/running/...nditioning.htm
> http://www.myfit.ca/exercisedatabase...stretches&ID=4
> http://www.drbackman.com/psoas_muscle_stretch.htm
> http://www.workoutsforwomen.com/stretch2.asp?type=hips
> http://jaxmed.com/massage/pirformis_stretches.htm
>
> but I couldn't find the ones my PT gave me - but movements are similar to these. Some use exercise
> / stability ball. I included a number of pages since some of them are part of larger sites with
> assorted types of stretching that might be useful - and some give different levels of detail /
> illustrations than others, depending upon what you find more useful. Good luck.
>
> Dot

Wow, this is great. Thanks so much. I followed the link on pirformis syndrome, and it sounds like
what I've got.

jen

On 24 Sep 2003 11:19:53 -0700, shinypenny0001@yahoo.com (shinypenny) wrote:

>Wow, this is great. Thanks so much. I followed the link on pirformis syndrome, and it sounds like
>what I've got.
>
>jen

A shot of antibiotics will clear that right up. Next time use a condom.

In article <c8cb5319.0309231726.61712a9b@posting.google.com>, shinypenny0001@yahoo.com
(shinypenny) wrote:

For my birthday my fiancee surprised me with a pair of New Balance
> 991's. (He's a sweetie, what can I say?) They are very comfortable to walk in and wear around the
> house. However, running seems to be another story. I can't seem to get used to them. They feel
> too... rigid. Particularly around the heel. I keep thinking I'm going to twist my ankle.
>
> Also, after running in them a handful of times, I started to get this nagging pain in my right
> hip. It would start after my run and continue for days. I've switched back to my old worn out
> Duomax's, but the nagging pain is still persisting, though I've learned to cope and lessen the
> pain by taking anti-inflammatories and icing my hip immediately after a run. (Yes, I have
> scheduled a PT appointment later next month to figure out what's going on; I have a history of
> lower back injuries, so I'm not messing around this time!).
>
> Meanwhile, I went online and researched the 991 model. Apparently, these sneaks are designed for
> the mild to moderate overpronator who needs cushioning and stability. I don't believe I
> overpronate. At the end of August, we went to the shore and I ran barefoot on the beach just to be
> sure. I don't over or under pronate; my foot prints looked quite normal.
>
> So my question, can these shoes harm someone who does not over or under pronate? Should I give up
> trying to run in them?

well, if you check out as not being a serious pronator, then a fairly neutral shoe should do the
job, and the 991 is just that... it offers cushioning with a bit of support. these may work as a
walking shoe for you, but when you run, it is possible that you may pronate more than when you walk.
have you been properly fitted for a shoe by a knowledgable running shoe salesperson? they can spot
things about your gait, foot type, and determine alternate shoes that may solve your problem.

> Also can anyone point me to a web site that demonstrates some good stretches for the hip flexors?
> Preferably something with visuals, because I tend to find it hard to follow text descriptions.

if you would like, i could send you a pdf file showing diagrams and descriptions of several running
stretches, including one hip one that i do daily, whether or not i run that day.

if you are certain you are not an overpronator, the shoe shouldn't harm you. if you supinate... roll
the foot outwards... this neutral/stability shoe should correct it. but if you DO require motion
control features, then the shoe could be doing this to you.

Cam

--
Not every race can be a perfect experience, but every race can be a learning experience.

In article <c8cb5319.0309241019.4bcad28f@posting.google.com>, shinypenny0001@yahoo.com
(shinypenny) wrote:

> Dot <dot.h@#att.net> wrote in message
> news:<ptacb.151076$0v4.11237531@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>...
> > shinypenny wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > Also can anyone point me to a web site that demonstrates some good stretches for the hip
> > > flexors? Preferably something with visuals, because I tend to find it hard to follow text
> > > descriptions.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > jen
> >
> > http://physicaltherapy.about.com/lib.../aa081501i.htm
> > http://www.idahofitness.com/running/...nditioning.htm
> > http://www.myfit.ca/exercisedatabase...stretches&ID=4
> > http://www.drbackman.com/psoas_muscle_stretch.htm
> > http://www.workoutsforwomen.com/stretch2.asp?type=hips
> > http://jaxmed.com/massage/pirformis_stretches.htm
> >
> > but I couldn't find the ones my PT gave me - but movements are similar to these. Some use
> > exercise / stability ball. I included a number of pages since some of them are part of larger
> > sites with assorted types of stretching that might be useful - and some give different levels of
> > detail / illustrations than others, depending upon what you find more useful. Good luck.
> >
> > Dot
>
>
> Wow, this is great. Thanks so much. I followed the link on pirformis syndrome, and it sounds like
> what I've got.
>
> jen

ah, good ol' piriformis. i have a favourite stretch for that one. you are sure it's hip though? i
find that problems with my IT Band are linked with the hip and the piriformis... i must stretch
these diligently or i get problems. best of luck.

Cam

--
Not every race can be a perfect experience, but every race can be a learning experience.

onemarathon <cam_wilson@NOSPAMsympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:<cam_wilson-FB9B31.20202324092003@nr-ott01.bellnexxia.net>...
>
> well, if you check out as not being a serious pronator, then a fairly neutral shoe should do
> the job, and the 991 is just that... it offers cushioning with a bit of support. these may work
> as a walking shoe for you, but when you run, it is possible that you may pronate more than when
> you walk.

Actually, when I tested it out on the beach, I was running, not walking.

> have you been properly fitted for a shoe by a knowledgable running shoe salesperson? they can spot
> things about your gait, foot type, and determine alternate shoes that may solve your problem.

Not since buying my first Asics, and that was over 6 years ago.

> > Also can anyone point me to a web site that demonstrates some good stretches for the hip
> > flexors? Preferably something with visuals, because I tend to find it hard to follow text
> > descriptions.
>
> if you would like, i could send you a pdf file showing diagrams and descriptions of several
> running stretches, including one hip one that i do daily, whether or not i run that day.

Please send to my yahoo address; thanks!

> if you are certain you are not an overpronator, the shoe shouldn't harm you. if you supinate...
> roll the foot outwards... this neutral/stability shoe should correct it. but if you DO require
> motion control features, then the shoe could be doing this to you.

Hmmmm... I may roll my foot outwards. That's what seems to be happening, with my right foot
especially (note it's my right hip that's having the problems now). I feel like the 991 is forcing
my foot to not roll, and it doesn't feel natural at all. I feel like I'm going to twist my ankle. I
also feel like there's just too much heel on the shoe, so that the effect is that it forces me to
strike heel first. I feel like I'm clomping along like an elephant in orthopedic shoes.

Complicating matters is probably the fact that I was born pigeon toed and had to wear a brace as a
child to correct the matter.

jen

onemarathon <cam_wilson@NOSPAMsympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:<cam_wilson-4DE7B0.20233224092003@nr-ott01.bellnexxia.net>...

> ah, good ol' piriformis. i have a favourite stretch for that one. you are sure it's hip though? i
> find that problems with my IT Band are linked with the hip and the piriformis... i must stretch
> these diligently or i get problems. best of luck.
>
> Cam

Where exactly is the IT Band? I've seen this mentioned on this group before.

I figure I'll find out what's going on next month at my PT appointment. A complicating factor may be
arthritis, or so we suspect. I have had recurring lower back problems for 15 years now. Lately,
since getting these shoes, it's been my right hip and buttocks, as well as lower back.

One thing I've discovered that really helps is to lie on my back with my legs together, knees up,
and have my 65-pound daughter sit squarely on my pelvis. The pressure of her weight acts to slowly,
gently stretch out my pelvis. This helps immensely. It feels like it snaps things back into
alignment.

jen

In article <c8cb5319.0309250633.4607c1e@posting.google.com>, shinypenny0001@yahoo.com
(shinypenny) wrote:

> onemarathon <cam_wilson@NOSPAMsympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:<cam_wilson-FB9B31.20202324092003@nr-ott01.bellnexxia.net>...

> > have you been properly fitted for a shoe by a knowledgable running shoe salesperson? they can
> > spot things about your gait, foot type, and determine alternate shoes that may solve your
> > problem.
>
> Not since buying my first Asics, and that was over 6 years ago.

hm, because things like this can change over time, as you may well know.

> > if you would like, i could send you a pdf file showing diagrams and descriptions of several
> > running stretches, including one hip one that i do daily, whether or not i run that day.
>
> Please send to my yahoo address; thanks!

i'm on it.

> > if you are certain you are not an overpronator, the shoe shouldn't harm you. if you supinate...
> > roll the foot outwards... this neutral/stability shoe should correct it. but if you DO require
> > motion control features, then the shoe could be doing this to you.
>
> Hmmmm... I may roll my foot outwards. That's what seems to be happening, with my right foot
> especially (note it's my right hip that's having the problems now). I feel like the 991 is forcing
> my foot to not roll, and it doesn't feel natural at all. I feel like I'm going to twist my ankle.
> I also feel like there's just too much heel on the shoe, so that the effect is that it forces me
> to strike heel first. I feel like I'm clomping along like an elephant in orthopedic shoes.

huh? if your foot rolls outward then you WANT a stabilizing shoe that'll keep the foot straighter
and flatter on contact with the ground. i guess you are just so used to shoes that don't correct the
supinating that THIS feels weird for you. you'll get used to it, esp. if it helps. heel first is
good but it should be a very light, quick heel strike with a roll toward the toe. these are rigid
shoes? i think you said that earlier. something with more flexibility in the sole would help. look
for a split heel and/or flex grooves on the outsole (underside of the shoe).

> Complicating matters is probably the fact that I was born pigeon toed and had to wear a brace as a
> child to correct the matter.

i'm not a doctor or even an expert on shoes, but have simply been learning a fair bit recently in a
running shoe store job. i'm just relating what i have seen and learned. you may need more expert
advice on this. best of luck.

Cam

--
Not every race can be a perfect experience, but every race can be a learning experience.

In article <c8cb5319.0309250625.329f7374@posting.google.com>, shinypenny0001@yahoo.com
(shinypenny) wrote:

> onemarathon <cam_wilson@NOSPAMsympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:<cam_wilson-4DE7B0.20233224092003@nr-ott01.bellnexxia.net>...
>
> > ah, good ol' piriformis. i have a favourite stretch for that one. you are sure it's hip though?
> > i find that problems with my IT Band are linked with the hip and the piriformis... i must
> > stretch these diligently or i get problems. best of luck.
> >
> > Cam
>
> Where exactly is the IT Band? I've seen this mentioned on this group before.

it runs along the side of the leg, from just below the knee up to about the hip area. not-so-good
running form can cause the band to shift ever so slightly so that it is nearer the kneecap and it's
the subsequent rubbing that causes knee pain. the ITB can get sore along other parts of it, but most
commonly at the knee.

> I figure I'll find out what's going on next month at my PT appointment. A complicating factor may
> be arthritis, or so we suspect. I have had recurring lower back problems for 15 years now. Lately,
> since getting these shoes, it's been my right hip and buttocks, as well as lower back.

hey, it's all connected (knee bone connected to the shin bone, etc i've had mild to moderate back
pain at times and it is often linked to the state of my legs, ITB, hip, piriformis, etc. take care
of the ITB and the other things could very well clear up.

> One thing I've discovered that really helps is to lie on my back with my legs together, knees up,
> and have my 65-pound daughter sit squarely on my pelvis. The pressure of her weight acts to
> slowly, gently stretch out my pelvis. This helps immensely. It feels like it snaps things back
> into alignment.

hm, a new form of therapy? ask the PT about that one to be sure it's ok.

Cam

--
Not every race can be a perfect experience, but every race can be a learning experience.

On 25 Sep 2003 07:25:02 -0700, shinypenny0001@yahoo.com (shinypenny) wrote:

>Where exactly is the IT Band? I've seen this mentioned on this group before.
>

They meet on wed nights for practice at the war memorial building in holyoke, and play several
parades a year.

onemarathon <cam_wilson@NOSPAMsympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:<cam_wilson-C6A5C4.11203525092003@nr-ott01.bellnexxia.net>...
> In article <c8cb5319.0309250633.4607c1e@posting.google.com>, shinypenny0001@yahoo.com
> (shinypenny) wrote:

> > Not since buying my first Asics, and that was over 6 years ago.
>
> hm, because things like this can change over time, as you may well know.

Yep - this is on my list, but I figured I'd wait until after the PT appt.

> > Hmmmm... I may roll my foot outwards. That's what seems to be happening, with my right foot
> > especially (note it's my right hip that's having the problems now). I feel like the 991 is
> > forcing my foot to not roll, and it doesn't feel natural at all. I feel like I'm going to twist
> > my ankle. I also feel like there's just too much heel on the shoe, so that the effect is that it
> > forces me to strike heel first. I feel like I'm clomping along like an elephant in orthopedic
> > shoes.
>
> huh? if your foot rolls outward then you WANT a stabilizing shoe that'll keep the foot straighter
> and flatter on contact with the ground. i guess you are just so used to shoes that don't correct
> the supinating that THIS feels weird for you.

Yep, this is what I was thinking, too. However, today I followed a link here that showed how you can
check the wear pattern of your shoes (posted by a shoe salesman? Sorry I forget who). Came home
tonight and checked my shoes. (I currently have three pairs, not counting the 991s, that I rotate).
The wear pattern is that of someone who does not overpronate *or* supinate. The little dots on the
sole were only worn out on the heel (where you expect), and neatly up the middle of my foot and the
toe. Nothing much on the outside or inside.

> you'll get used to it, esp. if it helps. heel first is good but it should be a very light, quick
> heel strike with a roll toward the toe. these are rigid shoes? i think you said that earlier.
> something with more flexibility in the sole would help.

Yes, I will look for that.

> look for a split heel and/or flex grooves on the outsole (underside of the shoe).
>
> > Complicating matters is probably the fact that I was born pigeon toed and had to wear a brace as
> > a child to correct the matter.
>
> i'm not a doctor or even an expert on shoes, but have simply been learning a fair bit recently in
> a running shoe store job. i'm just relating what i have seen and learned. you may need more expert
> advice on this. best of luck.

Thanks. I really dread shopping for a new favorite brand. It took me forever to find the Asics. When
they announced they were disc'ing them, I did try the new model Asics and didn't like them. That's
when I lucked out and found a close-out sale and snapped up numerous pairs, at dirt-cheap prices.

Oh well. It has been many years now, so there's got to be something on the market that'll
work for me!

jen