For those of you who follow me on social media (Wait, what? You don’t?!), I posted a pic on Instagram a few weeks ago of my new Brooks Dyad 7s.
This was a big deal for me. I’d been a Brooks Glycerin girl for years, but I noticed I was wearing through them pretty quickly. Based on the way the outside of my shoes get shredded, I had a sinking suspicion that I was a supinator/underpronator, meaning my feet roll outward rather than inward, and that I am not a neutral/overpronator like I’ve always been told.
I went to the Marathon Sports store in Copley Square in Boston a few weeks ago, and they confirmed my suspicion. As a result, I traded in my Glycerins for the Dyad 7s.
Unfortunately, the honeymoon period (when I posted that picture on Instagram) lasted only a few weeks. And for only a few miles. At first I chalked it up to “breaking them in” and the fact that I was getting used to a completely different shoe. But eventually I admitted to myself that something was not right.
Because every time I ran more than three miles, the ball of my left foot started burning like someone lit it on fire. I tried all my padded socks, and nothing helped. Sometimes the pain shot through to my toes on that foot, and every time I ran more than three miles, I had to take a small rest and give my foot a break before continuing.
When you’re training for a half marathon and starting to do your long weekend runs, this is not ideal. It got to the point on Sunday when I ran 3.5 miles in the Dyads until I couldn’t stand it anymore, then hopped off the treadmill and quickly switched to my old, beat up Glycerins to finish the remaining 3.5.
So on Monday, I headed back down on my lunch break to Marathon Sports and explained the situation. I wasn’t sure what their reaction would be. I had purchased them 3-4 weeks ago, and I had no idea what their return policy was, either for (a) used shoes, and (b) shoes that are nearly a month old.
But the woman who helped me was terrific. She told me the Dyads have more support, which is why they are good for supinators like me (which is why the guy who fit me the first time recommended it), but they don’t have much in the way of cushioning. Apparently I also have a “rigid arch,” meaning that I have little or no connection between my forefoot and my heel, so I don’t have any of my own natural cushioning to withstand and absorb the shock. Which is why cushioning for me is so critical to a comfortable ride.
She offered to let me exchange them for – guess what – the new Glycerin 11s, in this very, um, bright color.
>center>At least my kids can find me in the middle of a race!
One other interesting fact: I guess this new model is slightly longer than the older model I had, so even though I went up a half size in the Dyads, we stuck with a size 9 in the Glycerins, which should give me enough room so my second toe doesn’t slam up against the toe box on long runs (causing me to lose more toenails!)
Anyway, I am so thrilled with not only the expert advice but also the customer service at Marathon Sports. Sure, I probably spent slightly more than I would have had I bought them online or at a chain or box store, but I don’t know if any of those business would have let me exchange used, three-week-old sneakers.
As any runner will attest, having the right shoe can make all the difference. So here’s what I learned from my experience: When you buy a new running shoe and something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to bring them back. Maybe you got fitted for the wrong shoe, maybe the shoe is defective, who knows. You’ll never know if you don’t ask.
Disclaimer: I bought these sneakers with my own money, and Marathon Sports did not sponsor or approach me about writing a post. I was just so happy with my experience, and I felt like I learned something, so I naturally wanted to share it with you guys!
that is an awesome customer service experience!!! I am on a running hiatus but when I return later this summer, I desperately need new sneakers. And I’m definitely going to a specialty store. will I pay more? yep. But it will come with just the level of service you described here! Good luck!!!
I shop at Rhode Runner in Providence. I get the same awesome customer service. It really is worth it. Last time i got my new shoes i got them for less than Amazon sells them for and a free saucony shirt. Love that place.
That’s the store that first introduced me to Brooks back in the day 🙂 It’s nice buying running shoes from people who know what they’re talking about and are runners themselves!
I agree! I find that most of those smaller, running specialty shops tend to have such superior customer service that it’s totally worth the extra $$ 😉
I have and love the Dyads but I’m loving your new pink kicks!