weird shoe-fitting problem–lose of circulation

What do you mean by "losing circulation?"

Do you have numbness and tingling, or pain, or a feeling of coldness? And how long does it take to reverse once you've taken off the shoe? One foot or both??

Hi,

Yeah, I'd say it's more numbness and tingling–extending to the lower shins. It happens to both feet. After I take the shoes off, it can take a while before things feel normal–maybe 15 minutes or more.

Thanks,

rhz

I suspect your feet may grow a bit when you are walking, and you need a larger size. This is normal.
The numbness sounds like compression of the bones inside the foot.
Try for a low cut jogger in a quite large size that feels rather loose in the shop, with thick woool socks.

Cheers

Adopting different lacing techiques can sometime relieve pressure in tight spots, while allowing you to tighen it in others to ensure a secure fit.
http://www.wefitshoes.com/lacing-guide-s/66.htm

You have a lot of superficial nerves in your foot and ankle. You most likely are compressing one or more of them and it could be the socks, the structure of the shoe or, as a previous poster mentioned, the lacing pattern.

I assume you've tried different brands? Different insoles??

And +1 on going up a size. You don't want the laces loose…yes it's counterintuitive but that allows your foot to slide around too much and doesn't necessarily help. Watch the width of the shoe, too. Some people have what are called low-volume or high-volume feet: how much room your foot takes up overall. Bigger or smaller insoles can increase or decrease the volume of the shoe, depending on what you need.

Go to a good running store and have them fit you for trail runners. Tell them the problems you've been having about the numbness…they are usually quite good at diagnosing athletic shoe fit problems.

I had a very similar issue with Solomon Trail Runners. I have a low arch and have to have additional arch support for long hikes. In order to keep the toe and top of foot loose and comfortable I lace that separately (I actually lace it all the way to the top but loosely). I added a second lace that just hits the top two lace holes and I tighten that one up a bit and even more on downhills. (like the second from the bottom on the lacing guide link above) This has significantly helped my long distance and especially on hills. it sometimes take a bit of fiddling and adjustment at the start sometimes as my foot swells. I do like to stop and remove my shoes every hour or two to let them relax and recover (as well as dry).

I don't believe this is happening because of the socks or the lacing technique. I'll try a pair 0.5 size larger. Since I have a narrow foot, my concern is that my feet would swim in such a shoe, but I will see what happens with thicker wool socks–which is something I did kinda want to get away from with these new shoes :(

Thanks again.

r.

Don't forget, your foot takes up room vertically as well. Many times this is where the compression is.

Do you have high arches? A flat foot? There are many, many variables to consider here and unfortunately without seeing your foot (and how it moves…) it's a tough call to make. High, stiff arches generally need a smaller footbed but more cushioning, and flat feet tend to need wider models. I still highly recommend finding a good running store to have them make shoe type recommendations for you. You don't have to buy shoes there, but you'd at least have an idea of your foot type. Makes a HUGE difference if you've got an issue.