Minimalist shoes / avoid heel strike - help for us HR runners???

[Arrojo]

HnH, with my New Balance shoes I used to tape up my toes to avoid black toenails.  When I ran Boston Marathon, I had 8 out of 10 toenails go black!

The key is cut your toenails short before every long run.

[Matulis]

I have been running in Brooks Launch and the new more minimalist Brooks Pure Connect. The Pure Connect are well cushioned for such a lightweight shoe and encourage toe striking. I really like them so far. I did a rather hilly 10k in 52 minutes in August using the Pure Connects, a lot slower than my pre surgery days, but I was happy with the time a little more than a year out from my right hip resurfacing. They also got me a 15:20 2 mile time this summer, and these days anytime I run under 8 minute miles I am happy enough.  While we all have the hips in common, I think it's important to remember a lot of other considerations go into what shoe works for you -- width of feet, arch height, etc.
Mike
Illinois

[wendell]

My physical therapist told me to specifically get a pair of New Balance 856 shoes. They are built to stabilize your heel from rolling. My doctor told me to shorten my strides while running and walking, thus preventing the extended leg heel strike. He explained that there is more direct pressure on the hip joint when your leg is extended. When your knee is slightly bent your leg becomes a shock absorber in a "Z" formation. The straighter the leg the more pressure directed to the joint.

As far as the pain outside of the joint, have you had a recent x-ray? You may have an HO that is causing the pain. After my first hip surgery I developed a calcification that was about the size of an arrowhead on the front side of my joint that had to be removed. It seems that you are describing the same kind of pain that I experienced. The HO rubs against the soft tissue and muscle and causes friction, irritation, and pain.

I don't believe I have ever ran 5 miles on purpose, but good luck with the jog and hope this helps.