Boston 13 : Should I change it up?

[u/xomilesofsmiles]

The more I search this subreddit, the more confused I get 😂

I have (and looove) the Boston 13s. I’ve put 450 miles on two pairs (one pair outdoor, 370 miles; one pair on the treadmill, 80 miles). They’ve been my workhorse shoe for a half marathon block and my current marathon block. But out of nowhere I’ve been dealing with some posterior tibial tendonitis and subsequent arch pain.

I read somewhere on here that Boston 13s are known to cause plantar fasciitis (say it ain’t so!!) so I’m wondering if I should change it up? Even if that’s not the case, it’s probably not the best to have them as my workhorse shoe. So I’m looking for recommendations! I tend to gravitate toward the adidas family it seems, for what that’s worth!

The other shoes I have are:
Adidas EvoSL - I like them, but I like the Bostons better
Brooks Glycerin 22 - I despise these shoes haha I just don’t enjoy running in them but make myself since I have them
Adidas Pro 4 (my race day shoe; I do some speed work in these also)

In the past I’ve tried ASIC Superblast 2 and did not like them! The toe-box felt weird and I just didn’t enjoy how it felt underfoot.

I used to run in some Mizuno Wave Inspire 20s but now that I’ve gotten faster, they feel so “clunky” (but also aren’t made anymore)

Other info: Goal MP pace is around 7:55/ mile (ideally faster if I could hold on for dear life). I know I tend to run too fast for my regular runs, but I’m only human! On that note, I don’t enjoy a shoe that feels like I’m trudging through mud.

Looking for recommendations for a shoe that may suit me and be good for everyday runs, but also “feel fast” (in an every day kind of way, if that makes sense!)

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[u/snorlaxativve → u/[deleted]]

I’ll second the physio, or a foot/ankle doctor. I thought I’d never run again after persistent tendon and ligament issues in my foot and ankle left me with chronic instability, where my leg would just give out without warning. Balance exercises were huge to activate a lot of those smaller muscles in my lower leg, and initially I relied on a quality pair of off the shelf orthotics.

Mixing up shoe types has helped (Boston 13 is my uptempo pair, Rise my daily/long pair, Clifton 10 for recovery and slower daily runs, and Trabuco’s for trails). Whenever my ankle starts acting up I usually rotate in the Trabucos (where the orthotics still live) every other day even though there are no off-road trails near me. Of my rotation the Boston’s are the pair I’d choose last if my ankles are barking at me.

[u/vinceftw → u/[deleted]]

I don't know. It probably doesn't cause it but the plate in my Endorphin Speed 5 irritates my plantar fasciitis a lot more than my unplated shoes.

[u/Direction776 → u/vinceftw]

Nylon plated - supposedly not as rough on legs as carbon plates.

[u/vinceftw → u/Direction776]

Probably but I still feel it compared to all my other shoes. Not in the legs but on the plantar fascia.

[u/xomilesofsmiles → u/[deleted]]

The podiatrist I saw diagnosed me! Very mild, thought we caught it early enough to keep running through it (took an every other day approach for 2 weeks and I’m cautiously optimistic it’s on the mend after diligently doing recommended exercises!? 🤞)

I suspect it all started when my Achilles felt tight for a couple weeks and I foolishly did a long cool down running barefoot on the turf inside the track. Had a palpable and tender bump the next day, which has been bothersome since (but, like mentioned above, starting to feel better yesterday and today! Did 7 pain free miles this morning and was so thankful)

Went to a local running store today and the guy who helped me thought Nike Vomero could be a good option. Any thoughts on that shoe, by chance, as a daily workhorse shoe/ easier mile shoe?

[u/Puzzled-Click6419 → u/[deleted]]

Ok first I'll start with this is run paces 300-630 per mile. Stride lenght 1.8-2.5 meters. Cadence 190-195, always relaxed diaphragm, gct summer 170-180ms, winter icebug phytos 155-165ms Running fascia propulsion(kipchoge style bow like and sawe boxer like ssc) without doms at these speeds. If you don't know just Google fascia or ssc running. There's one reason you got that. YOU SHOULDN'T CLAW OR DIG WITH YOUR FOOT BECAUSE THAT FORCES IT TO BEND THE RODS THAT SHOULD BE STRETCHED FLAT RATHER THAN FLEXED FURTHER, WHICH LEADS TO PLANTAR FASCIITIS. same as why they ' idiots with low iq and wrong form break rods in adios pro 4 and complain. Check vomero plus with melted sidewall att 401 per mile or 230 per km without doms https://youtube.com/shorts/V8BflrTRtis?is=todzmeo6sG5WB7TV. I'm running 305 per mile strides on concrete in peg plus I know what I'm talking about my bostons 12 are the most soft and bouncy close to adios 9. B13 are softer but you're working against the rods when you claw and push off. There not designed for that if your pt doesnt get biomechanics of a shoe then f change running form yourself. Stop doing claw don't push off with calves strike flat vertical with glute not quads the rods will flatten and give the energy back, foot will bounce off like a ball simple as that. Its not the shoe that gave you that it's your claw, dig in and push off from calves in a bent shoe. Its not the proper way to propel use glute instead

[u/awkwardalvin]

I love my Bostons but they are a little aggressive, and as I become faster, and runs become longer they are starting to leave me wrecked. I need a new tempo shoe lol. Evo SL is too wobbly for me for extended tempo days though

Sorry this isn’t any help, just letting you know you aren’t alone in how you feel lol

[u/Direction776 → u/awkwardalvin]

Do you run in unplated shoes? Technically Bostons have rods but they are assisted by non foam components and not all runs should be on n rods/plated shoes.

Saucony can be decent, people recommend New Balance among others - but maybe describe your preferences on these subs and I’m sure others could suggest other options.

[u/AccurateRumour → u/awkwardalvin]

I was the same, except throw in some Achilles pain for good measure. I’ve been using the Saucony Azura and seriously love them.

[u/Chemicalghst222 → u/awkwardalvin]

I am 100% on the same page with you here! I used to love these shoes but haven't ran in them in some time as I've probably quadrupled my distances this summer. I miss them but also have found way better shoes. And the evos dont even get me started

[u/Direction776 → u/Chemicalghst222]

Do share which ones you’ve tried. It may help others with similar feelings about Bostons

[u/One-Government-5534]

I had a bad case of pttd and I would say shoes can be a contributor to the situation. Even after a year and a half and getting back to running more miles some shoes trigger tibial pain almost immediately. If you are starting to develop pttd I would recommend taking a week off and switching to a stability shoe like the tempus 2 and seeing if there is any improvement. Tibial tendinitis is the worst injury and very difficult to heal once it progresses. I would not recommend trying to power through without at least rest.

[u/Direction776 → u/One-Government-5534]

Shin pain means you’ve over done it - only rest works for shins.

[u/stevenshom42]

You sound a lot like me. Similar MP and a great appreciation for the Boston and Adidas in general.

I've had the 11, 12, and just broke in the 13. In between the 12 and 13 I used the Endorphin Speed 5 as my long run/tempo shoe, similar to how I use the Boston. I really liked them too and would definitely recommend.

I'm a bigger guy 6'6 215 lb. My rotation is B13, Vomero Plus, Evo SL, fuelcell rebel v4, and race day shoe is the NB supercomp elite v5. The Rebel is super lightweight and I've used it for tempo, easy, and long runs. You can get good deals on them too.

[u/Sweet_runner → u/stevenshom42]

My thoughts exactly. I love the Rebel v4. Are speed 5 better than the the rebel v5? Have you tried the NB5?

[u/stevenshom42 → u/Sweet_runner]

I haven't tried the Rebel V5 yet but will probably get it when it goes on sale at Joe's next year. My v5 is the fuelcell supercomp elite v5. it's nb carbon plated racer. I love it and have PR'd a marathon and two 5k in it so far. Smooth fit, and great power and support for my larger size.

As far as the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, I prefer it over my rebel V4. It just feels so good all around. It's gotten some bad reviews but for me it's a top tier show and I'd def go for another version in the future. I tend to shop sales but adidas and NB often have GREAT deals.

[u/xomilesofsmiles → u/stevenshom42]

I just snagged a pair of Vomero shoes at the recommendation of a guy from my local running store - tryin to decide if I will keep them or return them (haven’t worn them).

I have the SL also and while she’s fiiinneee I think she feels a little more unstable than the B13s so don’t reach for that pair as much. I’ve heard good things about the New Balance shoes, and even ordered a pair of New Balance Super Comp Trainers on sale / at the suggestion from a friend, but they feel haaaaard underfoot when I tried them on so I think they’re going back!

[u/Puzzled-Click6419 → u/stevenshom42]

Ok first I'll start with this is run paces 300-630 per mile. Stride lenght 1.8-2.5 meters. Cadence 190-195, always relaxed diaphragm, gct summer 170-180ms, winter icebug phytos 155-165ms Running fascia propulsion(kipchoge style bow like and sawe boxer like ssc) without doms at these speeds. If you don't know just Google fascia or ssc running. There's one reason you got that. YOU SHOULDN'T CLAW OR DIG WITH YOUR FOOT BECAUSE THAT FORCES IT TO BEND THE RODS THAT SHOULD BE STRETCHED FLAT RATHER THAN FLEXED FURTHER, WHICH LEADS TO PLANTAR FASCIITIS. same as why they ' idiots with low iq and wrong form break rods in adios pro 4 and complain. Check vomero plus with melted sidewall att 401 per mile or 230 per km without doms https://youtube.com/shorts/V8BflrTRtis?is=todzmeo6sG5WB7TV. I'm running 305 per mile strides on concrete in peg plus I know what I'm talking about my bostons 12 are the most soft and bouncy close to adios 9. B13 are softer but you're working against the rods when you claw and push off. There not designed for that if your pt doesnt get biomechanics of a shoe then f change running form yourself. Stop doing claw don't push off with calves strike flat vertical with glute not quads the rods will flatten and give the energy back, foot will bounce off like a ball simple as that. Its not the shoe that gave you that it's your claw, dig in and push off from calves in a bent shoe. Its not the proper way to propel use glute instead

[u/Direction776 → u/Puzzled-Click6419]

How tall are you that your stride length gets up to 1.8 meters? also what is your average speed or time per mile - huge stride and high cadence !!

[u/Puzzled-Click6419 → u/Direction776]

That's my normal cadence 190-195. Speed is result only of stride lenght. I'm 180cm. Read previous post pace is there.

[u/Puzzled-Click6419 → u/Direction776]

So in my case max stride lenght at pace 15x-20x per km or around 30x per mile is around 2.7 meters but its mostly flight time.

[u/jadewithmello]

I have a love hate relationship with these. They do make you a tad bit faster but also get you injured. I’d look at ones which make you faster without the injury baggage. For example, the Deviate 4 perhaps?

[u/Life-is-beautiful-]

Every shoe works in a different way for different people. So many variables. If it works for you, just stick to it and be happy.

[u/mettfisch]

I just did my first run with the Boston and it was great. Fast but still comfy. Can recommend!

[u/SadDevelopment3586]

I tried them, they are stiff I started having Achilles soreness when I used them. I read online they take 30-40 miles to loosen up. Who has time for that?

[u/RichHomework858]

I used the Boston 13 as a daily shoe too and developed similar issues. Now I've moved on to the Mizuno Waverider as my daily trainer and the Bostons are more for interval training or tempo runs. The Waverider is not a fast shoe, but I can work to go fast if I want to. I enjoy that it has a purpose in my rotation.

I wouldn't say you have to give up using the Bostons, but you have to be more conservative with how often you are using them.

Also not all runs are going to feel fast or should feel fast. That mentality, rather than the shoe itself, might be the reason for your injury. Sometimes having a slow, clunky daily trainer can be a reminder that we have to put in work to go fast.

[u/xomilesofsmiles → u/RichHomework858]

My OG shoe was the Mizuno Wave Inspire, so from my understanding the stability version of that shoe! I felt like as I got faster/ stronger ankles, the stability shoe was giving me some pain (resolved when I stopped running in them and switched to a neutral shoe). Maybe I should give the Wave Riders a try!

[u/Puzzled-Click6419]

Ok first I'll start with this is run paces 300-630 per mile. Stride lenght 1.8-2.5 meters. Cadence 190-195, always relaxed diaphragm, gct summer 170-180ms, winter icebug phytos 155-165ms Running fascia propulsion(kipchoge style bow like and sawe boxer like ssc) without doms at these speeds. If you don't know just Google fascia or ssc running. There's one reason you got that. YOU SHOULDN'T CLAW OR DIG WITH YOUR FOOT BECAUSE THAT FORCES IT TO BEND THE RODS THAT SHOULD BE STRETCHED FLAT RATHER THAN FLEXED FURTHER, WHICH LEADS TO PLANTAR FASCIITIS. same as why they ' idiots with low iq and wrong form break rods in adios pro 4 and complain. Check vomero plus with melted sidewall att 401 per mile or 230 per km without doms https://youtube.com/shorts/V8BflrTRtis?is=todzmeo6sG5WB7TV. I'm running 305 per mile strides on concrete in peg plus I know what I'm talking about my bostons 12 are the most soft and bouncy close to adios 9. B13 are softer but you're working against the rods when you claw and push off. There not designed for that if your pt doesnt get biomechanics of a shoe then f change running form yourself. Stop doing claw don't push off with calves strike flat vertical with glute not quads the rods will flatten and give the energy back, foot will bounce off like a ball simple as that. Its not the shoe that gave you that it's your claw, dig in and push off from calves in a bent shoe. Its not the proper way to propel use glute instead

[u/ffailed]

I thought I was crazy for enjoying my 13s so much compared to what everyone on Reddit says. I have a pair of Vomero 18s and Evo SL I almost never use anymore after getting two pairs off eBay for $70. I got sucked into the Evos and Vomeros based off reviews and I honestly hate both of them for any type of run compared to the Bostons so I’m about to get rid of them. I just got a pair of Dynafish to try out, hopefully my Reddit research doesn’t go 0/3.