I don't want anyone else to get hurt.

This is something I've been thinking about often, actually I think about it every time I clean out my closet and I always have conflicting thoughts.





Do you remember years ago when I sang my praises for the Altra running shoes?  I still stand by my statement that they are the most comfortable running shoes I've ever worn. I love them!  However, after going through 4 pairs o them it was evident that they did not love me back. Remember, these were those zero drop shoes that were suppose to be so much better to run in.  I believe it was these shoes that contributed to my very long battle with IT band syndrome ( which was some of the worst pain I've ever felt).  Ever since then, I have not worn them.


They are still in my closet. Because they were so comfy, I thought about keeping them just as walking shoes or hiking shoes. But then I was afraid to wear them.

Then I've thought about taking them to Goodwill and donating them, but then this thought crosses my mind.  There is a process to wearing these shoes ( yea, there were instructions). You had to ease into them easily.  I would hate to take them to Goodwill (without the instructions), and have someone start wearing them not knowing they are zero drop ( or what zero drop even means).  I don't wan't someone else to potential get hurt from these shoes.


I wish I knew someone local who loves Altras, that I could give them too because they have a lot of wear left in them.  But then I think, would someone really want to wear someone else's running shoes, even if they were barely worn?

What would you do with these shoes? Do you think it would be okay to keep them to just walk or hike?  But my problem with that is as soon as I put them on my feet, they make me want to run because they are just so "spongy"!   Would you donate them anyway? Would you just throw them in the trash so they don't take anymore victims?    What would you do with them? -M




25 comments:

  1. I remember long ago you posting about these shoes and because of having my tendon ruined by wearing my own wrong shoes, I was like, hope she doesn't have trouble with them late. Sorry about the IT band. Ya know, I'd either donate them to one of those places that give to other countries or chuck them. Or wear them only for yard work with very minimal use. Hope your doing well, I don't comment often but I still enjoy reading your blog when I can!

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    1. Aww Thank you Kristy! I really like these shoes and I want to keep them so badly to wear when not running but something keeps telling me to not take that chance! Thanks for commenting!

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  2. This is tough, but its probably the case with any shoes that are donated. If someone who receives them just wears them for walking then I think there is less of a chance they would get hurt. Are there any ways you could donate locally with a disclaimer? Or maybe take them to a local running store and see what they would recommend?

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    1. I was also thinking a disclaimer...lol. So funny to have a note with directions on how to wear your shoes!

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  3. You are right...they are so comfortable! But my feet, hips and knees don’t thank me! Jason loves them and does well with them though...probably because he has worn vans for years...his body is used to that zero drop.

    A few years ago I talked to a small running store owner looking for shoes. They advised that we should gradually move to a zero drop. And there are different shoes to buy during the interim that have less and less drop so that you can gradually get used to it!

    That said...I went back to my much loved Ascics!!

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    1. Yea, I did follow the directions when I first started with them but maybe the transition was not gradual enough for me. The Olympus were actually my favorite! They were the softest shoe ever!

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  4. I think I would donate them to Goodwill. Is there any way you could find the instructions online and print them out? Maybe you could include them with the shoes when you donate them. Also, I think the chances of someone buying them from Goodwill and actually using them to run in are pretty slim. I bet someone buying them from Goodwill would just wear them to kick around and would not get hurt.

    You are so thoughtful to think of others getting injured by these shoes!

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    1. You are right. Someone looking for a pair of running shoes is not going to buy them from Goodwill. Good point!

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  5. Why don't you try selling them on EBay? That way a person who is looking for Altras can buy them.

    A few years ago I won a pair of Sauconys--that is when I learned my lesson about shoe drop--I went from Asics, which has a 10mm heel drop, to the Sauconys which are flat. Altras are also flat. It's a big change.

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    1. I did not know that Sauconys were flat! They were always my Go To shoe for walking before I started running longer distances. I always thought they were so comfortable for walking.

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  6. I'd probably donate them. I agree with Laurie, anyone buying them from a second hand place (like Goodwill) probably wouldn't be using them for running anyways. Also, everyone's feet are different... they may work well for someone else.

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  7. I say donate because they'll be usable to someone. I did have a pair of Sauconys that just felt broken by the time I was done with them so I ended up throwing them away.

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    1. There is still so much life left in these shoes that I am sure someone will be happy with them!

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  8. That's a tough call! I would probably end up doing the same and just have them languish in my closet too. But that's obviously not very useful. I like the ideas other people posted about ebay, so that way you can provide the instructions with the shoes.

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  9. Definitely donate them. Most people getting shoes from Good Will use them to walk or work. Altras are great for many people, too.

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    1. Do you think there would be no effect if they are just used for walking?

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  10. I am willing to bet that there is someone who would LOVE to have them. Just because they weren't right for you, doesn't mean they wouldn't be right for someone else.

    I actually do like zero drop -- just not all the time. I have to rotate between my zero drop & more cushioned shoes. I've also found I'm better off not walking in my zero drop shoes. Everyone is different, though! So short answer is yes, I'd donate them.

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    1. The thing I loved about these shoes was not they they were necessarily zero drop BUT because they were SO cushiony!

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  11. I agree with Wendy - I would try selling them on Ebay or Poshmark. Whoever purchases them would be a fan of the sneakers.

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  12. Donate. I bet running causes way more issues with the zero drop than just plain walking...and someone would be really happy to get shoes in such good condition for a bargain, to boot.

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    1. I am now wondering if I could use them for just walking with no issues? It's such a gamble...lol

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  13. I think there are organizations that will take used running shoes for people who like to run but cannot afford shoes. Or you can sell the on Poshmark or Ebay. I have seen plenty of people selling them there. I am sorry these shoes did not work out for you. This is the same problem I have with Hoka brand shoes. Something about the thick sole just gives me the worst knee plains. I have tried three pairs hoping, but nope-- not working. I keep them around to wear at the hospital or to walk the dog, because they are super comfy.

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  14. Hmm, i wonder if it is the thick sole that causes the problem? I always just assumed it was the zero drop.

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Fairytales and Fitness is a personal blog authored and edited by us, Meranda and Lacey. The thoughts expressed here represent only our own and are not meant to be taken as professional advice. Please note that our thoughts and opinions change from time to time. We consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind in an ever changing society. Any thoughts and opinions expressed within our out-of-date posts may not be the same, nor even similar, to those we may express today. Some links may contain affiliate links. Some links are just to pages we'd like to share.