Running in the wrong shoes (Saucony)

Just wanted to run right? I finally had worn through my old shoes, and was looking around for a new pair. Figuring that there might be a better shoe for me, I set out for Dicks Sporting Goods in Arlington, Texas. Looking around the massive store, I saw a glimmer of light... The new Saucony shoes! I have tried many different shoes in the past, but for the past two years, have settled on Saucony, because of the fit, and their weight. Also, I have high arches, and for some reason, Saucony shoes seem to fit me like no other shoe does. So, when the salesperson approached, and asked what I was looking for, I replied with, "I need a Saucony shoe for running." She sized me up, and handed me a beautiful pair of Grid Sinister shoes. After trying them on, and having a second oppinion from a shoe expert, I purchased the pair for 120.00. I was excited to run, and see how they felt on my feet. I got home, laced up, and headed out for a jog. Things were going well until at mile three, my heels started hurting. I headed home and took off the shoes. I could see trouble... there on my heels were the tell tale sign of blisters. Ugh! Ok... so they are new shoes, and probably just need to be broken in right? So, I went to the store and bought some blister pads to help hold me over until the shoes had some miles on them. Day after day, I would run, after the pads went on, but the blister pads would come off, and my heels were getting worse, not better. Finally, the shoes tore my heel so bad on my left side, that when I got back from my run, the back of the shoe was soaked in blood. I was frustrated and out 120.00! So, I wrote an email to Saucony, hoping that this great running shoe company would at least, get me into the right shoe, and take the defective ones back in exchange. Was I ever wrong... Here is my email, and their response. You tell me what I should do... and what you would do... IN MY SHOES!

From: Jonathan Weiss
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 1:22 PM
To: Saucony
Subject: Grid Sinister


Dear sirs,

I just bought a pair of your Saucony Grid Sinister running shoes. I
have had Saucony running shoes in the past, so when it was time for a
new pair, I went back to Dick's sporting goods in Arlington, texas,
and bought a new pair.

Here is the troubling part. The shoes give me horrible blisters. How
bad? Even with blister pads, after my last five mile run, the back of
my left shoe was soaked with blood from the gash your shoe had created
in my heel. What can I do? What should I do? I love the way Saucony
shoes fit my arch, and my feet, but I can't run now, because of the
damage they have done to my feet.







Sincerely,

Jonathan S. Weiss


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From: saucony@striderite.com
Subject: RE: Grid Sinister
Date: May 15, 2008 7:55:38 AM CDT
To: weissjonathans@sbcglobal.net

Dear Jonathan,

Thank you for your inquiry.

What you are experiencing is a fit issue. It definitely is not the best
shoe for your running style or foot type. I am curious as to what shoe
you were wearing prior to the Sinister.

The Grid Sinister is designed for speed training or racing. It is a very
low profile shoe, best for a mid weight runner. This shoe is not best
for a forefoot runner.

A fit issue is not a manufacturer's defect and we are unable to accept
returns for fit issues of any kind.

Going forward we recommend visiting your local specialty running walking
store for re-evaluation and fit.

Thank you for contacting Saucony.

Kindest Regards,

Pat Oakley
Saucony Consumer Specialist
"Changing a child's life"
Run For Good Foundation
www.sauconyrunforgood.com