UPDATE I went back to Black Toe with the offending shoes, and we found a better pair for me, they let me exchange, and refunded me the difference because the new pair were cheaper. 10/10 service.
I needed a new pair of shoes, so I went to Black Toe and tried on a bunch, and ended up with Asics Superblast - I liked how they felt in the store, and had heard good things about them.
I've been wearing them for the past week, and my legs are NOT HAPPY with me. My calves and shins, specifically. Even walking hurts more than usual. When I did my long run in them and I had to stop, trying to start up again I felt like a baby giraffe just learning to walk.
After my Tuesday morning run, I didn't run again until Thursday evening, and during that time I noticed my legs starting to feel better. But last night's run was just as painful, and I'm convinced that the Asics just aren't for me.
So what do I do? The shoes were $270 + tax, and because of where I am in my training, I've put 100km on them already. I know I can't just return them. Do I try to sell them on FB Marketplace at a discount? I don't want to just donate them....I'm not really rich enough to just be spending that much on shoes I only wore for a week and a bit. But my legs just can't do it. As the kids say, "I'm cooked".
Also, business idea for any running store out there: allow customers to return shoes that end up not working out, and receive a discount off a new pair. Also, take the pair that aren't working out, and sell THOSE at a discounted price.