Happy Feet One Step at a Time

The motions of repetition your feet make while running involve overpronation.  That is the range of motion your foot makes during a stride, to the maximum.

Remember, every step does do its damage; everyone’s feet are subjected to the aging process but with extreme physical exertion, and without mechanical correction, your feet will show wear more quickly.  Your footsteps can roughly be gauged as miles;  the rule of thumb is 100,000 steps for every ten years.

Custom orthotics would be best, but a lot of runners have their own opinion.

Here are tips from runners on how to put orthotics and running shoes together:

Buying the Right Running Shoe

If you use orthotics or custom-fit insoles, bring them with you to try on your shoes. You need shoes that are roomy enough to accommodate your insoles. Don’t pick running shoes based on the colors or style. Just because they look cute …

Running Shoes: Less is More, continued

There will always be the need for orthotics and other orthopaedic intervention, but I agree with the authors that mechanical problems must first be addressed through training (perhaps including physical therapy). Running shoes are a …

Choosing Running Shoes

Get enough support. A good pair of running shoes should feel snug all around your foot. This means that your whole foot is being supported. If you can’t find a pair of shoes with the right support, buy some orthotic inserts. …

Synergizer Green Superfeet

Perfect for hiking, running, walking, skiing, and work boots. Superfeet ís one of the most popular footbeds. The Synergizer Footbeds have the most advanced features built into them for maximum support, balance, comfort, and shock absorption. These features include:
1) Rear-Foot Control Point which helps to control over-pronation, thus helping to keep your feet correctly aligned. Result: less stress on muscles and joints.
2) Mid-Foot Control Point stabilizes the mid-foot. Combined with Rear-Foot Control, you are able to use your skeletal strength to your advantage. Result: a stable foot, creating less muscle fatigue and more endurance.
3) Patented Support Bridge or Arch provides better balance and alignment with each step you take. Result: more comfort each time you step down.
4) Long-Wearing Trocellen Foam is a high-quality, durable closed-cell foam used to provide true comfort. Result: long lasting comfort for your pursuits.
5) Natural Shock Absorption System that only Superfeet uses to soften heel shock. This three part system includes: a. Deep heel pocket to center the fat pad b. Slight rocker bottom to allow for some foot roll c. Soft flange to allow for some soft tissue expansion Result: a soft landing everytime!
6) Superfeetís Patented Top Cover reduces friction and heat inside the shoe. Also, keeps your feet cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Results: less moisture and foot blisters, and a reduction in bacteria.
7) Patented Shape allows the footbed to contour to your footís shape, which helps provide maximum contact with the ground. Result: a confident feeling of balance and control.

Get Yours at Dr. Burns’ Store today!

running shoes for orthotics users - Supination - foot rolls outwards (less common than overpronation) Easily corrected through the right running shoes/and or orthotics. Note its not just the pain this will help control - it will also improve your performance through … …

The 5 best running shoes - from Consumer Reports - And here are a couple of tips from ShopSmart to help you buy the right pair of running shoes:. Shop at a store that specializes in running shoes. Go there dressed to run - wear the socks you usually run in and any orthotics you use. …

There is more than one school of thought on shoe features; sometimes personal experience speaks for itself.  During research I found some sound advice from a Dr. Von Hof regarding airbags in shoes.  He referenced and article from the Pedorthic NewsWire ( Corporate name is Aetrex Worldwide; Phil Simms is a spokesperson), and after having agreed with most of it took exception to their stance on avoiding any athletic shoes with "…airbags, liquid gel, shocks, rebound, and bounce,…".  Their reasoning is the gels’ abnormal cushioning will cause more instability of the foot, and when the bags deteriorate the shoe itself is unstable, which will lead to more problems.

This part doesn’t make sense; if the shoes’ problem is the airbags, what difference does their eventual condition make if they themselves are a problem in the first place?

Dr. Von Hof actually has and describes the schematics of a shoe airbag in his blog.  He is a runner himself and endorses airbags for his situation.

This is quite a detour from opinions on minimal footwear where Happy Feetz took a look at five finger shoes.  The arguments there are compelling as well; some runners are only happy being as close to bare feet as possible.  There is a video posted here.

Billions of dollars is spent researching the best designs for athletic shoes to improve performance and reduce injuries.   Unfortunately, injuries are on the rise.  Do your due diligence to decide what features you want in your shoe, and whether they are the best features for your foot and for the purpose of their use. 

Injuries can take months from which to recover; getting professional advice from a Podiatric sports medicine specialist can save you money in the long run; there are many factors to think of regarding shoe features you need.

Considerations:

• Fitness Level:  If your activity is sporadic or minimal, get professional advice for shoe type
• Age:  Muscle strength and foot padding diminish with age; the same shoe may not work for you ten years later
• Weight:  More weight forced on the same area of the foot increases the chance of injury; an evaluation is ideal
• Type of Activity:  A cycling shoe, hiking shoe, and running shoes are all designed differently; choose accordingly

Thanks to Dr. Von Hof for his observation.

A lot of runners seek that minimal shoe; running barefoot is centuries old. Today some of the best long-distance runners are from Africa, and many run in bare feet.