You might think that buying a pair of running shoes is more an issue of fashion than a serious decision that takes any technical consideration. Nothing could be further from the truth; in fact, selecting the proper running shoe is pivotal to protecting your joints from injury. If you've been a patient with us for any length of time, I'm sure you've heard us talk about the importance of proper fitting shoes. Our Therapists work hard using Integrative Manual Therapy(IMT) to assess and treat pain, disease and disability so its important to us that our clients keep up our work with the right support on your feet.
Shoe technology now incorporates different types of construction and materials to help prevent injuries and improve overall comfort. The different types of shoes are named according to their cushioning systems and what each provides the runner. Running shoes now come in three major categories: cushioned, stability and motion control, which ensure comfort, proper function for the foot and correct support.
For those with a neutral gait:
A cushioned shoe has a soft midsole made from single-density ethylvinylacetate (a dense foam also known as EVA) and is very flexible. Recommended for use by males weighing less than 180 pounds and females weighing less than 150 pounds, the shoe has a cushioned midsole that allows for abundant shock absorption in the heel.
For those with a slight or moderate overpronation:
Pronation is the inward and downward rotation of the medial bones in the middle portion of the foot; in running, the foot tends to collapse on its inside. For running, the stability shoe is best. These shoes contain double-density EVA and a roll bar made of polyurethane in the posterior aspect of the midsole. The stability shoe comes in semi-curved and semi- curved/straight shapes to accommodate the foot shape of overpronators.
For those who have severe overpronation:
A motion control shoe gives the greatest stability. It is made with the same construction as the stability shoe, but is firmer. The motion control shoe also comes in straight or semi-curved/straight shapes because severe overpronators tend to have flat feet.
Research shows that the proper running shoe can alleviate pain associated with running and help correct biomechanical errors that may otherwise lead to injuries. Some suggestions when shopping for running shoes: buy shoes at the end of the day, walk in the shoes for several minutes to insure proper fit and comfort, and don’t always use cost as a measure. Many mid-priced shoes are as good as the most expensive shoes. Our physical therapists can assess your gait to assist with the selection of the correct running shoe, as well as develop an individualized running program just for you. We also specialize in custom orthotic fittings through Sole Supports.
Most “custom” orthotics are made based on outdated theories that do not significantly change foot function and do not take into account the demands of the modern athlete. Unfortunately, even with the best intentions, these orthotics usually end up as expensive soft cushions or hard-as-rock braces that are respectively either ineffective or too uncomfortable for aggressive use. Whether you are a competitive or recreational athlete, your foot is unique and requires specific calibration for the right mix of flex and rigidity. This is the real custom factor absent in standard “custom” orthotics. Sole Supports has put the years into re-thinking and redesigning custom foot orthotics. We are happy to be partnering with this company because they know how much extra work it takes to make a device that actually delivers on promises. We love that we can offer a competitive edge to athletes that depend on powerful feet. Sole Supports is the only orthotic company doing research at major universities to back up their claims of increased performance.
Call or email us today to find out more about our custom orthotic fittings and all of our other services to get your best foot forward ;)
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