Minimalist Running Shoes - MrPhysio+ Advice
In the world today there is a growing movement towards a different type of running, walking and track shoe.
As with all change, controversy, misinformation and varying professional opinion merges with a culture of advertising triumph over science.
So, what do you need to know?
First, a definition. A typical running shoe is comparatively heavy, has a solid or very firm heel cup, has a heel height up to 14 millimetres and possesses various mechanisms to control the foot, including arch support. A full minimalist shoe is much lighter, is constructed of flexible upper and sole, low heel height, soft heel cup plus does not possess any or minimal control elements. Control means arch supports, pronation (rolling in of the foot) and other built in elements to the shoe to 'control' apparent problems.
Running in a control shoe is more likely to cause the runner to land on the heel first, whereas a minimalist shoe will have a runner land flat footed or more onto the toes. Minimalist shoes can lower impact shock to the leg by up to 37%.
There are extremes at either end of the available footwear range. Which shoe will suit you?
It is my belief that more people will have better foot health with a minimalist type shoe than a control shoe. However, life is never that simple, hence the current controversy.
Anyone wishing to change from a full control shoe to a minimalist shoe requires assessment and guidance. Too much of a good thing can be harmful, therefore an individual program of transition must be undertaken. Your feet will thank you.
MrPhysio+ physiotherapist Consultant Mark Quittner has guided many people in the process. Feel free to contact him for assessment.
image courtesy of basketman at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
As with all change, controversy, misinformation and varying professional opinion merges with a culture of advertising triumph over science.
So, what do you need to know?
First, a definition. A typical running shoe is comparatively heavy, has a solid or very firm heel cup, has a heel height up to 14 millimetres and possesses various mechanisms to control the foot, including arch support. A full minimalist shoe is much lighter, is constructed of flexible upper and sole, low heel height, soft heel cup plus does not possess any or minimal control elements. Control means arch supports, pronation (rolling in of the foot) and other built in elements to the shoe to 'control' apparent problems.
Running in a control shoe is more likely to cause the runner to land on the heel first, whereas a minimalist shoe will have a runner land flat footed or more onto the toes. Minimalist shoes can lower impact shock to the leg by up to 37%.
There are extremes at either end of the available footwear range. Which shoe will suit you?
It is my belief that more people will have better foot health with a minimalist type shoe than a control shoe. However, life is never that simple, hence the current controversy.
Anyone wishing to change from a full control shoe to a minimalist shoe requires assessment and guidance. Too much of a good thing can be harmful, therefore an individual program of transition must be undertaken. Your feet will thank you.
MrPhysio+ physiotherapist Consultant Mark Quittner has guided many people in the process. Feel free to contact him for assessment.
image courtesy of basketman at FreeDigitalPhotos.net