A
Healthy Disrespect for Shoes
By Rick Vandertie
We don't like shoes. Now what kind of attitude is that for an
athletic shoe store to have? Most folks would say we're crazy
to be in this business if we have such disrespect for the products
we sell. We say that our disrespect is what allows us to find
and fit shoes better than anyone else in the business.
Under ideal circumstances, we would recommend that everyone
run in their bare feet. Our bodies were never intended to be
encumbered by the awkward footwear we currently use. Unfortunately
ideal circumstances do not always exist. We are forced to run
on surfaces that are not exactly natural. Our bodies and feet
have spent a lifetime of dependency on footwear and our lifestyles
have allowed us to become soft and vulnerable to injury. So,
we are dependent on shoes to help us with the running we'd like
to do. But it all comes at a price. Shoes cost us more than the
dollars we leave behind at the running shop.
The most significant thing that shoes do is to interfere with
our normal biomechanics. Sometimes we actually want the interference,
but whether we want it or not it's always there. Let's look at
how shoes get in our way.
1. Stability and motion control - Shoes are often made to resist
movement to one side or another, or are generally reinforced
to resist movement in any direction. For runners who have problems
associated with this movement, this resistance can be useful.
Usually the structures are there to fix the instability that
the shoe itself has created. Whenever the foot is lifted off
the surface, stability is diminished. With more movement control
the body loses some of the natural shock absorption that results
from these movements. Runners with no real movement problems
often compromise their natural biomechanical cushioning in an
attempt to prevent overpronation that was not causing them any
trouble.
2. Cushioning - This has become the "Holy Grail" for runners
and shoe designers alike. It seems that there can never be too
much cushioning in their shoes. Unfortunately the higher and
softer shoes go, the more unstable they become. Runners seeking
to protect themselves from the ravages of impact often end up
creating new problems of biomechanical instability. Ironically
the very cushioning that many see as protection can actually
foul up the timing of our biomechanics and result in more net
impact. Our ability to feel the surface (proprioception) is dependent
on the sensitivity of our feet. With all that insulation between
us and the surface, our feet are about as sensitive as our fingers
would be with boxing gloves on. It's no accident that nature
made the soles of our feet as sensitive as they are. Unfortunately
many runners try to avoid shoes that allow their feet to "feel".
3. Fit - All shoes encase and cripple our feet resulting in
the loss of normal movement. The worst offense is to the toes.
Shoes are guilty of stealing the strength and agility from digits
that should be as useful as our fingers. The result is that the
foot is weaker and less stable than it should be. Often designers
will try to compensate by building stronger arches into the shoes.
When normal healthy arches are supported, they become weaker.
Arches are to healthy feet what crutches are to healthy legs
- useless and unnecessary. Still, many runners are encouraged
to find shoes that will do the work of their feet for them.
4. Weight - All the "stuff" that goes into shoes has to be carried
around for thousands of steps. In addition to tiring the runner
out, it unbalances the stride. Any additional weight on the end
of a lever as long as your leg becomes a significant obstacle
to overcome. The excess in torque and the slowing of the timing
of your stride can result in many problems.
If shoes have so many inherent problems, how can you find one
that actually has a chance of working? You have to be meticulous
in your choice.
1. Analyze your running style and habits to see how the shoe
design matches your particular form and needs. Pay particular
attention to what happens to your feet as you contact the surface.
Try on a number of prospects and test run them to see how they
fit and function.
2. Be fussy about the fit of the shoe. This is by far the most
important feature in any athletic shoe. It is highly unlikely
that you will get a good fit without actually trying on the shoe
and test running it. Take your time and plan to do some sweating.
Remember, your foot is doing the work not the shoe. So make sure
that the features you're getting are ones you really need. Does
this shoe let your foot perform as it would if you were barefoot?
If not, is the interference worth it?
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