The Right Shoe for You?

I am always asked  if there is a magical shoe that prevents injury and improves performance. The simple answer, unfortunately, is no.

There are a wide range of shoes on the market these days. Many shoes are marketed in a way that you’re led to believe that they are the right shoe for you.

Some promise extra support. Others a more minimalistic design following on from the popular runner’s bible “Born To Run” by Christopher MacDougall published in 2010. While some shoes just look slick and stylish.

The Nike Vaporfly 4% promises you just that, 4% more speed.

Many sellers will offer a shoe based on whether you “pronate” or have flat or high arches.

It is easy to get confused and caught up with the hype.

Many studies have sought to find the perfect shoe and look at what factors in a shoe reduce injury and improve performance.

The only real factor that has been shown to do so is……………………comfort.

Pretty simple. You need to be able to put on a shoe and be comfortable.

There are many factors which may make a shoe comfortable. These may include:

• support

• rigidity/softness

• profile of heel

• similarity to previous shoes

• Fit

• Grip

• lacing

If you previously have run a lot, it is wise not to choose a shoe too different to what you are used to. For example, it is difficult to go from a shoe with a rigid heel and arch support to a sock-style minimalistic shoe without significantly reducing your running load then building it up slowly in the new shoe.

Factors like strength, body weight and training load management are more important than footwear.

With respect to the Vaporfly 4%. Will it make you 4% faster? It is hard to say, its maybe more likely if your training, strength and conditioning is at an elite level where you have already maxed out on improvements in these areas.

Learn More about Running Assessments at SmartMoves Physiotherapy and Health Services