When people used to think of running shoes, it was basically any pain shoe that was going to stay on your foot during a jog. Well the times sure have changed and you may be wondering if it is necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on the high end running shoes available in stores today. Here at OSR we know that it is important for you to have good running shoes if you are wearing them regularly during runs and workouts. It is important that the shoes offer your feet a good amount of protection for your feet muscles.
The main muscle that is affected while running is the plantar fascia, which is a thick connective tissue running alone the sole of the foot. This muscle carries up to 14% of the total load of the foot. This is why it is crucial that your running shoes are providing enough cushion to protect the runner from injuries that can affect their hips, knees and back. Often times if injuries are too serious they can be difficult to treat as well as prevent the runner from being able to withstand long runs any longer.
However, a 2013 study from the Sports Medicine Research Laboratory in Luxembourg found no difference in injuries between runners who wore cushioned shoes and those who wore hard shoes. And a 2009 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found no evidence that wearing cushioned shoes makes a runner less prone to injury.
Early running champions ran in canvas shoes, their only shock absorption coming from the compression of their legs and the thick pad of midfoot fat. In fact, Arthur Lydiard, the most influential distance-running coach of all time, advocates wearing shoes that let your foot function like they’re barefoot. If you are in the market for a new pair of running shoes, here are some suggestions:
- Visit a specialty running shoe store.
- Have your feet measured for size every time you buy a new pair.
- Try the shoes on. The shoe should feel snug but not tight. Because feet swell and lengthen during a run, make sure there is a thumb’s width between your toe and the end of the shoe.
- Buy your shoes in the evening because your feet reach their greatest size by about 4 p.m.
- Avoid buying a shoe for looks or purchasing shoes that are too small.
- And when you are ready to pay, ask if there are any discounts available for running club members.
Here at OSR we can assess your foot and devise a progressive running program based on your age and level of fitness. We can create a “map” of your foot and determine the proper amount of cushion needed to support you consistently while you are running. Contact us today!