Clearing Up Some of the Myths of Proper Running Shoe Selection

Where do you turn for advice for selecting your running shoes?  Often, we will get fitted by "experts" at a retail store, or take the word of a manufacturer about why the properties of a certain shoe design are best for you.   These "motion-correcting" shoes are often more expensive than other models, and that cost is justified by the belief they will help us prevent running injuries.  However, many of these claims are not based on good research, just speculation and product marketing.  

There is now a growing body of biomechanical research that indicates that these "motion-correcting" shoes do not help prevent running injuries, as claimed.  Preventing foot pronation and heel striking with motion-controlling shoes don't help prevent injuries.  But, the research does support the idea that proper fitting/best feeling shoes for our unique feet can help.  

As much as shoes that fit you well can help keep your feet healthier, over-use injuries will still happen.  Our bodies are all different in the amount of stress and strain they can handle.  We need to develop/maintain leg/foot strength, stability, and range of motion; and listen to our bodies.  

The next time you are in the market for new running shoes, forget about having the "experts" fit you with shoes they want to sell you, and try on five or six different brands/styles and take them for a test walk/run to see which ones fit and feel the best for your unique feet!

http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2015/08/05/choosing-the-right-running-shoes/?ref=health&_r=0&referrer=