There's a new trend taking over the running world: shoes with soles so thick, they look almost like platforms. Proponents of these shoes say that they allow runners to run longer and harder with fewer injuries to the feet and legs. Others argue that the shoes don't do nearly as much as they claim. The truth likely lies somewhere between these polarized opinions. Whether or not you can benefit from running in super-padded shoes will depend on several factors:
Have you suffered a lot of overuse injuries in the past and ruled out other possible causes?
If you've suffered from overuse injuries, such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints in the past, switching to thick-soled shoes may help prevent future injuries. However, since these shoes are not proven to reduce the risk of injury, this should not necessarily be the first step you take when trying to keep your feet and legs healthy. Some things to try first include:
If you try all of the tips above and still find that you're getting injured often, then you may want to try switching to thick-soled shoes.
Are you training for a marathon or ultramarathon?
Many runners find that the extra-padded shoes help them recover from very long runs, but don't make much of a difference on shorter runs. If you're only training for a half marathon or shorter distance race, you are not likely to notice much of a difference when wearing extra-padded shoes versus a normal, sturdy running shoe. However, if you're out there pounding the trails for 2, 3 or more hours at a time on a regular basis, the extra cushioning might be good for your feet.
Some runners believe that the extra cushioning in these thick-soled shoes may keep the muscles and tendons in the feet and legs from developing as strongly as they could. To minimize this effect, try running only your long runs in the thick-soled shoes. Do your shorter workouts, which result in less overall pounding, in standard running shoes.
In the end, every runner has different needs and preferences when it comes to shoes. Thick-soled shoes are unlikely to be a miracle cure for every runner who deals with soreness or nagging injuries. However, if you're running high mileage and have not found another explanation for your frequent injuries, switching to thick-soled shoes may be a good choice for you.
For further assistance, contact a local podiatrist, such as one from http://www.advancedfootclinic.org.
Share30 April 2015
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