Sports footwear come in an extensive array of designs that go beyond mere color variations. Their diversity is seen in varying levels of cushioning, distinct heel heights, and unique flexibilities at the midsole. These, along with other unique features, make the selection of running shoes incredibly vast. This vastness can be quite perplexing for runners who are trying to figure out the perfect pair. As each shoe is unique, and each runner’s requirements differ, there isn’t a universal ‘best’ running shoe. What’s best for one may not be the same for another. The challenge lies in identifying the most suitable shoe for individual needs. Factors like running style, foot shape, and personal goals, among other things, need to be considered when choosing the perfect pair.
For instance, one unusual and somewhat radical variation in athletic footwear design involves shoes without heels or with ‘floating’ heels. These shoes are designed with the heel portion of the midsole removed. The intent behind this design is to promote midfoot or forefoot strikes during running instead of heel strikes. The theory is that heel strikes cause a higher impact, which is believed to be the main cause of many running injuries. By encouraging a forefoot or midfoot strike, these shoes aim to be gentler on the runner’s body. However, there’s a hitch: there’s no scientific evidence to back this claim. In fact, research suggests that the injury rate among runners is the same, regardless of how their foot strikes the ground. They may experience different overuse injuries, but the overall rate of injury doesn’t change. This indicates that a ‘heel-less’ shoe doesn’t necessarily offer an inherent advantage over a standard shoe that allows heel strikes. The decision to choose a particular shoe design should be based on various factors, such as a history of heel-strike-related injuries. If a runner has suffered such injuries in the past, trying ‘heel-less’ or ‘floating heel’ shoes might be worth a shot.
This example of ‘heel-less’ shoes is somewhat extreme, but it highlights the dilemma runners face when choosing the right footwear. A good rule of thumb is to stick with your current shoes if they’re working well for you. Novice runners or those looking to switch their running shoes would do well to seek advice from a professional running shoe store. These experts can assess the runner’s foot shape and running style, understand their goals and aspirations, and then recommend the most suitable running shoes to meet these specific needs.
