Good Question #1 – Good Shoe, Bad Shoe?
A lot of questions come into the WOYM mailbag (or voicemail) that might not make it into the paper due to space and time issues, so I thought we could start trying to answer some of them here instead.
Good Question #1 comes from Trina Cline, who says, ” Okay, Tom, I have a question for you. It’s entitled, “Good Shoe/Bad Shoe.” Karen McNew did a segment last week about her running injury which I believe she said started by wearing “bad” running shoes. So, someone asked me to find out…which ones are good and which ones are bad…and why? Can you help?”
I’m hoping we can interest some runners and shoe people to weigh in. Your thoughts?
What a great question Trina! My name is Andrew Holbrook, I’ve been a runner for the last 18 years, and as manager of Fleet Feet Sports Roanoke I’ve had the pleasure of helping thousands of runners find the right shoe for their feet and current situation. The fact of the matter is that finding the right shoe can be confusing, and difficult for runners and walkers. Shoe technology is constantly evolving, and everyone’s foot and situation is different. So the simple answer is there isn’t “one” best shoe for anyone. At Fleet Feet Sports Roanoke we take the time to observe the barefoot, properly measure it to determine correct size and type of support needed, and watch people run and walk to ensure we have the best fit. We also take the time to get to know each individual so we know the circumstances they’ll be using the shoes in. There are differences in road shoes vs. trail shoes, etc. So stop by the store and let one of our FIT experts help you get on the path to reaching your goals!
Thanks for responding, Andrew, though I think Trina was hoping for a little more specifics in the answer, even though her question was pretty general. Are there certain things in shoes that should be avoided at all costs? Is there a material that’s generally better? What kinds of things can really do some damage to a foot when it comes to running shoes?
Thanks again for weighing in. Any other shoe people out there want to weigh in?
Good question Tom. It’s hard to give a real specific answer on someone’s foot without looking at it. There are LOTS of great shoes out there…but not a lot of great shoes for each foot. If someone’s foot is really stable, then I’ll recommend a good cushioned shoe. If someone’s foot is unstable, then they will need a little more of a traditional “stability” shoe. We also take the foot shape into account when fitting for a proper shoe. The shoes are all built on a different shape, or “last”. Traditional “Stability” shoes have a mechanism called a “post” that is built on the medial side. This material is going to be denser than the rest of the foam used in the shoe. This feature can be good or bad, based on the individual’s foot, and what it does. I also want to know the history of injuries and issues a runner has, and that may lead me down the path of recommending a good insole that better matches the shape of a person’s foot. This doesn’t even address shoes that have different “heal to toe” ratios, or “minimal” footwear. It really can be a complex issue. I don’t want to sound like I’m trying to self promote too much, but it really helps to have an expert take a look at your feet and find a good match for the single most important equipment for every runner and walker!
Thanks again for your help, Andrew. I know it’s not as simple as it seems.
I agree with Andrew – I put it like this: it’s not a bad shoe in an absolute sense; it’s bad in the same way as saying some people just shouldn’t wear green. Doesn’t matter how well the shirt fits or how nice the material is, they look horrible. That’s shoes. You have to find the right kind of shoe for your foot, stride, size and mileage.
There are a few absolutes, kind of like me paring a fringe leather jacket with golf pants – no matter what, it’s never going to work, not even for a short run around the block. That would be shoes that don’t fit – too tight or too loose – and shoes that are too old. The cushioning loses its bounce.
Many times what happens to a runner when there is a foot problem is they alter their stride just a bit, often unwittingly, some little hitch to relieve the ache in the foot. It’s not until the run is over that they notice pain in a knee, hip or lower back. It’s all a connected chain and it all starts with the feet.
This may seem silly.. Laces! I hate when I buy a pair of running shoes and have to change out the laces because they keep coming undone. Once I’m moving I don’t want to stop.
Colleen – I hate those pre-tied laces that come on some shoes now. I could get very “Andy Rooney” with a rant about these things.
Great feedback. Thanks to all who have shared.
To Andrew: I know your store usually markets to athletes but how about nurses that spend many hours on their feet with walking mostly indoors. Are you guys able to figure out what works in that situation?
Debi, sorry for the late reply. We ABSOLUTELY cater to people like yourself. In fact, most of our customers are people with trouble, or achy feet…rather than “athletes. We can help you!