Running shoe without heel

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Wouldn't it be nice to see someone that offered the opinion that this type of shoe may not be best shoe for all runners and could possibly cause injury in some runners? Why is it that all new shoe designs are always going to create faster running and fewer injuries? At least I would have thought a researcher would offer an opinion that was somewhat more balanced (i.e. pros and cons, and not just pros) on this type of shoe...but maybe I'm living in a dream world...?

 

netizens

I would suggest the shoe is not entirely heel less and the graphics are rather deceptive in the presentation . As a running shoe up to middle distances, heel strike is common with only speed runners moving to the ball of the foot. Displacing the heel anteriorly towards the medial arch (as this shoe design does) may enhance stability compared to some orthodox heeled running shoes but I would caution on any claim to make them significantly advantagous fo all. These shoes resemble the Masai sandal design which seems to be enjoying a vogue at present.

Kevin wrote
> Why is it that all new shoe designs are always going to create faster running and fewer injuries?

As witnessed in the Olympics, speed records and not tumbling as shoe manufacturers would like and getting a new design up and selling needs to have the backing of the big companies because of their monopoly. The big boys are wary of raising comsumer expectation above what can be met and have of late been content to promote the foot within the shoe and not what their shoe can do for you. So claims of faster are not as frequent as before. Similarly matters pertaining to reduced injuries may carry liability which few companies are prepared to burden themsleves with. Any voice which says faster and safer most probably comes from independents unaware of the potential liability these claims could carry.


What say you?

toeslayer
http://feetandtheolympics.blogspot.com/

 

Sounds and looks a lot like MBT... doesn't it?
cheers

 

The 'Pose Method' meets EVA.....

I am curious if any of you have experienced a rise in injuries amongst runners who have adopted the Pose Method in your practices. I've had several in the office and the majority appear to have adductor strain and iliotibial band symptoms (then again they are runners and I could just be imagining things.. ).

I would bet that one of you could explain to me why this occurs.

 

What I see in this product is another in an ever expanding vein in discussion and recommendation (among certain running groups) towards forward strike running techniques. Call it Chi Running, Barefoot Running, or by any other name, it's certainly a hot button within the sport. The idea is to shift contact phase towards what we all traditionally consider stance phase. The technique was copied through exposure to some runners in under-developed areas of the world where shoes of any kind are scarce.

In addition to this shoe, there are new shoe companies making products specifically designed to accommodate this technique (Newton and Velocy, as examples), as well as traditional running shoe brands (Nike and Saucony) making their own statements. Designs vary widely, but the constant is in encouraging the foot to clear stance phase quickly into propulsion. Most do this by placing a flex plate into the forefoot of the midsole, and crafting a bit more rocker into the sole profile.

Having tested many of the available products, I can report that they do what they are intended to provide. Even if one tries to make a a more traditional training gait, body position is accelerated into mid-stance, then flowing rapidly into propulsion. The sensation can feel revolutionary on uphill climbs, as the ease in turning over reps is palpable, and a feeling of mechanical efficiency comes over you. Going downhill is a different story (especially in western NC mountains) where this design for accelerated gait mechanics can force extraordinary strain in the lower quad, knee, and hip. Shoes that are made with elements of both traditional and forefoot biased technology come across as more versatile, and may better reduce the risk of injury (such as the Saucony Grid Triumph).

As for now, with barefoot running still growing among core particpants, look forward to three things:

1. Those with neutral gaits and suitable terrain to be won over by this training program.

2. Further growth of new shoe brands and models seeking to mimic this activity.

3. Those with heavier weight and more abducted gait types to suffer crippling injuries.