Tag: pronation

Flat Running Shoes Still Cool for Novices

running-shoesAccording to a new study from the Aarnus University of Denmark flat running shoes present no greater risk of injury even to those who pronate or supinate. The research suggests that novice runners should think about their overall training regime and consider old injuries instead.

This study tracked927 healthy runners – all who wore the same neutral running shoes – and found that 252 had sustained a running-related injury, while the risk regardless of pronation or supination, remained the same. The study did not however address whether supportive running shoes should be used following an injury.

[Via Gizmag: Flat running shoes fine for pronating novices, study finds]

Hands On: Vionic Orthaheel Women’s Mojave Sandal

I recently got an email in my inbox for the Vionic Orthaheel line of shoes asking if I have heel pain, knee pain, back pain, leg pain? My answer: All of the above! I started to wonder if this company made shoes just for me, or studied my feet one night when I was sleeping. Well, it wasn’t that creepy, but it made me think how much I need these shoes. Continue reading Hands On: Vionic Orthaheel Women’s Mojave Sandal

Running Gets a Boost with Karhu Fulcrum_Ride

Stability is an important feature in shoes for those of us runners who overpronate. That’s when your feet tend to roll inward when you walk or run. The fulcrum_ride from Finland-based Karhu addresses pronation in a new way.

An asymmetrical footbed allows for appropriate pronation during the gate cycle. The center of pressure moves along the natural path from heel to toe. Traditionally, running shoes tend to jar the foot’s natural path, creating braking forces and pressure shifts back and forth. The path of energy tends to move from the heel to the arch, then to the outside of the foot due to pronation.

Continue reading Running Gets a Boost with Karhu Fulcrum_Ride

Sole Support

Sole custom footbeds provide support without the expense of orthodics.

Walk into a running shop and you’ll see a stand for shoe inserts. They offer more support than the sockliner. They also help make a worn out pair of shoes feel better. Custom footbeds from Sole use cork, a sustainable material, to provide support, springiness, and resilience. While they aren’t made for your individual feet as the name implies, at around $40 to $50 for a pair of Sole instead of a few hundred dollars, a pair provides enough support without going the custom route.

Sole footbeds consist of four layers: a moisture-wicking top sheet, a softec cushioning layer, a moldable orthopedic base, and high-density frame. The four layers create a deep heel cup and custom arch support. Whether you use them just for activities like running, or slip them into your casual shoes, the custom supports address foot problems such as overpronation, oversupination, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. The company also says they can aid joint pain and back and neck pain.

As part of its green initiative, Sole sources its cork from wine bottles. Sole collects used corks from wineries, airlines, and other heavy drinkers to make their product. They’ve set up a cork collection program at ReCork.org. Reclaimed cork will be used for another line of footwear.

Sole product page

Cork page

This post was edited. It originally stated the SOLE inserts were made from recycled cork, however they are not.