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Running down myths on jogging shoes

12 Mar, 2009 09:00 AM
RUNNERS who buy expensive sneakers could be wasting their money.

Researchers at the University of Newcastle have found there is no scientific evidence to support claims that specially designed joggers help prevent injuries.

The findings have been published in the latest edition of the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Researcher and general practitioner Craig Richards, who is a runner himself, said he was inspired to do the study after sustaining a series of injuries in his own expensive joggers.

"I would have been only running 50 to 60 kilometres a week, which is not a large mileage," he said.

"I recovered from one [injury] and got another one."

Dr Richards and his team found there was no published research that showed running shoes that controlled how much the foot rolled in and had elevated cushioned heels helped prevent injuries.

In fact, Dr Richards said there was some evidence that modern runners actually contributed to problems.

"[Some] shoes are specially designed to make you land on your heel and that's very artificial," he said.

"That may impair balance and makes you prone to ankle strains, so the acute injuries are relevant as well."

He said the research would have implications not only for runners but also health professionals, manufacturers and retailers.

Scott Munro, of Scott Munro Personal Training in Broadmeadow, said the cost of a shoe was not a major factor but said proper support and cushioning was important.

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At last someone has exposed this sports shoe hype. The last pair of shoes I bought they put me on the tester, came back with the shoes and as I trekked around they slowly crippled me @ $200 a pair.
Posted by jake 69, 12/03/2009 9:04:15 AM
I run/walk 42Klms a week. I had a cheap pair and suffered from shin splints and muscle tiredness. I purchased a new pair with insoles/inserts for $140, the result, no shin splints and no muscle tiredness, and they last a lot longer than the cheapies. I like the runners Dr Richards is wearing in the photograph. I wonder how much they cost ?
Posted by Colin O., 12/03/2009 11:03:24 AM
Oh no! This article was forwarded to me - a shoe lover, a collector of sneakers and experienced shoe fitter of 10 years. What really is a 'pain in the leg' is that many want to poo-poo running shoes, but the fact is that RUNNING SHOES EXIST TO COMBAT ARTIFICIAL SURFACES – concrete, bitumen, etc, etc. I support the notion that running shoes will alter the natural gait cycle and if not fitted appropriately, can cause injury. There are significant benefits of correctly fitted running shoes to reduce the risk of injury, improve comfort and aide performance. Often when I fit a shoe that is not the most expensive option but is the 'right' fit, the customer is regularly taken aback that we sell ‘FIT’ and not price. In addition, many sports footwear brands are actively incorporating technologies to address 'natural motion' due to the outcome of other research into 'training barefoot' and some brands have emerged which are specifically designed to offer benefits based on this research. I believe there needs to be some objectivity to this type of sport shoe sensationalism and some balanced education for consumers to determine how to wisely spend their money.
Posted by samplesize, 12/03/2009 11:11:04 AM
I honestly think the shoes Dr Richards is wearing would have to be much better for your feet & more comfotable to do a 20km run in then the pair of Volleys on the table.... Thats something which doesnt need to be tested. You'd be 100 times more prone to injuring yourself on a 20km run in volleys!!
Posted by Animals, 12/03/2009 11:50:26 AM
Having been a runner myself for over thirty years I'm supprised that Dr Richards is yet to discover that with distance runners the heel does strike the ground first and the foot rolls forward taking off from the front of the shoe.
Posted by old runner, 12/03/2009 12:29:02 PM
I haven't seen the original article, so who knows. However, a couple of comments based on what is reported here. Firstly, I would take issue with the statement that 50 to 60 kilometres a week "is not a large mileage". Allowing for at least a couple of days off, which I believe is generally recommended, 10 km plus per day is likely to be above average. If the author is getting injuries, he is probably overdoing it for his current level of fitness. Secondly, the old researcher's adage: "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence". It could just be that the relevant studies have not been done, not that no effect has been proven. Thirdly, it appears from the report here that a specific kind of padded shoe is in question, not well-cushioned shoes in general. Fourthly, my personal experience of jogging is that not any old shoe will do. Good cushioning has been vital to prevention of pain in my ankles and knees. But as I said, haven't read the article yet. And it is good that someone is taking an interest in researching the health relevance of something other than medications, for a change.
Posted by Kate, 12/03/2009 3:06:47 PM
I heard somthing years ago about the good old "Dunlop KT-26" being a pretty decent running shoe and defo stacked up against your big brand competitors... Does this still hold sway?...
Posted by JD, 12/03/2009 11:51:43 PM

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 PROOF: Keen runner Dr Craig Richards says there is no evidence for expensive running shoes.- Picture by Kitty Hill
PROOF: Keen runner Dr Craig Richards says there is no evidence for expensive running shoes.- Picture by Kitty Hill

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