Comments on: Why heel-toe drop can mean different things for different running shoes and different foot strikes

By: BP

BP — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to BP.

Just to clarify, when I say wear, I'm talking about both outsole being left on the ground and midsole being compressed.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to francois.

I think the stress applied definitely varies with ankle angle on contact. For example, anterior compartment syndrome and anterior shin splints seem to respond well to foot strike modification away from a pronounced heel strike. But, the stress isn't gone, it just gets shifted more to the foot and posterior compartment. But, if a person can tolerate that new stress better it's a worthwhile approach.
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By: Samuel Hartpence

Samuel Hartpence — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Do you think those questions lead to shoes that may have different cushioning densities from heal to toe instead of medial to lateral so the compression rates effectively match even though the loading rates are different in the different areas? Effectively changing the selection paradigm based on foot strike instead of pronation. Or do you think there is still room in the paradigm for pronation?

I know I've read a blog regarding how muscles activate through the gait cycle, and how it changes with or without shoes, but wanted to get your opinion.

By: John M

John M — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

"I guess the point is that the way a running shoe will work for a given person depends on a lot more than just one single factor. " Very true.

My conclusion from your discussion is that the stack height and more mm of cushioning in, for example, the Newton Distance Racers (a low 2 mm drop) makes them less "barefoot" style (and more forgiving) than, for example, the Hagios (a higher 6 mm drop) with lower stack height.

But how about the factor speed? Do you think the factors you are discussing (density in cushioning, stack height, drop) has bigger impact on the workload on your muscles (calfs) than actual running speed? Im rotating Hagios and the Distance Racers and I percive both as "firm" (or at least not soft). When running slow or long distance in my Hagios (6 mm drop) and the Distance Racers (2 mm drop) I don't feel much of a difference in soreness. But when running fast, the calfs get far more sore in the Hagios than In the Newtons.

For me, speed has more impact on sore calfs and hamstrings (and a potential injury) than any factor.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to SteveL.

Not that I am aware of, minimal is still fairly new when it comes to linking things to specific injury rates.

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By: The Brain Runner

The Brain Runner — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Shouldn't you want your calf to go through the entire range of motion?

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Samuel Hartpence.

I think there is room to consider pronation still, but just don't think it should be the only or even primary thing to consider. Varying density longitudinally is an interesting idea, not sure if anyone has tried it. Historically forefoot strikers have just kind of been ignored because they were viewed as atypical. Newtons maybe come closest to doing this with their forefoot lugs and firm heel.
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By: A_T_T

A_T_T — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Do I need to "transition" from a 12mm drop to a 4 mm drop shoe? Or can I just go "cold turkey"?
(Adidas Boston to Brooks Pureflow)

By: Berto

Berto — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

What if there would be a zero drop shoe, but with different cushions (firmer in the heel and softer in the forefoot)?

By: roadrunner

roadrunner — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the post. I'm really wondering what the factors are to spec the right shoe for the right person for the right distance for the right pace. I (6'2" 180lb high/stiff arch, low 40 10K) have been running injury free on Kinvara until I upped the pace about a month ago. Wammo! Achillies tendon inflammation at the back of the heal. The prior two years I was on Saucony Hurricane 10's and was injury free at all paces/distances. I tried the latest Hurrcianes and found them "clunky" compared to the Kinvaras.
There's a whole bunch of info on the 'net and I'm not sure which shoe to go with next, but it will probably have more drop. Mizuno Precisions maybe?
As always, stretching, core work, recovery etc are among other factors.

By: SteveL

SteveL — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I am meeting more and more runners with Achilles tendonitis. They are
running in traditional 12mm drop very cushioned shoes. I too had that
problem for a year and made my change over to 4mm drop shoes and haven't
looked back.

However, are there any real scientific studies done showing more minimal
footwear lowers the incidence of Achilles tendonitis?

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Robert Osfield.

Thanks for the thoughtful comment as always Robert! It is amazing how the brain must react to all of the variations we throw at it - I wonder if that's why you have to be consistent about running in uncushioned shoes to maintain adaptation to them, the brain gets confused by all of the other stuff we wear?
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