Comments on: Heel-Forefoot Drop, Foot Length, and Ramp Angle: How Shoes Alter the Orientation of Your Feet

By: Jim

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

Does anyone have recommendations for near-zero drop men's dress shoes? I'm searching for a pair that would compliment my required business attire? I spend 8-10 hours a day walking around in "traditional" dress shoes which seems counter intuitive as I search for increasingly flat running shoes.

By: Pete Larson

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

In reply to Sam.

Yes, a lot of us adults are somewhat bound by our footwear history, that's why I feel so strongly that we need to change the way we do things with children - they don't need heel lifts and excessive control.

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Pete Larson's Web Links:
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By: Pete Larson

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

In reply to Beth.

Keep those kids flat!

By: Dean

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

As someone who is currently struggling with Haglund’s in my left foot, and is completely mystified as to what is best (heel lifts seem to make it worse, or do they…etc) I thank you for this post. I’ve often thought to myself — isn’t the angle of the foot really important when it comes to how we run in the shoes we do. And a look at your math proves it to be true. Thanks!

By: pcunite

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

In reply to Jim.

Allen Edmonds, just request the head to have one less leather stack insert.

By: Rudedadude

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

In reply to Jim.

I”m gonna try some low drop, black leather sneakers for under my suits. When you search around a bit there are plenty of options. I came out a pair of Geox shoes (I hope they will be wide enough with enough toe space)
http://uk.geox.com/product/Cit…

By: Beth

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

I started wearing 0-4 mm drop shoes about three years ago, both everyday and in my running shoes. At that time I also switched my kids over-their summer shoes remain crocs, and they have been wearing Merrell barefoot shoes for their athletic shoes. Now they prefer minimalist shoes, and won't wear anything else. They also are barefoot whenever possible. Hopefully that will prevent them from having some of the issues that I have had as an adult!

By: Pete Larson

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

In reply to Steven.

Don't think this is correct. My wife's Ascis and Brooks traditional shoes all have over 12mm drop, same or more as my men's size 10.

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Pete Larson's Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly - http://ow.ly/bdUO0
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By: Sam

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

From previous posts you know I've had to go back to a 10mm heel for running due to lower leg injuries, but still spend all day at work in a pair of Merrell tough or edge gloves and Altra Instincts as my casual shoe. I do believe one day I'll be able to lower the heel successfully in my running shoes too without the associated soleus pain and shin splints. I rue the day, some 14 long years ago that a "shoe specialist" put me in a pair of Brooks Beast because I had flat feet. I proceeded to wear the same model, updating as they wore out, for the next 11 years full time before switching to a pair of the original Nike Free Run+. 11 years of extreme motion control and a 14mm heel doesn't do good things for your flexibility.

By: Curb

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

Really good post explaining why heel drop doesn't always provide a complete picture. Thanks for including the Excel sheet; no problems downloading on my end at least.

And I'd like to add a personal anecdote. I tried wearing zero drop in daily life for over a year but found it actually began to give me troubles. I've gone back to wearing a 4 mm drop shoe 90% of the time (haven't figured out the angle yet) and that works perfectly for me. As you know there will be a lot of individual variability in the adaptation to flatter shoes. Some people may get to completely flat but not everyone. As you've mentioned in your book and in other posts, I think everyone should keep in mind that the goal isn't that we should all be in the same type or grade of shoe but to do what works best for each individual. Cheers!

By: James

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

This is really interesting Pete. I hadn't thought about how the length of the shoe changes the ramp angle. Why wouldn't shoe manufacturers make heel elevation in proportion to the length of the shoe? Thanks for putting all this info together.

By: Pete Larson

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

In reply to Jim.

Jim - options from the Primal Professional and Leming are coming, but for now the Vivobarefoot Ra seems to be the best formalish option for dress shoes.

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Pete Larson's Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly - http://ow.ly/bdUO0
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/oblinkin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Runbl...