Choosing the Right Running Shoes for Your Feet Matters

Looking through the retail shoe market, Instagram ads and influencer feeds, there are always new and trending running shoes popping up.

Going to the storefront and trying them on without putting much thought into it.

Then, running into the 3rd KM, my ankle hurts or my knee hurts.

Thinking to yourself, “Perhaps my older shoes were better,” or “Maybe I just need to break into my shoes.”

Your Feet Are More Complex Than You Think

The foot and ankle have a unique feature that the knee and hip don't have — a flexible pulley-like system that acts like a spring.

This spring-like feature acts as a lever to absorb and propel our body weight.

Yes, I am talking about a complex system that comprises the plantar fascia, the foot arches, the tendons and the unique shape of the ankle and foot.

That's 26 bones and more than 30 joints for you, compared to the knee and hip, which are much simpler joint systems.

Running actually taps into that system more than you expect.

So, Does Your Running Shoe Matter?

With the right running shoes, they can facilitate and even improve the efficiency of this spring-like system. While wearing the wrong ones can potentially cause more stress on your foot and ankle.

So then, how do you decide?

Plated?
Thicker midsole?
Heel drop?

Try This Before You Buy

I would do a simple test.

Before purchasing those shoes, I suggest a 1-minute single-leg hop test on the spot and a supported single-leg forward-and-backward hop test on each side.

See if you notice any pain, discomfort, instability or increased stress on either leg.

Still Unsure?

Come in for a physio screening, and leave that problem to us to assess — from your running pains, technique, to your shoe recommendation.

Your running shoes may play a bigger role in your running pain than you think.

Ben, The OLY Physio.