Is cushion necessary in a minimalist shoe?
Yesterday I received a question on twitter – @runnerdoctor question: assuming a good forefoot strike achieved, is padding still necessary in the shoe?
This is a difficult question for me to answer. I could go on and on regarding this subject, but here is a quick answer on how I view cushion or padding.
First, and foremost, your foot needs to be able to feel the ground. If the shoe is too thick or provides stability then proprioception is hindered and your simply just striking with a loose foot against the shoe. This also explains what happens when you place an orthotic into a shoe. While it is theorized that the device is controlling motion or stabilizing the foot joints, in actuality all that is happening is the joints are not being controlled by the foot’s musculature and a collapse just occurs against the hard uncomfortable plastic.
When looking at forefoot padding or cushion, I would judge the amount necessary by how far you are running. For me, the majority of my runs that are under 10 miles are done in FiveFingers. If I am doing a tempo run that is shorter 3-4 miles, I also wear this same type of shoe. For a longer tempo run I may a use a shoe with some more cushion such as the Skechers GObionic.
For longer runs (greater then 10 miles) I typically wear a shoe with some cushion in the forefoot. This may be the Skechers GObionic or GOrun 2, New Balance Minimus, or even a Newton shoe. The Newtons I usually reserve for a run when my feet and legs are tired.
When racing padding always helps by allowing you to cheat or go all out without worrying about what’s below your foot. Not as necessary in a 5k but can hello more with a half or full marathon.
What’s the purpose of the padding? It just lessens the effect of the pounding on the forefoot and can reduce some soreness. What it shouldn’t do is control motion or stabilize the foot.
Hope this helps!
Related Posts
-
My thoughts on the Vibram FiveFingers lawsuit and why minimalist shoes do not create injuries.
28 Comments | May 10, 2014 -
Articles demonstrating minimalist shoes increase foot muscle strength.
No Comments | May 28, 2012 -
Barefoot or cushioned: the great running shoe controversy
5 Comments | Oct 2, 2014 -
Finding The Right Shoes For Your Feet
1 Comment | Jan 21, 2018
About The Author
Dr. Nick Campitelli
Dr. Campitelli is a podiatrist in Akron, OH specializing in foot and ankle surgery with an interest and enthusiasm for running as well as helping runners with injuries. For the past several years he has been treating running injuries in patients by fixing their form and transitioning them to minimalist shoes. Having treated runners with all types of injuries through conservative measures with orthotics and shoe gear changes to reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Campitelli has brought what works best and is most current to his practice as well as the Akron and Cleveland running communities.
Dr. Nick, thank you for your post. Do you think it’s necessary to go barefoot (or even down to Vibrams) to take full advantage of the benefits of minimalist running? What do you recommend to your patients who are new to minimalist running and reluctant to go barefoot?
Dr. Nick, thank you for your post. Do you think it’s necessary to go barefoot (or even down to Vibrams) to take full advantage of the benefits of minimalist running? What do you recommend to your patients who are new to minimalist running and reluctant to go barefoot?
Dr. Nick, thank you for your post. Do you think it’s necessary to go barefoot (or even down to Vibrams) to take full advantage of the benefits of minimalist running? What do you recommend to your patients who are new to minimalist running and reluctant to go barefoot?