#224 Mailbag! The Best and Worst Shoe Characteristics for Knees? How Does Stability Impact Gait?
Jan 8, 2025
auto_awesome
Listener questions spark a lively discussion on the suitability of carbon-plated shoes for walking. The hosts dive into how shoe characteristics like rockers and cushioning can affect knee health. They also tackle the pros and cons of modifying shoe uppers, leading to some surprising revelations. With insights on choosing orthotic-friendly trail shoes for long races, the impact of stability shoes on gait mechanics is explored, making for an informative and entertaining session!
The discussion stresses that while carbon-plated shoes are not ideal for walking, certain models are emerging that are suitable for daily use.
Listeners are encouraged to prioritize comfort over strict categorizations of footwear, as shoe design and individual biomechanics are complex and unique.
The podcast highlights that small, thoughtful modifications to running shoes can help accommodate foot shape, but drastic changes may compromise their support.
Deep dives
Mailbag Episodes and Cautionary Notes
Mailbag episodes are a central feature of the discussion, allowing hosts to address listener questions about running and footwear. However, the hosts emphasize that they cannot provide medical advice and must handle queries carefully, especially those involving individual medical situations. They highlight the responses as conversation starters rather than definitive medical solutions, encouraging listeners to consult healthcare professionals for specific conditions. This format fosters community engagement while maintaining the necessary boundaries around medical recommendations.
Understanding Carbon-Plated Shoes
The discussion covers the appropriateness of carbon-plated shoes for different activities, particularly for walking. While carbon-plated racing shoes are deemed unsuitable for walking due to design elements focused on speed rather than stability, some carbon-plated options have emerged in daily trainers and hiking shoes. The hosts mention specific models like the Hoka Transport X, which is designed for both walking and running, suggesting that the design and geometry of these shoes are critical for determining their suitability for various activities. This nuanced perspective helps clarify misconceptions about the functionality of carbon-plated footwear.
Finding the Right Fit for Flat Feet
A listener with flat feet and knee issues seeks advice on selecting the right footwear, exploring the balance between comfort and support. The hosts stress that comfort is paramount, and they encourage the listener to prioritize how shoes feel while warning against strictly labeling shoes as 'good' or 'bad.' Various models such as the Saucony Guide 17 and Hurricane 24 are discussed, noting their features and potential impacts on the listener's knees. Ultimately, they suggest that the relationship between shoe design and individual biomechanics is too complex to simplify into binary categories.
Custom Modifications to Running Shoes
The hosts discuss the practice of cutting holes or making modifications to running shoes to better fit individual needs. They express that small, thoughtful alterations can be beneficial, especially for accommodating foot shape or alleviating pressure points. However, they caution against drastic modifications that could compromise the shoe’s integrity, stressing the importance of maintaining the shoe's overall support function. This conversation highlights a blend of clinical insight and practical experience, offering listeners a deeper understanding of how to personalize their footwear.
Exploring Trail Shoe Options
In response to a listener prepping for an 80K Ultra, the hosts recommend several footwear options that provide cushioning and stability for mountainous terrain. They evaluate shoes from Hoka and Brooks, discussing features such as stack height and cushioning that cater to long-distance trail running needs. The varied preferences for shoe cushioning are highlighted, with options from various brands suggested to suit different runner profiles. This practical advice serves as a resource for listeners looking to enhance their trail running experience with suitable footwear choices.
We love a mailbag episode, where we get to answer your questions! Nathan, Matt, and David field listener questions about everything from walking in carbon-plated shoes, the impact of different styles of shoes on knee pain, to cutting holes in the uppers of shoes (you'll never guess what Matt used to do to shoes). We want to hear from you! DM us on Instagram or email us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com.
Check out our friends at Skratch and save 25% on your first order with code DOCTORSOFRUNNING!
