Sneakers for flatfooted heel strikers
April 24, 2013 6:55 AM Subscribe
Please recommend sneakers for very flat, probably underpronating feet.
I walk 2-3 miles a day, on a treadmill or pavement. I have very, VERY flat feet. I come down hard on my heels, and the outsides of my soles always wear down faster than the inside.
Up until now, I've always just purchased whatever Asics feel most comfortable in the store, and all has been well. I bought these not long ago. After half an hour or so of regular walking around, my back hurts. A lot. If I wear them just on the treadmill, the inside of my ankle hurts, just above where normal people have an arch. One of the reviews on that page complains there is less support than in other Asics -- are my problems with them indicative of that, or something else?
Should I look for other Asics? Another brand/style of sneaker? Or is it no longer possible to put off the orthotics consultation that I'm fairly sure my health insurance won't cover? Thanks in advance for any insights you have.
I walk 2-3 miles a day, on a treadmill or pavement. I have very, VERY flat feet. I come down hard on my heels, and the outsides of my soles always wear down faster than the inside.
Up until now, I've always just purchased whatever Asics feel most comfortable in the store, and all has been well. I bought these not long ago. After half an hour or so of regular walking around, my back hurts. A lot. If I wear them just on the treadmill, the inside of my ankle hurts, just above where normal people have an arch. One of the reviews on that page complains there is less support than in other Asics -- are my problems with them indicative of that, or something else?
Should I look for other Asics? Another brand/style of sneaker? Or is it no longer possible to put off the orthotics consultation that I'm fairly sure my health insurance won't cover? Thanks in advance for any insights you have.
Vibram Fivefingers.
The footwear-industrial complex has people convinced that the human foot is somehow not designed to run and walk and transport the human it's attached to. This is crap. What the VFFs do is protect the soles of your feet from the broken glass and dogshit you may encounter while allowing the most freedom of movement for your feet.
Walking barefoot, as biomechanics and evolution/God/Whatever intended, will strengthen your feet and relieve your back problems. My wife used to have HUGE orthotics and THEY! ARE! A! SCAM! Your feet will sort themselves out if you let them. You heel strike because you have padded soles beneath your feet. Learn to walk/run barefoot and your body will stop heel-striking and learn to take shorter steps. Humans only heel-strike when they put huge padded soles on.
Now, it'll take a little time for the bones in your feet to adjust and your body to get used to it. But once you do, I predict you'll never want to go back. Here's some info on barefoot/minimalist running. Also check out the book Born To Run
Best of luck.
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 7:18 AM on April 24, 2013 [1 favorite]
The footwear-industrial complex has people convinced that the human foot is somehow not designed to run and walk and transport the human it's attached to. This is crap. What the VFFs do is protect the soles of your feet from the broken glass and dogshit you may encounter while allowing the most freedom of movement for your feet.
Walking barefoot, as biomechanics and evolution/God/Whatever intended, will strengthen your feet and relieve your back problems. My wife used to have HUGE orthotics and THEY! ARE! A! SCAM! Your feet will sort themselves out if you let them. You heel strike because you have padded soles beneath your feet. Learn to walk/run barefoot and your body will stop heel-striking and learn to take shorter steps. Humans only heel-strike when they put huge padded soles on.
Now, it'll take a little time for the bones in your feet to adjust and your body to get used to it. But once you do, I predict you'll never want to go back. Here's some info on barefoot/minimalist running. Also check out the book Born To Run
Best of luck.
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 7:18 AM on April 24, 2013 [1 favorite]
Running store for sure. Minimalist shoes are NOT going to be very helpful for you, but you need to have your gait looked at.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:29 AM on April 24, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:29 AM on April 24, 2013 [2 favorites]
Not to start a giant debate here, but minimalist/"barefoot" shoes can go both ways. I've heard directly from a podiatrist that they can be awful for your feet. Biomechanics and evolution/God/Whatever may have intended humans to walk barefoot, but then again those bare or minimally covered feet were built to walk primarily on softer and/or variable, natural surfaces such as dirt -- and that's mostly where those Born to Run guys are running, too. You will primarily NOT be walking on those surfaces, no matter what.
Seconding a running store, but you should also keep an eye out for a place with a pedorthist on staff. The New Balance store in my area has a pedorthist, but they're affiliated with another larger store.
posted by Madamina at 7:31 AM on April 24, 2013 [1 favorite]
Seconding a running store, but you should also keep an eye out for a place with a pedorthist on staff. The New Balance store in my area has a pedorthist, but they're affiliated with another larger store.
posted by Madamina at 7:31 AM on April 24, 2013 [1 favorite]
If you want something minimalis but don't like five fingers, the Merrell Bare Access II are very, very flat. They have no drop from heel to toe. I don't know if you want something with no arch support or tons of arch support.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:35 AM on April 24, 2013
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:35 AM on April 24, 2013
I am also a flat footed heel striker -- I love my Brooks Adrenaline.
posted by hrj at 7:37 AM on April 24, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by hrj at 7:37 AM on April 24, 2013 [4 favorites]
Go to a good running store. In the past few years, the technology to analyse gait has shot down in price. When I got my first running shoes from the leading store in London it was pretty novel that they put the shoes on you and then watched you run up and down the street. Now they put you on a running machine and film your foot strike in HD, slow it down and recommend accordingly. At least where I've had it, this is a no cost service as part of buying shoes.
Unless you have a serious problem this needn't be a medical issue. Find out the best running store - I'd either ask a question on a running forum or see who the recommend - is in your city, get your gait analyzed and see what they recommend.
Looking at your profile, it seems like there are a lot to choose from in your area. Avoid any store selling lifestyle shoes. Avoid one-brand stores. Places like this, this or this look like a decent place to start.
Recommendations here are not really all that helpful other than as indicators.
posted by MuffinMan at 7:43 AM on April 24, 2013
Unless you have a serious problem this needn't be a medical issue. Find out the best running store - I'd either ask a question on a running forum or see who the recommend - is in your city, get your gait analyzed and see what they recommend.
Looking at your profile, it seems like there are a lot to choose from in your area. Avoid any store selling lifestyle shoes. Avoid one-brand stores. Places like this, this or this look like a decent place to start.
Recommendations here are not really all that helpful other than as indicators.
posted by MuffinMan at 7:43 AM on April 24, 2013
Up until now, I've always just purchased whatever Asics feel most comfortable in the store, and all has been well.
I don't want to be obvious but why not just go back to the last version that worked for you? If it's not still made, there is probably just a model year upgrade like from the GT-2160 to GT-2170 or Kayano 18 to Kayano 19, and these tend to be minor.
posted by ftm at 7:57 AM on April 24, 2013 [1 favorite]
I don't want to be obvious but why not just go back to the last version that worked for you? If it's not still made, there is probably just a model year upgrade like from the GT-2160 to GT-2170 or Kayano 18 to Kayano 19, and these tend to be minor.
posted by ftm at 7:57 AM on April 24, 2013 [1 favorite]
I did a lot of research on exactly this last year, and Brooks, Mizuno and Saucony are the brands most often recommended for flat, pronated feet. (By the people who are in favour of arch support and padding.)
The barefoot/minimalist shoes are trendy right now, but personally I found them very uncomfortable. Yes, they are "natural," but so is short-sightedness, and yet people still wear corrective lenses, right?
posted by Susan PG at 8:22 AM on April 24, 2013
The barefoot/minimalist shoes are trendy right now, but personally I found them very uncomfortable. Yes, they are "natural," but so is short-sightedness, and yet people still wear corrective lenses, right?
posted by Susan PG at 8:22 AM on April 24, 2013
Yep, go to one of those stores where they get you to walk across a rubber mat and run on a treadmill, them analyze a computer-generated image of your gait. They'll steer you the right direction.
FWIW, I have the exact same feet problems as you, and I keep getting recommended Brooks at every different store I go to. They seem to work, too.
posted by Salamander at 8:50 AM on April 24, 2013
FWIW, I have the exact same feet problems as you, and I keep getting recommended Brooks at every different store I go to. They seem to work, too.
posted by Salamander at 8:50 AM on April 24, 2013
If you haven't already, you might have better luck at a store that trains their employees well. For instance, I like buying sneakers at stores where employees a) watch me walk with and with out shoes b) look at the worn soles of my old sneakers and c) know their inventory very well. YMMV but as someone with hard to fit feet, I've had better luck finding well fitting shoes with the help of a knowledgeable sales person person than a "fancy machine."
Do you have a New Balance store by you? I've generally found New Balance employees pretty knowledgeable about their merchandise and fit. You could also try an independent shoe/ running store.
posted by oceano at 8:53 AM on April 24, 2013
Do you have a New Balance store by you? I've generally found New Balance employees pretty knowledgeable about their merchandise and fit. You could also try an independent shoe/ running store.
posted by oceano at 8:53 AM on April 24, 2013
Seconding a specialty running store, even if you don't ever intend to run. If you are having trouble with a shoe that has less support than you're used to, you might do better with a shoe with a little more support than you're used to. Don't go by brand-- all the best brands will have shoes with a lot of support, shoes with a little support, and shoes with no support.
If you have your old shoes, or remember the model, look them up online and you can find out how the company rates them-- 'neutral' tends to have the least support, 'support' is the medium level, and 'motion control' is the most supportive, though some companies have their own names for the different support levels.
I am a somewhat flat-footed overpronator, and tend to have knee issues when I run in shoes that don't have the right amount of support.
Some shoes that have worked for me (sort of in order of amount of support, from most to least):
Brooks Beast/Ariel (mens'/womens' versions)
Brooks Addiction
Brooks Adrenaline
Mizuno Wave Inspire
Mizuno Wave Elixir
posted by matcha action at 9:11 AM on April 24, 2013 [2 favorites]
If you have your old shoes, or remember the model, look them up online and you can find out how the company rates them-- 'neutral' tends to have the least support, 'support' is the medium level, and 'motion control' is the most supportive, though some companies have their own names for the different support levels.
I am a somewhat flat-footed overpronator, and tend to have knee issues when I run in shoes that don't have the right amount of support.
Some shoes that have worked for me (sort of in order of amount of support, from most to least):
Brooks Beast/Ariel (mens'/womens' versions)
Brooks Addiction
Brooks Adrenaline
Mizuno Wave Inspire
Mizuno Wave Elixir
posted by matcha action at 9:11 AM on April 24, 2013 [2 favorites]
It really, really depends on a lot of things about your body and your gait. Vibrams and the like absolutely do work for some people, but can be actively harmful for others. Your best bet is to see a podiatrist if you can, or if that's financially difficult, go to a specialty running store with a very flexible returns policy. Orthotics can be helpful but there are also various strengthening exercises you can do to reestablish a strong arch in your foot. Mine are extremely flat coupled with weak ankles from years of repeated dance injuries, and I have very very slowly but surely begun working them back into a semblance of normality.
If you are in constant pain I would definitely not recommend just hoping it will sort itself out. At the very least you should have a heel cushion to prevent the potential growth of horrible bone spurs. You might also want to try some ankle-strengthening elastic band exercises.
To answer your actual question, New Balance makes pretty good shoes for overpronators.
posted by elizardbits at 9:45 AM on April 24, 2013
If you are in constant pain I would definitely not recommend just hoping it will sort itself out. At the very least you should have a heel cushion to prevent the potential growth of horrible bone spurs. You might also want to try some ankle-strengthening elastic band exercises.
To answer your actual question, New Balance makes pretty good shoes for overpronators.
posted by elizardbits at 9:45 AM on April 24, 2013
The jury is still out on Vibrams and other minimalist running shoes. I have high arches and tend to under-pronate, and I put Superfeet green insoles in my New Balance running shoes. I think Superfeet makes insoles for flat feet, as well. I'm sure orthotics from a doctor is probably more what you need, though. If you have the money to get a pair of running shoes from a specialty store, do it. I worry that I'm slowly fucking up my body by running in the wrong shoes.
Is it physically impossible or awkward for you to do a mid-foot strike? I know that it's not good to change your gait willy-nilly but how are you running? A lot of the Vibrams boosters make it seem like we are helpless to change how we run, but it's not just the sneakers.
If you're jogging/running slowly, it's hard to not heel strike, but try to train yourself out of heel-striking. Running uphill is a good way to practice a midfoot strike.
I hate treadmills, but I understand that in some places there is a phenomenon called winter that makes running outside impractical. But when you're on the treadmill, be very careful about the incline. Also, watch your gait and don't let the treadmill belt run the show.
So, to answer your question: Don't put off the orthotics consultation, go to a specialty running store and let them help you pick the right shoes, and train yourself out of heel-striking.
If you really can't afford to pay full price for shoes - I can't, either - and have to order shoes online, look for specific models that are for overpronators (stability or motion control shoes).
posted by ablazingsaddle at 10:16 AM on April 24, 2013
Is it physically impossible or awkward for you to do a mid-foot strike? I know that it's not good to change your gait willy-nilly but how are you running? A lot of the Vibrams boosters make it seem like we are helpless to change how we run, but it's not just the sneakers.
If you're jogging/running slowly, it's hard to not heel strike, but try to train yourself out of heel-striking. Running uphill is a good way to practice a midfoot strike.
I hate treadmills, but I understand that in some places there is a phenomenon called winter that makes running outside impractical. But when you're on the treadmill, be very careful about the incline. Also, watch your gait and don't let the treadmill belt run the show.
So, to answer your question: Don't put off the orthotics consultation, go to a specialty running store and let them help you pick the right shoes, and train yourself out of heel-striking.
If you really can't afford to pay full price for shoes - I can't, either - and have to order shoes online, look for specific models that are for overpronators (stability or motion control shoes).
posted by ablazingsaddle at 10:16 AM on April 24, 2013
My husband has the same issues. He wears New Balance sneakers with black SuperFeet insoles. He is on his feet 8 hours a day or more and these help.
posted by SuzySmith at 10:56 AM on April 24, 2013
posted by SuzySmith at 10:56 AM on April 24, 2013
Nthing going to a running store.
I, too, have flat feet and am always told to wear those awful chunky shoes if/when I run. YMMV on whether one actually needs this, but if you're looking for something for that, might as well go to the source.
My running shoes are Mizuno Wave Inspire. They are a couple years old now*, and I'm sure there's more/better/different stuff out there. But I'm OK with the Mizunos since, despite being big clunky white Running Shoes, they were not the most hideous shoes in the store. More like the third most hideous. That said, the past year or so has seen a trend for Running Style Shoes That Are Not White, so you might be able to find something in another brand that looks more on-trend and is also good for your feet.
*Look, OK, basically I never even run. Ugh. I wear them to walk the dog since walking for an hour on concrete wearing a less substantial shoe is not very comfortable.
posted by Sara C. at 11:10 AM on April 24, 2013
I, too, have flat feet and am always told to wear those awful chunky shoes if/when I run. YMMV on whether one actually needs this, but if you're looking for something for that, might as well go to the source.
My running shoes are Mizuno Wave Inspire. They are a couple years old now*, and I'm sure there's more/better/different stuff out there. But I'm OK with the Mizunos since, despite being big clunky white Running Shoes, they were not the most hideous shoes in the store. More like the third most hideous. That said, the past year or so has seen a trend for Running Style Shoes That Are Not White, so you might be able to find something in another brand that looks more on-trend and is also good for your feet.
*Look, OK, basically I never even run. Ugh. I wear them to walk the dog since walking for an hour on concrete wearing a less substantial shoe is not very comfortable.
posted by Sara C. at 11:10 AM on April 24, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks, all. There are a few running specialty stores in my area -- I'll get past my insecurity about being a walker, and visit them.
For the record: I know some flatfooted folk have luck with barefoot style shoes, but I don't think I would be one of them. One of my knees flares up whenever I go barefoot for any meaningful length of time, and that hurts more than both of the other problems combined.
posted by gnomeloaf at 11:52 AM on April 24, 2013
For the record: I know some flatfooted folk have luck with barefoot style shoes, but I don't think I would be one of them. One of my knees flares up whenever I go barefoot for any meaningful length of time, and that hurts more than both of the other problems combined.
posted by gnomeloaf at 11:52 AM on April 24, 2013
Oh my god I completely misread your question. Please ignore everything I wrote about midfoot strike. Heel strike for walking is obviously fine.
-An Idiot
posted by ablazingsaddle at 11:55 AM on April 24, 2013
-An Idiot
posted by ablazingsaddle at 11:55 AM on April 24, 2013
I'm also a Brooks Adrenaline fan too (and am also a walker, not a runner, and the running store people were nice to me - so go for it!). They have made a huge difference. I wish I could wear them all the time.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 12:31 PM on April 24, 2013
posted by Sweetie Darling at 12:31 PM on April 24, 2013
Response by poster: Postscript: I went here and tried on a few pairs. I ended up with Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13s, and the new knowledge that a fair amount of the time I've bought shoes that were probably too small for me. The heel cushioning and support in the Adrenalines is *fantastic.* Thanks again, everyone!
posted by gnomeloaf at 12:55 PM on April 27, 2013
posted by gnomeloaf at 12:55 PM on April 27, 2013
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