This past weekend our team Orthotist Douglas Young provided another great inservice for the staff focused on helping us learn more about the different types of trainers out there and why you might choose one over another. He began by discussing the variety of different running shoes available on the market such as: minimalist, stability, motion control, neutral, trail, etc… He showed us some examples of each and discussed why they fit into their specific classification.

We then talked about the traditional methods used today in deciding what type of shoe works best for you, and how there’s some conflict between the evidence out there and the practice at some shops. Static measurements that are traditionally used (e.g. wet foot print test), only provide a snapshot of what your foot looks like, and should really be taken with a grain of salt when on its own. For a real understanding you also need to look at the dynamic foot so you know how it will react to the activity you’re undertaking.

Lastly we discussed what we should be looking for when choosing a trainer. The four key things are: cushioning, pitch (drop from heel to toe), width, and most importantly comfort. Out of all the factors, comfort of a shoe has been linked to one’s risk of injury when running. So if you find a shoe that works for you, stick with it. If you’re curious about your trainers or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@agiletherapy.com