Every runner knows that it’s nearly impossible to compete at your best without the perfect shoe. Choosing the correct pair could be the difference between achievement and injury. But with a seemingly infinite number of options, choosing the right pair can get overwhelming in a hurry.
In fact, researchers from Staffordshire University in England found that almost 60% of injuries in recreational triathletes came from running. At the elite level, that number was even higher. So what are these injuries?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heal pain, according to the Mayo Clinic and it is one of the many problems that can result from not wearing the shoes with adequate support while training. The injury is caused by inflammation of a thick band of tissue, the plantar fascia, that connects your heel bone to your toes. It causes a stabbing pain, noticeable first thing in the morning and when you put pressure on your foot for long periods of time.
Another common injury is tendinitis, which occurs when runners wear shoes with the incorrect amount of arch, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. It affects the achilles tendon, which is the largest tendon in the body, causing feelings of burning and tightness because the tendon is inflamed. Failure to treat tendinitis can lead to tearing of the tendon and eventually a rupture, which requires surgery and months to heal.
Runners also get shin splints. Runner’s World attributes the pain to inflammation of the tissue that wraps around the shin bone. It can be caused by wearing shoes that enable pronation, or the inward movement of the foot, or shoes that don’t have enough arch.
Other injuries include blisters, athlete’s foot, and hammertoe.
"Typically, in any given population of runners, you'll find 50% of runners have suffered an injuring in the last year or two," Maxime Paquette, professor of biomechanics at the University of Memphis, told Business Insider. He said he often sees problems like stress fractures, knee pain, and more.
"We can't put a finger on the exact cause, but the general agreement is that doing too much too soon is the primary culprit for overall running injuring development,” Paquette said. “When you add potential footwear, strike pattern, etc. to the equation, it becomes quite tricky.”
There is still a lot of research to be done, he said, but ultimately, shoe preference is personal to the individual. Minimalist shoes could help some athletes learn how to run more lightly and build up ankle musculature, while maximum stability shoes could weaken musculature over time while protecting the sole.
"I do think the wrong shoe can harm the body,” Paquette said. “Some folks, without proper strengthening, do need more cushioning and stability in a shoe, whereas others don’t.”
Competitor sifted through race results and social media posts following the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Los Angeles and they noted what shoes were worn by the top 75 men and women finishers. The top 3 finishers for each gender will run for the United States in Rio in August.
Check out these 13 most popular brands worn by the top finishers and the features they offer to prevent injury. Maybe these results could help you pick the right shoe for you.
Rick Maiman/AP
Number of top 150 finishers wearing Under Armour: 1
Top qualities: Breathable, durable, arch reinforcement
Rick Bowmer/AP
Number of top 150 finishers wearing Salomon: 1
Top qualities: Secure fit, generous cushioning, quick lacing system
Newton Running
Number of top 150 finishers wearing Newton: 2
Top qualities: Good ventilation, conforms to foot, padded tongue
