Best Goody-Two-Shoes for Injury-Free Running

For years, many exercise physiologists have cautioned runners to buy well-cushioned athletic shoes with good shock absorption, reasoning that runners land with two to three times their body weight with each foot strike. That advice usually translates to spending a fair amount for shoes. Now, a Montreal doctor says runners who wear inexpensive shoes actually have fewer injuries. But not everyone agrees. What’s the safest for runners--expensive or inexpensive shoes? Here are two views.

Dr. Steven Robbins, physician and associate professor of mechanical engineering, Concordia University in Montreal

“The only large-scale study ever performed looking at the relationship between the cost of running shoes and brand preference (published in 1989) found those running in shoes costing $40 or more had a statistically significant higher incidence of injuries.

“My studies show that plantar (sole of the foot) sensation alters how people land. Normally, uncomfortable sensations cause people to land in such a way that they reduce the impact. Soft, well-cushioned running shoes eliminate the uncomfortable sensation normally generated by impact. Currently available (well-cushioned) shoes give you the perception that you are landing with very little impact when actually you are probably injuring yourself. The loss-leader type shoe in K mart comes closest to the most desirable running shoe. It has a thinner sole. It should be laced loosely. There is no data showing that increased cushioning in shoes decreases injuries as people run.”

Jill McNitt-Gray, USC assistant director of exercise science and director of the university biomechanics lab

“The causal relationship between impact and injury for exercisers has not yet been established. From my own research, I found people respond differently to landing on different surfaces. But to say there is an adjustment (to landing on different surfaces) and you should wear thinner soled running shoes is a leap. You need to look at the impact of multiple strikes over time. There is no study out there that says impact relates to injury. There are a lot of questions unanswered.

“(Until they are answered), runners and other exercisers need to listen to their own bodies and to find shoes that are comfortable and seem to provide the right level of protection depending on what they are doing. Marathon runners, for instance, need shoes with more protection. The jury is still out on how athletic shoes work to accomplish shock absorption.”