Shannon's Shoes

I See Shannon has gotten her a shiny new pair of running shoes for her "Couch To Beacon" Redux. That only took a year!! wow!

With our training group starting tonight, I am amazed at those folks that are in footwear that looks like it has been around since the 90's. The evolution of running footwear since even, ten years ago, has created products that enhance and work biomechanically with a variety of runner's foot types, running gait and other variables (height, weight, orthotics, etc...).

Most running specialty stores will provide a gait analysis. We actually use an I-Step Foot Scanner which senses pressure points, the body's center of gravity and digitally measures the foot. This way we can accurately look at each foot type and arch height (High/Rigid, Medium and Low) and determine if one leg is establishing more pressure than another.

Then a visual or video gait analysis will determine how the foot transfers the runners load (body) through the gait cycle from landing zone, mid-foot support and finally thru propulsion or toe off. If the foot rolls to the outside this is called supination. The foot can also remain neutral, but most runners have some degree of what we refer to as pronation, the rolling in of the foot. We also look at the rotation of the knees and hips. Just because you have a high arch doesn't mean you automatically go into a neutral shoe.

Everyone is different and there is a broad variation in degrees of supination, neutral and pronation. Running brands create biomechanical foot strike path systems and varying levels of attributes to support Neutral Cushioning, Stability or Motion Control categories. In terms of running products sold, stability represents 45% of the market, neutral cushioning 30% and Control 13%. The Neutral Category is the fastest growing with more runners and walkers using orthotics than ever before. Specifically, neutral shoes (Not to soft, though) allow the Orthotic to work uninhibited with the shoe.

People often ask me what I think are the best running shoes and we try not to become predisposed to a particular shoe or brand (Every brand is developing really great product now). Bringing out a selection in the appropriate category and category levels allows the shoes to compete and have each runner make the best choice for themselves.

Shannon, good job and we'll get you to the finish line this year!