You create your own gait problems.

Just a simple reminder. Most shoes have EVA foam between the hard outsole rubber. EVA foam compresses but it also has memory. If you have a running form issue or a foot type that drives abnormal biomechanics into the shoe then over time the shoe’s EVA foam will break down into that pattern. Not only does this then support the problem, but it enables you to engrain the pattern (which means you are not engraining a cleaner pattern) meaining that every other joint and muscle then assumes that this is the norm and begins to alter their function based on the premise. A sign issue can drive many issues and many other complaints.  This client had a rigid rear foot varus , obviously as you can see by the wear pattern (yes, we gently and lovingly flogged this running for wearing the shoes this long into this pattern) but it was made worse by letting the shoe entrench this pattern so deeply. You see, their rear foot varus was no where nearly as bad as the wear into this shoe. But they continued to wear it and the foam continued to break down further and deeper into this varus wedged pattern. They came into see us for lateral knee pain and a tight IT band that was not responding to foam rolling (we immediately began to whimper and then proceeded to thump our forehead into our desk, repeatedly).  Some things should be obvious, but even we are far from perfect or wise at times.  

Key point, you have heard this here over and over again from us, have 2 or 3 pairs of shoes. Introduce the new shoe into your running repertoire at the 200 mile mark. At that point start rotating your shoes so that you are only a day away from a newer shoe that his not broken down into a faulty pattern and thus deformed EVA foam.  Even by the time the one shoe is dead and done, you have not been in it every run.  You should never kill a shoe to the 500 mile mark and then buy a new shoe. The pattern you have worn into your shoe will suddenly disappear when you put on the new shoe. Injuries occur from repeated events or sudden changes. Reduce your risk and rotated at least 2 pairs of shoes, one newer and one older.  

We talk about alot of these issues, and so much more, in the National Shoe Fit Certification Program. Email us if you think you might be interested.   thegaitguys@gmail.com

And ……when it comes to your feet and shoes, use your head.

Shawn and Ivo, The Gait Guys