What kind of shoes are you wearing? Minimalist shoes known as 5 Fingers shoes was the must-have fitness shoes in 2005. Barefoot training supporters claimed it helped strengthen your feet and save you from injury. Many years later, shoe manufacturers started selling slightly thicker soles claiming we need some support on our feet to prevent pain.
So fast forward to the present. Chunky soles shoes are now recommended by fitness shoe experts to prevent feet injury.
More than a year ago, I started noticing the chunky sneakers on fitness and high fashion social media platform but did not really pay attention to the benefits to our feet. I thought the chunky sneaker looks cool and makes me taller until I saw my client wearing Hoka shoes known for thicker soles.
So I said, “I love your chunky sneakers” and my client replied that it was recommended by a shoe expert based on his concerns about foot pain especially after running. Apparently, it has endless cushion and good shock absorption.
I saw another client wearing a chunky sneaker but a different brand after going to a popular local shoe store. Shoe manufacturers are jumping to the success of well-supported shoes. Even New Balance shoes which are the “go to” for walking and running released their own version of chunky sneakers including Nike and Adidas.
I buy shoes because it’s fashionable most of the time. All these different types of soles from sock-like soles to chunky soles have some science to back up their claims as to the best shoes for your feet.
And with the shoe companies releasing fresh new looks, they always entice us to buy a new pair of shoes. Depending on your needs, all of them have a purpose.
When you pick shoes with less support, it can develop strength on the feet but it can also increase the risk of injury. In sports training, it’s called specific adaptation to imposed demand (SAID principle).
It means you are only good at what you practice. On the other, if you go for the much thicker sole or support you will be dependent on that shoes thus increasing the risk of injury when you wear flat shoes or high heels.
Try wearing different types of shoes so you are better prepared to wear shoes on different occasions with less worry of hurting your feet. Happy feet, happy life!
Jon Ponce
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