European Union Forums

[M.Helen]

Sports shoes can increase the voltage at the knee level up to 38% against if running barefoot, is the conclusion reached by a recent study. One possible cause is that modern sports shoes have higher soles at the heels level, which cause an extra tension on arch foot. Dr. Casey Kerrigan, study author, said that this result does not encourage the athletes to run barefoot, but may be a reason to change the shoes design.

[M.Helen]

The team of researchers from the University of Virginia followed a group of 68 adults aged between 31 and 36, who ran, at least 25 miles, per week. Study participants have ran on a tape, both barefoot and wearing sport shoes. Tests performed on the ankle, knee and hip have shown that, when were used shoes, the stress on the joints was increased by 54% compared to if the study participants were barefoot.

[M.Helen]

Cause likely is in the design of this type of shoes, many models having thicker soles at the heels level, which cause an extra tension on arch foot. Effect of these sports shoes is similar to if walking on heels. Specialists are concerned that an increased level of tension can cause knee osteoarthritis, although the study did not indicate a link between sport shoes and the arthritis development.

[M.Helen]

What should you consider when buying shoes?
Researchers do not recommend people which run on a regular basis to do this sport without shoes or to give up running. If sports shoes that you use are not sufficiently comfortable and cause injuries, you must change them. If you run regularly, it is recommended to try several types of shoes until you'll find those suitable. Also, it is appropriate to buy 2.3 pairs of shoes to change them more frequently.