Running Shoes; Are They Really That Important?

The Great Running Shoe Debate: Does Shoe Type and Price Matter?

If you’re a runner, you’ve probably spent a fair amount of time researching the best shoes to wear. With countless brands, models, and price tags that reach into the hundreds, it’s easy to think that spending more money means better performance. But what if we told you that isn’t always the case? 

Recently, some interesting studies have been conducted to see if higher-priced running shoes really offer any advantages over their less expensive counterparts. Here’s what they found, explained in simple terms.

What Did The Studies Look At?

The studies primarily focused on two things: plantar pressure (which refers to how your foot pushes against the ground when you run or walk) and comfort. Researchers compared low-, medium-, and high-cost running shoes to see how they performed under these conditions. 

Key Findings

1. Plantar Pressure Measurements: 

   - Researchers measured the pressure exerted on different areas of the foot, like the heel and toes, while runners used various shoe models.

   - Surprisingly, they found that cheaper shoes provided cushioning that was just as good—if not better—than more expensive options.

2. Performance Across Activities:

   - The studies tested shoes during both walking and running on treadmills. The results showed no significant differences in performance between the activities, suggesting that you don’t need to break the bank for good support whether you're jogging or just out for a stroll.

3. Comfort is Subjective:

   - Perhaps the most eye-opening conclusion was that comfort varies from person to person Just because a shoe is highly rated doesn't mean it will feel good on your feet! Comfort didn’t correlate with the amount of plantar pressure or the shoe's cost, meaning you might find your perfect fit among budget options.

The Bottom Line

If you’re in the market for new running shoes, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the choices. But based on these studies, here’s some good news: you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot to get quality cushioning and comfort. Low- and medium-cost shoes often perform just as well as their more expensive rivals.

So, the next time you're shopping for running shoes, consider trying on a variety of options—don’t let the price tag dictate your choice. Your feet will thank you!

 Final Thoughts

Every runner’s needs are different, so focus on finding a shoe that feels good for you rather than just following trends or spending large sums of money. Happy running! 

If you want to find out more about your running give the team at FootHouse Podiatry & Biomechanics a call or book an appointment on our website 

For more detailed information, feel free to check the original studies linked in [these papers] Running shoes for preventing lower limb running injuries in adults

Nicola Relph et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2022.

The Effect of Footwear on Running Performance and Running Economy in Distance Runners

Systematic review Published: 18 November 2014 Sports Medicine Volume 45, pages 411–422, (2015)

Do you get value for money when you buy an expensive pair of running shoes?

Clinghan R, Arnold GP, Drew TS, et al British Journal of Sports Medicine 2008;42:189-193.