Is it possible to change to a neutral running shoe?

BenMicheal

Have been using stability runners after a recommendation based on my stride/footplant etc!

Is it possible to ween my way from a cushioned stability runner to a neutral sole?

(noticed today that they are somewhat cheaper and offer more variety, as well as being significantly lighter!)

spurscormac

I've done it.
See this post in a thread about barefoot vs Gait for a summary of what I did.

Put simply, pronation or suppination type gait is a result of a heel strike, which in itself (according to the barefoot/minimalist idea) is not a natural running gait.
Moving towards a more natural gait, ie mid/fore foot strike removes this.

The above is my opinion, not supported by any scientific research on my part.

ThePiedPiper

BenMichael,

I don't see why you necessarily have to move away from a stability runner to a neutral. There are more options out there for stability than people realise. For years, I ran about 95% of the time in the Kayanos, based on gait analysis, and my general rule of "if it ain't broken, don't fix it".

But, I'd always used the Mizuno Elixir for races and the odd session. Again, its a stability runner, but it is very light. Since January, I've switched over to it completely as my trainer, with nothing but success. I'll probably still use the Kayano for the 18-22 mile runs, but that'll be it really.

I don't think you should move away completely to a light, neutral runner. Maybe for you 5k-10k races, but not for all of your training. I've a pair of Asics Hyperspeed, a neutral racer, but to date have worn them just twice, in two 5k races. I'll probably use them for 10k too, but I can't see them being used for much training.

There's probably plenty of other options out there too, I'm sure the likes of Amphibian King and some of the other proper running shops would give you good advice and you'll get more options for light stability runners.

forestman

Just on that...I have always used Kayanos and last year suffered a lot from hip pain and inflamation of the achilles. Im not blaming the kayanos....it was more to do with high mileage mfor a marathon. Anyway it forced me out for the bones of 6 months and after a lot of physio I ended up getting orthotics. Now from what I understand these orthotics will return my foot to a more natural angle. does that mean I should go back to a neural shoe or is there any harm (or point) sticking with the kayanos? Any suggestions or point of view?

ThePiedPiper

Forestman, it's more something that you should ask your physio, but my opinion on it would be that the Kayano is still a very forgiving shoe and has its uses for neutral runners. I wouldn't imagine there would be any harm in sticking with it, but whether there is a need to would be another issue.

forestman

RunForestRun wrote: »

Forestman, it's more something that you should ask your physio, but my opinion on it would be that the Kayano is still a very forgiving shoe and has its uses for neutral runners. I wouldn't imagine there would be any harm in sticking with it, but whether there is a need to would be another issue.

Thanks RunForestRun. Any recommendation on a light neutral runner?

sconhome

forestman wrote: »

Just on that...I have always used Kayanos and last year suffered a lot from hip pain and inflamation of the achilles. Im not blaming the kayanos....it was more to do with high mileage mfor a marathon. Anyway it forced me out for the bones of 6 months and after a lot of physio I ended up getting orthotics. Now from what I understand these orthotics will return my foot to a more natural angle. does that mean I should go back to a neural shoe or is there any harm (or point) sticking with the kayanos? Any suggestions or point of view?

Orthotics are designed to neutralise the action of your foot. If you use this in a shoe other than a netural shoe you are running the risk of over correction.

There is a natural range of motion which is needed to help the body recognise and deal with impact forces. Over correction will tend to cause stress to remain in the limbs.

As always refer back to the physio / podiatrist for confirmation and always ensure that the orthotic is designed suitable for a running foot rather than a walking foot.

forestman

amphkingwest wrote: »

Orthotics are designed to neutralise the action of your foot. If you use this in a shoe other than a netural shoe you are running the risk of over correction.

There is a natural range of motion which is needed to help the body recognise and deal with impact forces. Over correction will tend to cause stress to remain in the limbs.

As always refer back to the physio / podiatrist for confirmation and always ensure that the orthotic is designed suitable for a running foot rather than a walking foot.

Thanks Amphiking....what range of neutral shoes do ye stock? and any recommendations? I usually run most distances from 1 mile up to my first marathon last year. Cheers