The University of Florida recently conducted a study that found runners wearing thick-heeled sneakers were more prone to injuries compared to those wearing flatter shoes. This comprehensive study, published in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, highlighted the impact of shoe type on running injuries.
The research revealed that runners with thicker heels had difficulty accurately identifying how their foot landed with each step, which contributed to a higher risk of injuries. In contrast, flatter shoes were associated with fewer injuries as they improved the runner’s sensation with the ground and helped them land in a controlled manner.
Lead author of the study, Heather Vincent, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of transitioning to flatter shoes gradually to reduce the risk of injury. Vincent shared her personal experience of transitioning from high-heeled shoes to shoes with moderate cushioning and working on foot strengthening over a period of six months.
The study, which analyzed data from over 700 runners over six years, highlighted the interaction between foot strike patterns and shoe type in relation to running injuries. The findings showed that shoes with thicker heels confused runners about their gait, leading to a higher risk of injury.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to conduct controlled studies to determine if changing shoe type affects runners’ accuracy of foot strike detection and injury rates. This will help identify the root cause of common running injuries and provide insights into the best strategies to prevent them.
The study was a collaborative effort between Heather Vincent and other researchers from the UF Colleges of Medicine and Public Health and Health Professions. While the direct causation between heel-to-toe drop and injuries is yet to be proven, the researchers aim to provide meaningful interventions to help runners modify their form and reduce the risk of injuries in the long term.
For more information, the study titled “Accuracy of self-reported foot strike pattern detection among endurance runners” can be accessed in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (2024) with DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1491486. This research sheds light on the importance of choosing the right shoes for running and the impact it can have on injury prevention.
