Clearly we all want our shoes to be comfortable and for many this will mean opting for footwear with lots of cushioning. Trainers, in particular, have become the go-to choice for their soft, supportive feel. But have you ever stopped to consider whether all that cushioning is actually good for your feet? And what impact it might have on the way you walk and the rest of your body?
Rise of Cushioned Soles
The trend for cushioned soles began in the 1970s when jogging surged in popularity. Many new runners took to urban streets, pounding hard pavements. This led to an increase in impact-related joint injuries, prompting shoe manufacturers to innovate. They introduced cushioned soles designed to absorb the shock of running on hard surfaces, reducing the strain on joints and making running more comfortable.
While this was a game-changer for athletes and avid runners, the appeal of cushioned soles grew more broadly. Over time, trainers evolved from functional sportswear to fashionable everyday footwear. But wearing heavily cushioned trainers for day-to-day activities, especially when you're not taking part in high-impact sports, may not be as beneficial as you think.
Downsides of Cushioned Soles for Everyday Wear
When you wear cushioned soles for low-impact activities, your feet can become 'lazy’. The muscles and structure of your feet don't have to work as hard to absorb shock or maintain stability. Over time, this weakens the muscles, leading to poor foot function and a reliance on shoes to do the work for us. It can also contribute to issues such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
Cushioned soles can also change the way we walk. The extra padding encourages a heavier heel strike, causing us to hit the ground more firmly. This increased impact transfers stress to our knees and hips, potentially leading to joint pain and misalignment. Additionally, the comfort of cushioned soles tends to lead to a longer stride pattern, which can disrupt the body’s natural alignment and our posture.
Many cushioned shoes are built up at the back, with a raised heel that tilts the body forward. This unnatural angle shifts pressure onto the balls of the feet, further impacting posture and alignment. Additionally, most trainers incorporate a feature called toe spring, where the front of the shoe curves upwards, keeping the toes in an elevated position. These features are designed to make movement more efficient when running and jumping, but when worn regularly for low impact activities they inhibit natural foot movement, leading to muscle weakness, and affecting mobility and stability over time.
Impact on Children’s Foot Development
For children, the implications are even more significant. Their bodies are still growing, and their walking patterns and posture are in the critical stages of development. Wearing cushioned trainers too often can interfere with the natural strengthening of foot muscles, the formation of a healthy walking pattern and good posture.
Both heel rise and toe spring can significantly impact a child’s developing foot. A raised heel can alter their natural stance and walking pattern, potentially leading to long-term issues with posture and coordination. Meanwhile, the unnatural elevation of the toes can restrict proper arch and toe function, which is crucial for balance and stability. Ensuring children wear shoes that allow their feet to move naturally is key to supporting their healthy development.
Choosing the Right Footwear
So, what’s the solution? While cushioned soles can be beneficial for high-impact sports or occasional use, they are not the best choice for everyday wear, especially for young, developing feet. It’s important to think carefully about how your shoes will be used. Are thick, cushioned soles appropriate for your daily activities, or could they be having a detrimental effect on your feet and body?
Opting for shoes that offer the right balance of support and flexibility, and allow your feet to move naturally, can help maintain healthy foot function and body alignment. For children, choosing footwear that promotes natural foot development is key to setting them up for a lifetime of healthy movement.
While comfort is obviously important, having strong, healthy feet will have a beneficial impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Being mindful of your footwear choices can make all the difference in how you move and feel every day.
Commentaires