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Lead Stories: Friday, January 9, 2009

Do high arches cause running injuries?

Posted December 1st, 2006 at 4:00 PM by Martha Jones

Section: Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab

Runners with high arches are at increased risk for suffering stress fractures, small cracks in the bones of their feet and lower legs; and those with low arches are at increased risk for knee cap pain. When you run at six miles per hour, your foot hits the ground with a force greater than three times body weight. The faster you run, the harder your heel strikes the ground. This force can break bones, damage joints and tear muscles.

The human body is designed so you never land flatfooted when you run. You land on the outside bottom of your heal and roll inward toward the big toe. This helps to distribute the force of your foot strike throughout your foot and leg and protect you from injury. The further you roll inward, the greater the protection against this force. However, when you roll in too much, your lower leg twists inward excessively, causing your kneecap to rub against the long femur bone behind it and cause pain. This is called Runner’s Knee.

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Reebok Running: Making Progress

Posted September 21st, 2006 at 7:09 PM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Gear & Apparel, Running Shoes

Reebok’s exponential growth and strong emergence in the running market is hard to miss. Their advertisements are everywhere - their shoe line has exploded - and their apparel can hold its own against Nike, New Balance, Under Armour and even Brooks.

For all you skeptics out there - guess which shoe was just designated as the “Editor’s Choice” by Runner’s World Magazine? Believe it or not - it is the all-new Trinity KFS - by guess who? REEBOK. This shoe is somewhat of a hybrid as it offers cushioning but is also characterized by Road Runner Sports to be a stability shoe. It is best for medium frame runners with normal to slight pronation and normal arches.

NOTE: Want to know what type of shoes best fit your body type, arch and running needs? Check out our article on the “wet test” and our shoe buying guide.

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Your Foot Type?!?! - A Simple Test To Find Out

Posted June 13th, 2006 at 11:21 AM by Adam Jacobs

Section: Running & Training, Gear & Apparel, Running Shoes

Time to buy a new pair of shoes? Don’t worry - The Final Sprint has all the info you need to help you find that perfect running shoe. All you need to do is the simple water test described below, read Blake’s awesome article entitled “When the shoe fits … wear it!” and you’ll be all set . . .

The right shoe for you depends on whether you are an over, under or normal pronator. This all depends on the height of your arch. I know what you’re thinking . . . “How in the world do I measure the height of my arch?!?” In actuality - it’s quite simple. All you need is a shopping bag, water and a shallow tray or pan.

1. Pour a small amount of water in the shallow pan so that it just covers the entire surface.

just wets your sole.

2. Next, slowly lower your foot onto the surface of the water so it
3. Step onto the shopping bag or onto any heavy paper (Tip: paper bags from the grocery work best)
4. Lastly, check out the mark on the shopping bag and then read below . . .

Note: other factors like weight, mileage, etc are also factors - but your foot type is nevertheless the primary component

Normal Arch
You see about half of your arch? Then your foot has a “normal” pronation (this is most common).
In terms of buying shoes, Runner’s World, you are:

Best suited to a stability shoe that provides moderate arch support (or medial stability). Lightweight runners with normal arches may prefer neutral-cushioned shoes without any added support, or even a performance-training shoe that offers some support but less heft, for a faster feel.

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If the shoe fits…wear it!

Posted June 2nd, 2006 at 4:05 PM by Blake Roebuck

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Gear & Apparel, Running Shoes

..but consider the following article first!

The weather has changed from cool to warm; and whether you are an experienced runner, or a beginner; summer is the time to put in the miles! Whether you are trying to get to the next level, or just begin a program to stay fit, here are some tips to consider before you get out the door.

Although over-training is a prime cause of running injuries, running in a worn out shoe or wearing the wrong shoe are also major contributing factors. So - if you are going to be running 100 miles a week, or even 15 miles a week; proper shoes are the most important tool a runner has.

There are a number of items to consider before buying a new pair of shoes. shoe mechanics, weight, life of the shoe, price, and the most important; foot type and fit.

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