Tag: running shoes

MIT engineers develop a new model to predict how shoe properties can affect running performance.

MIT engineers develop a new model to predict how shoe properties can affect running performance. Runners are constantly exposed to new ideas in running shoe design.  Competitive runners will purchase expensive shoes that promise to give them a performance edge in their next race. What if you could predict which shoes have the properties that could improve your performance, without all the hype?  Shoe designers will use this information to develop their next shoe in this competitive market. Researchers at MIT have just developed a model sneaker designers can use to develop your next shoe.  You can also look for Read More »

Expert advice on when to replace your running shoes.

Expert advice on when to replace your running shoes. Running shoes must fit properly and be the right type for your foot and body style.  For most of us, finding the right shoe is a matter of trial and error. When should your shoes be replaced?  Experts from Shape magazine offer some good advice on when they should be replaced. Runners who are training and put on hundreds of miles often do best when they have two shoes to alternate with.  Sometimes two different shoes can help you avoid injury. Other times, recognizing when your shoes are no longer supportive Read More »

Supply chains are affecting your next running shoe purchase. Are all the companies trying to design the next Hoka shoe?

Supply chains are affecting your next running shoe purchase. Are all the companies trying to design the next Hoka shoe? Looking to lease that next car; good luck.   Buying that new couch on display; good luck.  Do you want to buy that new running shoe; you may need some luck as well. Even my newest guitar pedal from Boss is delayed for four months. Last week I spoke with Rob at Runners High in Metuchen while dropping off some brochures at the store.   We spent an hour discussing how the running shoe industry is performing, what is new in the Read More »

Can running shoes make your knees hurt? Check out the newest research.

Can running shoes make your knees hurt? Check out the newest research. A dozen years ago running shoe manufacturers developed shoes that were labeled for the number of millimeters the heels were held off the ground.  Barefoot running was the rage and many people were adopting negative heel, flat heel, or regular heel running shoes.    The choices were confusing for the general public and runners were developing knee, hip, calf, and foot pain if they chose the wrong shoe for their body style. Some who did not ease themselves into a barefoot running shoe such as the Vibram 5 Read More »

Are running shoes the cause of running injuries or a way to prevent them?

Are running shoes the cause of running injuries or a way to prevent them? If you ask most runners, they usually have shoe preferences.   Once they find a shoe they like and can rely on for training, many will look to buy that same shoe year after year.   Unfortunately, manufacturers often refresh their lines yearly which for some runners is stressful if their favorite shoe is being discontinued. Does their shoe help them prevent injury? If you ask those who prefer barefoot or minimalist running, they believe shoes are the problem and they weaken the feet.  The minimalist craze a Read More »