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Barefoot Running VS Orthotics
Hey everyone,
I recently completed the p90x program and I started a second cycle but replaced the cardio days with a 10k run. I've been doing this for about two months now. The first month was great but then my knees started hurting and now they are in so much pain and I can hardly walk/my left knee looks a little swollen. I have flat feet and I have been using Asics running shoes. I don't know if I should try running with minimalist shoes or with orthotics - there seems to be such a debate on which is best. Any runners with flat feet? What kind of shoes do you wear?
Alessandra
Views: 315
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kathleen on -
I don't have flat feet. That said, I have run in Asics, Brooks and Vibram Bikilas. I also used $400 orthotics for a while and hated them. I now run in OESH. http://oeshshoes.com/technology/
They have worked very well for me and their durability is off the charts. Google them and read reviews on different running sites. Good Luck and I hope you get your issues resolved.
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Permalink Reply by ImBoom808 on -
flat feet here! i use to run in asics and use to run with custom made inserts as well as had custom inserts for my combat boots. I use to have all kinds of issues, my kneeshurt, shins, plantars fasciitis, achilles.. all kinds of stuff. What ultimately helped my running was changing my gait. Try working on your form.. when i changed my gait (Heel striker to midfoot striker) all my issues went away. I no longer wear othotics, i can run in minimalist, stability and neutral shoes now. I worked racing flats and minimalist shoes into my training and eventually moved to newton running shoes. now i have no issues except for my laziness..
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Permalink Reply by Mark Bacosa on
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Hello. I too have fallen arches. Have had pain for years and could never find the right pair off shoes. Dr prescribed insoles and I hated them. I agree with last post. Ultimately, best thing I ever did was change my running form. Used to heel strike and now I'm more mid foot. Now i find that I can run in any shoe but I do prefer to run in vibram five fingers. Currently run in the komodo sport and find that they make you keep to proper form or you quickly feel it.
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Permalink Reply by G at Windcatcher on
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http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episode/the-perfect-runner.html
If you haven't seen this program already you'll quickly see why the above two posts are bang on. I have high arches and suffer brutally from running even a short distance in shoes. I was told repeatedly growing up that my feet needed support, that I toed in and had to push my feet out ( that was kinds like being forced to write with your right hand. Turns out my foot rotation isn't even in my feet but my hips and well with in the natural rotation of my hips. So built up runners/shoes only served to push my body out of its own natural alignment) When left to my own devices, all I ever desired was to be barefoot. The moment I was barefoot and on the ball of my toes running across rocks and hoping boulders no problems, no aches, no twisted ankles or tripping over my own feet - go figure.
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Permalink Reply by Alessandra on
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Hey everyone!
Thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up changing my form (to midfoot striker) & it helped out A LOT. I also discovered that there was a muscle imbalance in my quads. After fixing these two problems my knee pains completely went away.. I cannot believe the chiropractor I went to said the only solution to my problem was to get orthotics... I am very glad that I was stubborn and didn't listen to him!
UNFORTUNATELY, I had an accident about a month ago and I fractured two vertebrae (compression fracture on my L1 & T11). When I was finally getting good at running this happened so I was pretty bummed. Has anyone had this injury?? I've started physio, but I'm wondering how long it takes people to get back into running after something like this. Also does anyone have any tips to cope with an injury of any type? I relied on exercise as a stress reliever and I don't know what to do without my daily endorphin fix!
PS Thanks G at Windcatcher for sharing about the "The Perfect Runner" - So interesting, I cannot believe I haven't seen the program already.
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