Chris talks with Lee Welch, PT, DPT, OCS from The Running PTs to discuss how to choose the right running shoes.

Lee discusses the typical injuries from having improper shoes, which generally affect the muscles that control the body in the transverse plane. They includes things like shin splints, peroneal issues, knee pain, and more. He also talks about the different foot types and how they may need more support.

He mentions the importance of having your feet be resilient.  Having said that, he talks about the purpose of orthotics, like Superfeet, which are often used to control pronation. But certain people need a different kind of insert like a wedge or cutout depending on their issue, which is where the expertise of a PT comes in. 

Other things Lee addresses:

• Is pronation healthy?
• What is heel toe drop, a shank and a rocker bottom?
• What happens when you transition a runner from a regular shoe to a minimalist shoe? Do runners tend to revert back to old habits?
• What is continuous v block feedback and how can they help you run better?
• How foam has changed over the years, like with maximalist shoes like Hoka, and can they help older runners or people with arthritis?
• Why calf strains are common in men over 40 years old.
• How to deal with changes in running shoes, especially when you get really comfortable and happy in a model you love and how to transition to a new running shoe model.
• How to gain confidence as a runner through PT, coaching, video or other feedback or mindfulness techniques.
• Should you wear racing shoes JUST for racing?
• Why running in different shoes is good.
• Beyond the 300-500 mile "rule" for getting new shoes, why you should be inspecting both your outsole and midsole and the key TIP to know when your shoes need to be replaced.

Listen to our first episode with Lee Welch, with our original host Michael, on How to Improve Your Run Form and Running Economy here.

Yes, there really is a flip flop run!

Here's his take home tips:
--->Lots of injuries can be prevented by getting your form checked, so go see Lee (insurance will cover 2D gait analysis!) and LEARN about yourself. With that knowledge about you as a runner, try different shoes!

Please support our local running stores for a shoe fit including Feet Fleet Raleigh, Bull City Running,

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