In this episode of the Mind Body Marathon, Dr. Leo Kormanik (@drleokormanik) discuss the running shoe industry and its relationship with injuries, recorded live at Second Sole in Canton, Ohio (@secondsolecanton). The show features regulars Dr. Matt Pisanelli (@drmattpisanelli), Zach Goulet (@zmglmt), alongside Dylan Dombi (@dylandombi), a shoe specialist. They emphasize that about 80% of their clientele are runners or endurance athletes, highlighting the importance of understanding how shoes impact injuries.

Dylan shares insights on recent innovations in running shoes, particularly focusing on advancements in foam technology and performance. He notes that while carbon fiber plates have gained attention, the real game-changer has been the development of supercritical foams that enhance energy efficiency and comfort. Major brands like Nike, Asics, and Brooks are leading the way, with Asics tailoring their foam designs to accommodate different running styles and cadences.

The conversation also touches on the evolving shoe design, with brands shifting from traditional EVA foams to more responsive options that cater to various foot types and running techniques. The show highlights the importance of matching shoe characteristics to individual runner's needs, including stability and comfort, with a trend towards less pronounced drop heights in shoe profiles. The hosts conclude by discussing the shift from curved to straight lasts in shoe construction, which influences stability and fit for runners.

In this discussion, the hosts explore the recent advancements in running shoe design, particularly focusing on stability features and how they can benefit runners, including those with overpronation. They explain the concept of "guide rails," which act like bumpers in bowling, helping to stabilize the foot during runs. This is increasingly common across various shoe brands, providing a "bathtub sensation" where the shoe wraps around the foot for support.

The conversation also addresses the importance of a wider forefoot design, which can help return runners to a neutral position and provide stability. The hosts note that while traditional supination support is less common, many shoes now feature wider footbeds and enhanced cushioning to accommodate different foot types and reduce injury risk.

They discuss the evolution of shoe profiles and stack heights, indicating that lower-profile shoes may benefit runners with hip and knee issues, while higher-profile shoes can alleviate strain on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. The conversation highlights the industry's shift towards higher stack heights without compromising stability, achieved through wider shoe designs and improved foam technologies.

The hosts touch on the ongoing presence of higher drop shoes and the industry’s responsiveness to customer needs regarding shoe design. They also mention the trend of incorporating rocker plates, which facilitate smoother transitions from heel to toe, enhancing the running experience. Lastly, they note the challenges of using carbon fiber in shoe design, emphasizing the importance of distributing pressure evenly across the foot to avoid discomfort.

The conversation explores the intricacies of running shoe design, particularly focusing on the use of carbon plates and foam materials. The hosts discuss how manufacturers manipulate the durometer (the firmness of the foam) to create a balance between stiffness and responsiveness, allowing for a smoother ride. They note advancements in blending foam materials, which enhances durability while maintaining performance.

Anecdotes are shared about runners pushing the mileage limits on carbon fiber shoes, with some achieving up to 800 miles, although there are concerns about the longevity and responsiveness of these shoes over time. The hosts emphasize that while high-end shoes can enhance performance, they are not a substitute for proper running technique and conditioning. They observe an increase in hip and knee injuries among runners, suggesting that reliance on super shoes without adequate strength training may lead to instability and injury.

The discussion also touches on the differences between various brands' shoe technologies, including how the angle and design of the carbon plates affect performance. They mention that while elite athletes may benefit significantly from these innovations, average runners may not experience the same advantages, especially if their running form is not optimal.

Overall, the hosts advocate for a holistic approach to running, incorporating shoe technology with proper training, strength exercises, and an understanding of individual biomechanics to prevent injuries and improve performance.

The conversation revolves around the evolution of running shoes and their impact on injury patterns among runners. Participants discuss how advancements in shoe technology have effectively reduced common injuries like shin splints and stress fractures, allowing runners to increase their mileage. However, this has led to a rise in hip and knee injuries, as the shoes enable higher training loads that may exacerbate issues in these areas.

They highlight that the traditional strength and conditioning of young athletes have diminished due to lifestyle changes, such as increased sedentary behavior, which contributes to a higher incidence of hip-related injuries. The discussion also touches on how footwear affects proprioception, with the suggestion that runners may rely too heavily on cushioned shoes, leading to less efficient running mechanics.

The importance of variety in footwear is emphasized; using different types of shoes for various training conditions can help maintain overall health and prevent injury. Participants advocate for a diversified shoe arsenal, including daily trainers, recovery shoes, and race-specific shoes, to ensure runners adapt to different surfaces and training demands.

Finally, they address the role of orthotics, suggesting that while they can provide stability, it's essential to find the right fit and flexibility based on individual needs. Overall, the discussion encourages a balanced approach to running that combines modern shoe technology with strength training and varied footwear.

The conversation explores the current landscape of running shoes, focusing on the evolving technology and its implications for runners. Participants note that modern shoes have enough volume to accommodate orthotics, making specialized orthotic shoes largely unnecessary. They express caution about the excessive use of racing shoes, especially for those not injury-free, suggesting that runners should consider their overall health and training conditions before selecting footwear.

The discussion also delves into how advancements like carbon fiber plates and new geometries in shoes impact performance and injury risk. There's an emphasis on the importance of variety in shoe selection and keeping an open mind about different brands, as many new companies are emerging with innovative designs.

The participants reflect on how modern shoes provide better protection during training, which helps reduce injuries compared to previous generations of running shoes. They also discuss the potential future of personalized 3D-printed shoes, which could be customized to individual foot shapes and sizes.

Lastly, there's a conversation about stack height and drop in running shoes, with a consensus that runners without injuries might benefit from lower drop shoes. Overall, the dialogue highlights the significance of choosing the right footwear while recognizing that shoes are just one part of maintaining a healthy running practice.

The conversation discusses the evolving landscape of running shoes, focusing on the importance of shoe selection for athletes with varying injury backgrounds. One speaker emphasizes the benefits of lower-profile shoes, which promote proper biomechanics and reduce shearing forces on the legs. However, for those with existing injuries, a higher drop shoe may provide necessary support.

The group advises new runners to start with moderate drop shoes, suggesting an initial drop of around eight instead of jumping to more extreme options. They highlight the importance of gradually acclimating to "super shoes"—high-performance footwear that may alter a runner's gait and biomechanics. Runners should practice extensively in these shoes to avoid discomfort and injuries during races.

The discussion also touches on the differences between brands and their approaches, with Onn focusing on sensation rather than traditional categories of support. Market trends are noted, with Brooks and Hoka leading sales, while Asics is experiencing a resurgence. The conversation concludes with a recognition of how local expertise and customer feedback can influence shoe design and innovation in the industry.

You can order the Dr. Leo Kormanik's book Faster Without Fail on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4eEsB7M. 

Be sure to also check out Dr. Leo's Running Rehab YouTube page at www.YouTube.com/@RunningRehab.