Super Shoes Mean More Stress to the Midfoot

You purchase a pair of “super shoes”—the high-stack, next-gen midsole, plated racing shoes that are the running story of the last few years—and soon boast a new personal best or two. You start to wear the shoes not just in races and special workouts, but also on more of your regular runs. Sounds great! But bear in mind that the impact forces of running have to go somewhere. Reduce the load on some body parts, and it will be transmitted elsewhere.

“I think some of the stress from the new shoes ends up in the midfoot,” says Dan Michaels, DPM.  “The shoes function with a whip-like return that may stress some tendons and ligaments beyond their elastic ability, leading to tears and strains.” In addition to midfoot injuries, Dr. Michaels has seen patients with new cases of plantar fasciitis after running a lot in super shoes.