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Recent newspaper articles have reported on a report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, in which scientists compared nine pairs of trainers and found that in terms of comfort, cushioning and impact expensive running shoes ranging from £70 to £75 performed no better than those priced between £40 to £45.
Mike O’Neill, podiatric surgeon and spokesman for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists said “it is not the cost of the trainers that is important but the suitability of the trainers. Cross trainers should not be worn for running and running trainers should not be worn for playing squash or tennis.” He went on to say “it is important to purchase trainers from a sports outlet that specifically has the knowledge as to which trainer is best for the individual in relation to their foot type and sport undertaken. Trainers purchased from multiple high street retailers often do not possess the same qualities that are desirable to prevent injuries when sports are being undertaken on a regular competitive level.”
The report says that advertising of advanced safety features for more expensive running shoes is often deceptive. Mike O’Neill said “the research and development that goes into deciding the type of trainers is undertaken to a very high level.”
Trainers are also produced in two types:
High arch type foot – these trainers require specific shock absorbers
Low arch type foot – these require the foot to be stabilised within the trainer and these trainers have additional stability qualities.
O’Neill says, “Also the weight of the individual is important when choosing the type of trainer as some trainers are designed to absorb greater shock and control more motion which would be exerted by someone of more weight.”
On Thursday 11 October 2007 Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists spokesperson Emma Supple also spoke on training shoes for Radio Solent's programme.
Soc Chiropodists & Podiatrists 17-Oct-2007
Categories: Sports, Footnote
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