A study by the University of Florida found that runners using thick-heeled shoes are at a greater risk for injuries, as these shoes hinder their ability to accurately gauge foot strike patterns. This misjudgment contributes to higher injury rates, leading researchers to recommend flatter shoes for most runners since they promote better ground sensation and a more controlled landing technique. However, a gradual transition to flatter footwear is crucial to avoid injuries, echoed by lead author Heather Vincent’s personal experience of adapting her footwear over six months.
The research utilized data from over 700 runners, examining their shoe types and injury histories along with motion capture analyses, revealing that thicker heels disrupt runners’ awareness of their foot strikes. This distortion complicates injury prevention strategies as it clouds assessment of injury risks. The team, including various experts from UF’s Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, plans to conduct controlled studies to explore the direct relationship between shoe type, foot strike detection, and injury rates. Their goal is to develop actionable recommendations to help runners modify their form for long-term health and reduced injury risk. The findings highlight the importance of shoe choice in running biomechanics and injury prevention.
