A few decades ago, mothers put their children in rigid shoes that “held” their feet. On the other hand, more and more people of all ages are opting for shoes with very cushioned soles, which provide the feeling of “walking on cotton”. But maybe that’s not such a good idea.
At this stage, we know that a mattress that is too soft can cause back pain, and brands advertise the firmness of their models – even if a mattress that is too hard is not healthy either. Something similar happens with shoes that are too soft.
Brands like the American Skechers, founded in 1992, are known for the comfortable feeling their shoes provide. Cushioning and the use of new technologies like memory foam insoles, which adapt to the shape of the foot, and other cushioning technologies like Goga Mat and Hyper Burst, are presented as a claim since they are supposed to reduce the impact of walking or running. The American firm even claimed that its Shape-ups, Toners and Resistance Runner shoes helped people lose weight and strengthen and tone their buttocks, legs and abdominal muscles. This led Skechers to pay $40 million in a false advertising lawsuit in 2012 and refund thousands of customers.
Softer is not always better
Some people have biomechanical problems related to their footprint: plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, heel spurs (called bunions), and other conditions. It is precisely these people who are looking for more comfortable and softer shoes.
A person with great biomechanics and without problems can wear almost any type of shoe. But paradoxically, people who seek to wear these types of shoes to avoid pain may do so precisely because they have a biomechanical problem. Before opting for softer shoes, it would be advisable to consult a podiatrist.
It’s true that a flexible, adaptable sole, combined with the arch support built into these shoes, can relieve pressure from poor foot biomechanics. However, other podiatrists are critical of the possible negative effects of this type of shoe, pointing out that, being so flexible, these types of insoles may provide minimal, if any, heel stability to counteract overpronation, i.e. say a heel that “rolls”. down and inwards when walked on. In the manufacturing of this type of shoe, the same density of memory foam is usually used from heel to toe. To avoid overpronation, the sole should offer more resistance in certain areas.
Additionally, many of these models are laceless and, for this reason, the mesh upper of the shoe does not offer any adjustment options. This reduces the ability to secure the foot to the shoe, which is essential if using it for running or walking quickly. Without sufficient support, slipping and an accident may occur.
Not all the time and not for everything
All of these potential drawbacks become more apparent if the shoes are used for long-distance walking, running, or exercising. Since the support of the structures of the foot is poor, the muscles of the foot and leg must compensate for this instability with each step. This leads to increased fatigue and, in some cases, can worsen conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Schneider, an American podiatrist, suggests in an interview to use these shoes with more head and admits that they offer certain advantages, such as a rigid counter in the heel, or the fact that the elastic mesh of the instep offers more freedom for the toes. But he agrees with other podiatrists that these are not shoes to wear all day or every day. They are also not suitable shoes for playing sports, taking long walks or working out at the gym. At such times, appropriate sports shoes should be used, as this can make the difference between improving fitness or suffering an injury during exercise.
Another criticism of these shoes comes precisely from the famous memory foam in the sole. This foam, also called “memory foam,” is a thin layer of low-density polyurethane that slowly recovers when deformed. However, this “memory” is quickly lost with use and the insole is permanently compressed, which is humorously called “Insole Alzheimer”. Worse still, this permanent deformation can take over the “memory” of an inappropriate gait and worsen the pain linked to a destabilized gait.
The solution to tread problems is not to buy (expensive) shoes with softer soles, but to contact a professional. The role of the podiatrist is to identify biomechanical problems and advise the use of more rigid, stabilizing shoes that properly activate the muscles of the foot and control the range of motion. It’s also about putting the right kind of cushioning in the feet, which can be achieved with an orthotic insole. Of course, it doesn’t make sense to put a stabilizing orthotic insole inside shoes of this type, as this can provide an unstable base.
