Are Stability shoes the biggest sham?

College Running D1

5 years ago 06/15/2018 4:35pm EDT

For the longest time I have worn stability shoes since that is what the workers at Road Runner said I should do based on my feet and pronation. In high school, I was always bummed at my shoe options as the stability shoes were always the most bulky and unattractive looking, nothing like the glorious, aesthetic and picturesque neutral shoes that I oh so craved. Despite this, I bought into this farce and it wasn't until a few years ago where I decided to purchase my first pair of neutral shoes.

I have been wearing neutral shoes ever since and have had no difference in terms of injury or pronation and my times on the roads and even track have improved. So I ask you, are stability shoes the biggest farce?

5 years ago 06/15/2018 4:38pm EDT

re: LeadingTheRevolt

Yes, if you want to fix imbalances in your form, just run lots of hills. This will do way more than bs shoes will ever do.

5 years ago 06/15/2018 5:03pm EDT

re: LeadingTheRevolt

I believe there are a number of reputable studies that have shown that shoe type essentially has no bearing on injury prevention.

Anecdotally, switching from neutral shoes to stability shoes may have helped me. I had been suffering from post-tib problems in neutral shoes and when I switched to stability shoes, the problems cleared up. A while later, I ran in neutral shoes to see what would happen and the post-tib pain returned.

I agree that stability shoes often look bad. I am 4E width too, so the options in that width are incredibly unattractive. I look like a Florida retiree in my running shoes, but I haven't had any injury problems since switching to stability shoes. I'm a slower runner (1:26 half marathon) so I figure the extra weight on stability shoes is not exactly preventing me from winning races. :)

5 years ago 06/15/2018 6:23pm EDT

re: LeadingTheRevolt

Pronation is the running equivalent of cholesterol.

Its made out to be the devil even though its necessary and happens for a reason.

5 years ago 06/15/2018 6:28pm EDT

re: LeadingTheRevolt

I think we get too hung up on the different categories. Run in what feels good.

I am now in neutral shoes after years in stability shows. Why? They started to hurt my arches. Haven’t had the problems since.

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