Running shoes test
The researchers selected 37 women and 31 men as subjects. These people are used to running fitness and run at least 24 kilometers a week.
In the lab, the test subjects run barefoot on the treadmill, then put on the running shoes and run. The researchers marked each of their knees, hips, and ankles to make it easier to distinguish them in the camera to see how the joints moved.
At the same time, the treadmill pressure test board measures the magnitude and direction of the pressure applied by the runner's weight to the joint, and finally measures the moment and torsion of the joints of the runner when the runner is single-legged.
The results surprised the researchers, and the torque on the knees, hips, and ankles during running shoes increased significantly, 38% more than when running barefoot. The torque of women wearing high heels is about 20% to 26% higher than when they are barefoot.
However, there are pair of suitable running shoes, which play a positive role in the protection of the feet. After all, we will not run barefoot on the road or on the runway.
Comfort first
According to the results of this study, we are best barefoot when running. American writer Christopher McDougall advocates barefoot running in his best-selling book, "Running for Life." In fact, this type of running is indeed becoming more popular.
But the researchers don't agree. Krigan said that even if you run barefoot, you should look at the material. If you run barefoot on asphalt or concrete hard roads, the joint pressure can't be buffered properly, and the body has to work harder to maintain the balance of force, which will eventually lead to fatigue and wear.
Although running shoes are not good for knee joints in some respects, such as foot arch pads, running shoes do protect the feet and prevent injuries such as humeral periostitis.
Therefore, Krigan suggested: "Running shoes, ordinary shoes, people should choose the shoes that make them feel most comfortable when running.