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Study: Height of Heel Matters in Prevention of Foot Pain

December 23rd, 2009 by Sir Isaac

Chungli Wang

Check out this interesting study published in the November issue of Foot & Ankle International (FAI), the official scientific journal of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). The study details the biomechanical changes that occur in feet during high heel wear and the correlation between the heel height and amount of pain, pressure and strain it puts on your feet.

The study was conducted on people walking, not running in high heels, but it’s reasonable to assume that the forces involved in running in a 1/2” heel lift are considerably higher than walking in more.

The study authors suggest limiting heel height as well as the use of padding at the ball of the foot can significantly reduce discomfort and risk of injury to the metatarsal heads.

Newton Racers have a 2 mm drop from heel to toe, the Performance Trainers are 3 mm and Guidance Trainers (Sir and Lady Isaac) are 5 mm. The typical running shoe has a heel lift of a 1/2 inch or more. You do the math.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 at 2:56 pm and is filed under Natural Running, Running Form, Running Science, Shoe Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to “Study: Height of Heel Matters in Prevention of Foot Pain”

  1. John Passacantando Says:
    January 19th, 2010 at 8:42 pm

    Interesting stuff. So why do Newton’s bother to have any heel lift at all, instead of just less of a heel lift than other shoes?

    Thanks.

    John

  2. Allen Reid Says:
    May 29th, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    I ask the same question as John.

    Also, why do Newtons have toe spring? The toe spring appears to be exaggerated in the Guidance Trainer.

    I think that the natural elastic recoil of the ankle and forefoot is hampered by heel lift and toe spring. I hope that Dr. Christopher Segler will comment.

    Thanks,
    Allen

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