A recent study from the University of Florida has uncovered a significant link between the type of running shoes worn and the likelihood of injury among runners. According to the research published in the journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, runners who opt for thick-heeled sneakers are more prone to getting injured compared to those who choose flatter shoes.
The study, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, also revealed that runners with thicker heels struggle to accurately identify how their foot lands with each step, a factor that contributes to the higher injury rates. In contrast, flatter shoes are associated with lower injury rates, as they help improve the sensation with the ground and promote a controlled landing.
Lead author of the study, Heather Vincent, Ph.D., who is also the director of the UF Health Sports Performance Center, emphasized the importance of transitioning gradually to flatter shoes and working on foot strengthening to reduce the risk of injury. She highlighted that adapting to a different shoe type or foot strike pattern can take time and patience, with the process potentially taking up to six months to feel natural.
The study involved data from over 700 runners over a six-year period, enabling researchers to analyze the interaction between foot strike patterns, shoe types, and injury rates. The findings indicated that shoes with thicker heels led to confusion among runners about their gait, which was strongly correlated with increased injury risk.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to conduct controlled studies to investigate how changing shoe types affects runners’ accuracy in foot strike detection and injury rates. This will help in identifying the root cause of common running injuries and suggest effective strategies to prevent them.
While the study established a clear association between high-heeled shoes and injuries, further research is needed to determine if heel-to-toe drop directly causes these injuries. The ultimate goal is to provide meaningful insights that can help runners modify their form to reduce injury risks and maintain long-term health and performance.
The study was a collaborative effort involving researchers from the UF Colleges of Medicine and Public Health and Health Professions. The team is dedicated to translating their findings into practical solutions to support runners in optimizing their running form and minimizing injury risks.
