More on Shock Absorption

Shock absorption is another common phrase promoted by running and walking shoe companies. But just because a material has good shock-absorbing ability does not mean it can accomplish this inside a shoe. In fact, shoe materials with good shock absorbency properties are not effective enough to reduce stress in the foot during physical activity. This is because shock absorption in the feet occurs at the same level of intensity whether we wear shoes or not.

The notion that shock and impact are dangerous has led to the idea that we must cushion our feet, especially when walking, jogging, running, or performing other physical activity. Cushioning is a concept most people relate to in terms of comfort and safety. Cushioning can protect your feet against bruising if you should step on a hard object like a sharp stone. However, cushioning can have drawbacks. Shoes that are too cushioned can give our brain the improper perception that the impact is much less than it actually is, which can result in inadequate or improper response by the foot (and rest of the body) to the actual impact. In the course of an easy run in your shoes, this could add up to be a significant cause of injury.

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Cushioning is more common in the popular, expensive sports shoes. In a December 1997 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers Robbins and Waked wrote that “expensive athletic shoes are deceptively advertised to safeguard well through cushioning impact yet account for 123 percent greater injury frequency than the cheapest ones.”