Footwear Recommendations for Runners: Influencing Factors and Professional Perspectives

Abstract

Objective Runners value footwear advice provided by experts. It is therefore essential to understand the nature of these recommendations. This study identified factors influencing individualised running footwear recommendations and measured the relative importance placed on footwear characteristics related to comfort and injury management.

Design Cross-sectional survey.

Setting Online.

Participants Podiatrists, physiotherapists, running coaches, and footwear retailers working in New Zealand.

Main outcome measures Quantitative survey questions covering footwear recommendation habits, and beliefs regarding the functional capacity of running footwear.

Results A total of 264 responses were received. Most participants identified comfort (96 %) and injury prevention (86 %) as important considerations in footwear selection. Retailers were more likely than other groups to emphasise the importance of arch height and foot motion (p < 0.001). Cushioning was rated the most influential characteristic for both comfort (99 %) and injury management (94 %). Most participants (91 %) thought medial posting influenced injury management, whilst shoe/upper width (95 %) and forefoot stiffness (93 %) were frequently linked to comfort. Significant differences emerged regarding beliefs about footwear functionality: 82 % of retailers believed that footwear could reduce pronation, compared to 55 % of podiatrists, 42 % of physiotherapists, and 29 % of coaches (p < 0.001).

Conclusions Podiatrists and retailers provide individualised footwear advice more frequently and confidently and are more likely to base their recommendations on reducing pronation than physiotherapists and coaches.