Shoe modification in athletes

Feet is the link between body and ground. Feet absorbs shock during walking as well as high impact activities. Different foot types will have different load management. Abnormal foot types will produce overuse injuries in athletes. Simple examination of foot can reveal the foot type. So, modification of shoes based on the foot type can prevent future injuries. Podiatrist is a rehabilitation team member and they specialized in examination of foot. Know about foot assessment techniques help the physical therapist to reveal foot types and prevent or treat overuse injuries by orthotics or shoe modifications.

Common abnormal foot types are rigid high arch, flexible low arch foot and uncommon types are flexible high arch and rigid low arch foot.

• Pes planus / Flat foot
• Pes cavus / High arch foot

• Mid sole

  Mid sole cushioning is used for high arch foot. It gives cushioning and shock absorption.

• Medial post / shank

  Medial post is used for low arch foot. It reduces the speed of pronation of foot.

• Shoe last / shoe shape
  1. Curved

     Minimal resistance to pronation.

  2. Semi-curved

     Less resistance to pronation than straight type and more resistance to pronation than the curved type.

  3. Straight

     Resist pronation

1. Maximum stability / Motion control shoes

• Larger and Denser
• Medial post
• Straight last / shape
• Maximum pronation resistance
• Heavy and stiff

2. Stability shoes

• Hybrid
• Semi-curved last / shape
• Medial post / shank

3. Neutral / Cushioned

• No medial post
• Curved lasted
• Light and flexible
• Minimal pronation resistance

• Neutral / cushioned - High arch foot
• Stability shoes (common type) - Normal arch
• Maximum stability shoes - Low arch / flat foot

Shoe torsion test is a manual assessment technique used to assess age of the shoe. Therapist feels more resistance to torsion in new shoes and very less resistance to torsional force in older shoes. Observing sole of the shoe gives valuable information about weight distribution, wear and tear of the shoe.

• Somnios
• Newton
• Karhu

1. Xiaole Sun, Wing-Kai Lam, Xini Zhang., Systematic Review of the Role of Footwear Constructions in Running Biomechanics: Implications for Running-Related Injury and Performance., (2020).

Creator Details

Name	:	Deva senathipathi
Qualifications	:	Physiotherapist