The Academy evaluation process for athletic shoes is based on which shoes encourage and enhance proper function of the foot. We consider proper foot function as consisting of uninhibited forward motions at heel contact, at midstance (as the foot is flat and the ankle and upper body pivot over the fixed stable foot), and at toe-off (where the foot has lifted at the heel and is pivoting freely over the toes before heel strike of the opposite leg). The committee devised an evaluation process that corresponds to these demands and applied these evaluation techniques to all athletic shoes. The same principles are an effective tool for most types of shoes for the majority of sports.

AAPSM New Footwear Models

Somnio

Somnio is new company which in 2008 began producing the first customizable running shoes.  Initially launched with three models - motion control, stability and cushioned, their shoes can be customized by using their “tricomponent system”.   Three features – midsole, insole and varus wedge – can be manipulated to customize the shoe.  The midsole hardness can be varied with three interchangeable cartridges for the rearfoot and forefoot.  The insoles offer three options with differing levels of arch fill and cushioning.  Internal medial posting can be achieved with three full-length varus wedge inserts (2mm, 3mm or 4mm thickness medially). 

Retailers are trained by Somnio to assess alignment in static stance using a single leg squat test.  The runner stands on a platform while a laser is used to track patellofemoral alignment during the squat. 

• The midsole can be customized by changing cartridges in the rearfoot and forefoot.  Three different densities (45, 55, and 65 durometer) are available and are selected based on a runners weight (heavier runners = higher durometer), “injury needs” and customer’s preferred “feel”.
• The platform can be angled from zero degrees to four degrees (corresponding to the varus wedge sizes).To select the varus wedge, the platform is changed until alignmentduring squat test is “optimized” according to the laser and the varus wedge is then selected. 
• The insole is determined by measuring the arch height with an “archometer” which is a simple triangular device which corresponds to the different arch fill of the three insoles.  Runners personal preference is also used in determining insole.

Many retailers are offering video gait analysis before and after fitting and they are able to continue to alter the shoes even after the sale based on a runner’s response and/or new problems.

Vibram FiveFingers

It’s somehow fitting that the company known for making rubber outsoles for the world’s largest footwear manufacturers, has produced its own shoe that is nothing more than an outsole sewn to an upper.  Initially developed as footwear for water sports, the barefoot and minimalist running communities have embraced FiveFingers.  Those who participate in yoga, Pilates and martial arts have also discovered these unconventional shoes. 

FiveFingers are minimalist by design – there are no cushioning or stability features.  Basic construction consists of rubber outsole, microfiber footbed and fabric or neoprene upper.  The shoes are visually striking because of the “toe slots”.  They are approximately half the weight of conventional running shoes largely because they lack a midsole. 

Newton
Newton is the first footwear manufacturer to produce a shoe for a specific running style.   Newton’s website promotes forefoot/midfoot running and claims that its cushioning technology provides energy return that optimizes this gait pattern.  The company produces cushioned and stability shoes which use conventional running shoe midsole, outsole and upper materials but have their own unique cushioning technology. 

The forefoot cushioning system is comprised of a membrane which is stretched over four “actuators” or lugs under the metatarsal heads.  The company’s website claims the actuators are more efficient returning energy than other midsole cushioning technologies.

Nike Free

Legend has it that Nike was inspired to develop the Free after observing the Stanford University track team doing their weekly barefoot workout on the football field.  Nike introduced the Free with the intention of making it lighter, less cushioned,  less supportive and less structured than conventional running shoes.  The upper has less stitching and the toe bumper and the heel counter are absent.  The EVA midsole is semi-straight in shape and has multiple curvilinear grooves oriented in both a longitudinal and transverse direction.  The outsole is absent although some models have a small pad of carbon rubber in the lateral rearfoot and medial forefoot.  The result is a light, flexible shoe that still retains much of the feel of a conventional running shoe.

Included in the shoe box at purchase is an instruction pamphlet explaining how to adapt to the Frees and suggesting workouts.  For example, Nike advocates using the shoes for a 20-30 minute workout on a natural surface once weekly.

Shoe Evaluation Committee Meets In Chicago

Mark Reeves and Bruce at Dinner after a long day of evaluating athletic shoes.	Dr. Mark Reeves, far right, explains the Academy shoe evaluation process that he originated, to shoe committee members (L to R) Drs. David Levine, Lance Greiff and Paul Cannon.
Rob Conenello evaluates an athletic shoe as Dr. Jeff Carrel looks on in the background.	Drs. Paul Langer and Jamie Yakel work thru more athletic shoes at the Academies first athletic shoe workshop.

The SRC of the Academy has identified ten components of running shoes that we feel are integral to proper foot function and essential to comfort . These components are included in the shoe diagram below.

For our sports medicine patients and the public, the SRC has broken down the evaluation process into a 3 Step Shoe Evaluation process.  The diagrams below demonstrate the process and can be printed from a PDF included below.  The diagrams are the sole property of Dr. Mark Reeves who has graciously allowed the Academy to reproduce them on this site.  They may not be utilized in any other format without express permission from Dr. Reeves.

The video below also explains the 3 Step Evaluation process in live action.  If you have further questions for our SRC, please do not hesitate to contact the Academy and we will attempt to answer your questions as quickly as possible.

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine feel that there are 3 basic tests that best define the stability and motion control in most any athletic shoe. Please play the video to learn about these simple tests that can be utilized by all when deciding if a shoe has the stability and motion control properties that your sports podiatrist has suggested!

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