Flat feet running

Question

I'm a beginning runner and have only done a 5K, but I probably run about 3-4 times per week. I'm have pretty seriously flat feet and wear orthopedics in my shoes that were fitted by a foot doc. I started wearing them after a lengthy backpacking trip that resulted in my not being able to walk. We had to cut the trip short due to knee pain. It turns out the doc said something to the effect of my tendons were not tracking properly over my knees and I developed tendinitis in both knees. Also, I could rarely stand barefoot for any length of time without heel pain.

All this said, I've read here about the Five Fingers shoes and the benefits of running barefoot, or nearly barefoot. Is this something that I should attempt? Some have said that despite flat feet they saw huge improvement in foot strength which led to less feet problems. I read another that said running in FF's with flat feet caused some terrible ankle pain.

How can I determine what is right for me prior to investing in new shoes? Also, I'm not even sure what it means to run with the "proper" form since I find it strange that we're now supposed to be running on the balls of our feet? As a kid I was always told that was bad form. Interesting. I only know that I can currently run without any pain but the idea of strengthening appeals to me since that would mean less reliance on the shoe inserts. Thanks much!

Answer 1

Before investing in new shoes, I would ask your foot doctor whether or not your foot condition will be able to tolerate barefoot running. Also, ask about ways to strengthen the arch and foot muscles, in a less demanding way than with barefoot running. The following exercises are examples of how to strengthen the foot and arch:

• Foot push ups and arch curls
• This Pilates based video includes tennis ball massage for the arch, towel pleats and scrunches, toe raises and a lot of instruction :)
• Toe Raises with emphasis of the posterior tibialis
• Balance exercises on a wobble board

As for proper running form (in shoes), there are different thoughts. If you land on your heel, you are probably landing with your leg too far out in front of you. This can cause a variety of injuries. Toe running is usually seen with sprinting, not longer distance running because the up and down motion will fatigue the calf muscles over time.

Rather than landing on the toe or heel, you can land on your mid-foot, the ball of the foot or between the heel and mid-foot. This video describes the proper form as landing mid-foot with your foot directly beneath you. Generally, you land on the outside edge of your foot behind your little toe, and roll in to push off with your big toe (pronate). In your case, your orthotics control the amount of pronation so that you don’t roll in too far. This controls the alignment of your ankle, knee and hip.

Since you are new to running and are pain-free with your orthotics, you may want to stay with the orthotics until you build up your running endurance. Then you can try some short distance barefoot walking to see how your joints respond. If and/or when you do try barefoot running, work up very gradually.

Answer 2

The one thing you can be absolutely sure of when you go to a store that sells expensive running shoes is that they will recommend expensive running shoes.

Admittedly, that's not to say that that might not be the right thing for you. But I've found high-end running stores have a hard time with minimalist shoes. When you only have a hammer, after all, everthing starts to look like a nail.

My own experience in nearly 50 years of running is that VFFs and barefoot running have made the last 2 and a half years incredible. You learn so much about proper form -- it hurts if you don't do it right. But it does take some time to get used to minimalist running. Think months, rather than days. In my case, I think I'm only now beginning to reap the full benefit.

For right now, though, if you're running without pain, I'd be careful about changing anything. If you want to try something, find a nice grassy park or infield and experiment with 5-10 minutes of barefoot running. See how that feels. That's how I started and I knew immediately it was for me.

Answer 3

I have been in the same position as you. I have very flat feet, as well as overpronation (they often come together) and I was told I needed orthopedic inserts.

I did that for a while, and it didn't work for me. I switched to VFF's, and I did so very carefully. I did all sorts of foot exercises that I found on their website and others, in preparation for barefoot running. And I transitioned to the new shoes slowly. First just walking a couple hours, and slowly working up to running my full distances.

After switching to VFF's, and doing all the exercizes, I ran a Marathon about 2 years later. Sounds like a miracle, but its a true story :)

As for the form thing - check out this video. I believe it will provide you a convincing arguement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jrnj-7YKZE

And to answer your specific question - before buying the shoes, start doing the recommended exercises, which you can find on Vibram's website, as well as other places. This will prepare you. If you'd like to test yourself, walk barefoot. In the grass perhaps if that's what you're comfortable with. If you have a beach near you, walking barefoot in sand is pleasant, and ALSO a great exercise for the relevant foot muscles. Highly recommended. Just as you would do with the shoes, do it gradually. Start with 30 minutes, and work your way up. If and when you reach barefoot running - form will be important. Form is generally important, even for people wearing conventional shoes, but especially if you're transitioning from artificial support in the form of shoes, to natural support in the form of strong foot muscles.

During this process, differentiate between good pain and bad pain. You will have sore tired muscles in your feet while working up to barefoot running. This is good pain, within reason. If you feel "bad" pain, like sharp pains, pain in tendons, shin splints, knee pain, etc - re-evaluate. Perhaps your form needs improvement? Perhaps you're progressing too quickly? Perhaps you need to warm up more? Don't let set backs stop you. As long as you listen to your body and proceed with informed caution, you can't go wrong.

I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 4

Just my two cents, but I have "flat feet" also and would not dare attempt running without good solid, supportive running shoes. I have naturally very high arches that tend to "fall" (I am an over-pronator) and I notice that if I run too many days in a row without recovery or if my shoes are starting to become worn-out I start experiencing severe pain in the arch and medial leg. It gets worse if I don't take a break from running for a day or two & wear good, solid supportive footwear. Currently I use Asics Duomax with the green superfeet sole support inserts and wouldn't dare running without something at least that supportive. I tried running in cheap shoes (i.e. less supportive) in my younger years and really hurt myself. Never again.

Answer 5

Barefoot running puts a lot more stress on your feet and knees than running with good running shoes. Shoes that fit properly and with good cushioning are much better on your feet and knees. If you go to a store that specializes in running shoes, you can get someone to see what kind of shoe is good for your particular foot and running style.

There is anecdotal evidence that barefoot running can cause metatarsal stress fractures and plantar fasciitis. There has been an increase in injuries from barefoot running recently, but there has also been an increase in barefoot runners.

Vibram has been sued in a class action lawsuit over health claims pertaining to its FiveFingers running shoes.