When you do any type of sport, it is necessary that you wear suitable shoes for the activity. There is much talk about the impact that running, CrossFit or HIIT training has on the joints, muscles or bones. In a training session we are enduring repeated blows to the body that can cause injury, joint pain or muscle fatigue; so many people think that wearing cushioning shoes is the solution.
Companies have appreciated the open market line and have added some "cushions" to reduce the impact against the ground. But a recent study ensures that these dampers are a little placebo. While orthotic shoes and braces are an effective way to reduce injury, shock absorbers built into the sole of your shoe may not do anyone any favors.
Orthotics or cushioning?
You probably don't know what it is orthotics. With this term they refer to the external elements applied to the body to modify the functional or structural aspects and correct irregularities.
The research examined data from 18 different studies: seven involving shock-absorbing insoles, and eleven using shoe orthoses. In the first seven, none could show that shock-absorbing insoles also help reduce the risk of injury. In fact, one study found that shock absorbers increased the risk of injury.
Instead, with orthoses visibly reduced the risk of injury. Orthopedic foot support can reduce the probability of injury by up to 28%. It also decreases the risk of leg and knee fractures by up to 41%. But not everything could be perfect, they fail to prevent back pain, Achilles tendon injuries and knee pain.
So spending a lot of money on cushioning is useless?
Nor should we take it to the extreme. Cushioned shoes are resistant due to their material and will last several months of training. They do the job perfectly to keep your feet comfortable while you play sports and, although they do not guarantee avoiding injuries, the cushioning will help you reduce foot pain.
Really there's no reason why you shouldn't keep wearing sneakers with damping if you've done well so far.
But, if you are thinking of buying one, do not go blindly to the area with cushioning or cushioning insoles. Maybe you should consider a couple of shoes with less drop, but incorporate sports orthoses in the footwear. I know it can be more expensive, but we will make sure to reduce the risk of injury.