Problems With Athletic Shoes

Athletic shoes can do more harm than good if you are not well informed. Expensive shoes may come with promises to make you go faster, jump higher or run farther, but according to an October 2010 article in the "New York Times," finding a shoe that fits your foot is what's most important. There is even evidence suggesting that running barefoot can help prevent running injuries. Athletic shoes are expensive, can contribute to injuries and do not aid performance.

  1. Price

    • Athletic shoes can cost up to $150, at 2011 prices. The "New York Times" reports that in 2009, $2.36 billion was spent on running shoes. However, a 2008 study in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" shows that low-cost shoes provide the same amount of cushioning and support as high-cost shoes. People expect to get a better shoe when they pay more money. This is not often the case. A simple, $30 pair of shoes from your local department store cn be the best way to go.

    Injuries

    • Athletics can be dangerous. Injury is especially common among runners. An April 2009 article in the "Daily Mail" reports that 60 to 80 percent of all runners suffer some sort of injury every year. A 2001 study in "Sportscience" concluded that running without any shoes at all is associated with fewer ankle and lower leg injures. There is also evidence in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" study that running with athletic shoes increases your risk for osteoarthritis. Many people can relate to the frustration a runner feels after multiple injures and setbacks.

    Performance

    • If you want to run faster, athletic shoes are not the answer. There are many shoe companies willing to measure your foot's length, width and arch before prescribing a shoe for you. You can also pay a lot of money to wear the same shoes as Olympic champions. However, the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" article found no evidence to support claims that an athletic shoe can make you run faster or farther.

    Alternatives

    • There are several viable alternatives to fancy, expensive athletic shoes. Barefoot running is becoming more popular among athletes. It's cheap and can reduce injuries. Also, there are shoes available that act more as a protective sock. They provide the freedom of running barefoot, without the pain from stepping on glass or rocks. Finally, a cheap pair of discount athletic shoes, in the correct size, has been touted by the "New York Times" to be just as effective as any other option.