A week ago I received an email from a colleague in running retail, Eric Johnson, who is the general manager at Ultramax Sports, a “Top 50 Best Running Store in America.” Eric is really smart and gets it. He wrote, “This is by far the best video on prescribing running shoes I’ve run across.” This video (see link below) is by Dr. Kevin Maggs, who is a provider and owner of Active Spine and Sports in Gainesville, VA. It holds up to my understanding of the scientific evidence so far. Like many of you, I’ve spent of lot of time researching this topic. I totally agree with Dr. Maggs that the evidence is clear that we should abandon the wet-footprint test for shoe fitting based on arch height. (I am part of a working group now trying to install a better shoe-fit process for US Air Force Basic Trainees.) Curious: how many stores have converted away from the old-pronation dominated fitting process?
Watch here: https://vimeo.com/126720173
I have had the privilege of keeping communication with Dr. Maggs after he attended one of our Health Running Continuing Education courses four years ago. At the time, we were all evolving in our thoughts of the shoe-fit process, and together trying to shift away from the prevailing shoe-prescription paradigm. I asked Kevin for a few thoughts on the process of creating the video and the response he has received so far.
Here’s Kevin:
In my clinic, the majority of my patients are runners. Strange for a chiropractor, I know, but I have developed a bit of a niche with my background in biomechanics, a penchant for running and knowledge of soft tissue treatment (I’m an instructor for Active Release Techniques). In the clinic, we certainly see a wide variety of conditions, but at the same time, there are certain aspects that become repetitive. The question, “Are these shoes good for me?” or any variation of that theme is certainly one of the most commonly repeated scenarios. When you have a “Groundhog day” moment like that on a daily basis, you start looking for more efficient ways to handle it. I searched the web for an appropriate media that fit with current evidence and was unable to come up with anything that I felt suitable. So, when I see a need for something, I try and fill that need.
I’ve dabbled in 3D animation and use a free program called “Blender”, so I worked on the video for a couple months. I released the video about a week ago and it has 2,000 views so far, which I’m happy with. Overwhelmingly, various researchers, podiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors have told me (or Twitter) that the video is spot on, and many have asked permission to teach with it, or use it in their clinics. However, I have received many private emails criticizing the video as well. The criticisms have been from both sides of the aisle — the people who think I should have promoted more minimalism, but mostly from people who are astounded that I am marginalizing “prescription by pronation.”
Love the video. Our whole staff, all three stores, has been given the video to watch. We have historically “undercorrected” for years and always felt that the traditionally neutral arch should not be in a stability shoe. And now that science is catching up with anecdotal evidence, the world will be a happier place. Someone wouldn’t wear a neck brace for fear of a cervical strain, would they? So let the foot work. Thanks for the post Dr. Mark
Kevin,
I find it interesting that most of the comments have been negative because you have been willing to “rock the (boat) establishment” where a lot of prescriptions (orthotics) and profits are being made. Simple exercises are being prescribed instead and that doesn’t pay the establishments bills. Being willing to speak out is necessary and for my self being a store owner, I do let the customer choose based on comfort. Being a Natural Running store we listen to the customer which is first and foremost! After that, it’s a little science, a little art and a lot of what the customer feels. We also allow 30 days and if it isn’t working out, we move to plan B. However, we do encourage them to go at least 29 of the 30 days as there may be some different muscle groups that begin to work that were not before. My point is I learned a lot from this and there are some things I’ll change as a result of this video. Thanks for the education back by research!