A landmark randomized controlled trial has demonstrated that running shoes with motion control technology can significantly reduce injury risk in recreational runners, particularly those with pronated feet.
The six-month study, involving 386 recreational runners, revealed that participants using motion control shoes experienced a 46% lower overall injury risk compared to those wearing standard running shoes. The injury incidence was 17.6% in the motion control group versus 32.4% in the standard shoe group.
Key Findings for Different Foot Types
The protective effect was most pronounced among runners with pronated feet, who showed a 66% lower injury rate when using motion control shoes compared to standard shoes. Notably, among participants wearing standard shoes, runners with pronated feet faced an 80% higher injury risk compared to those with neutral feet.
No significant difference in injury risk was observed among runners with neutral or supinated feet between the two shoe types, suggesting that motion control features may be most beneficial for runners with pronated foot posture.
Technical Shoe Characteristics
The motion control shoes featured specific design elements to control excessive foot motion:
- A thermoplastic polyurethane structure in the medial midfoot
- Dual-density EVA midsole in the forefoot
- 15% higher midsole hardness in the medial compared to lateral part
Study Design and Implementation
The research followed rigorous scientific protocols, including:
- Double-blinding of both participants and assessors
- Stratified randomization based on age, BMI, and foot morphology
- Comprehensive monitoring of 12,558 running sessions
- Total coverage of 116,723 kilometers and 12,094 hours of running
Clinical Implications
These findings challenge some previous assumptions about shoe prescription based on foot type. While earlier studies questioned the benefit of matching shoes to foot morphology, this research suggests that runners with pronated feet may indeed benefit from motion control features in modern cushioned running shoes.
The results indicate that some degree of motion control may be necessary in contemporary cushioned running shoes, particularly for runners with pronated feet. This could be especially relevant given that modern cushioned shoes with softer midsoles may increase the risk of overpronation movement.
Study Limitations
The researchers note several limitations:
- Limited participation from runners with highly supinated or highly pronated feet
- Results based on a single shoe model and brand
- Potential selection bias as participants were required to use the study shoes exclusively
The findings represent a significant step forward in understanding the relationship between running shoe technology and injury prevention, particularly for runners with pronated feet. However, further research is needed to determine optimal levels of motion control for different foot types and to verify these results across different shoe models.
