Big Shoe Companies Lie…Period

Energy return out of your shoe is a concept as old as the air in Nikes! Reebok’s attempt to reinvent a similar gimmick is one of the worst I’ve seen in quite a while. I will admit that it is possible to gain energy momentum out of something underneath your feet. But utilizing a material that cannot return that energy is a blatantly bad marketing ploy!

Reebok uses a material called EVA to create those zigzag designs in their shoes. EVA is a polymer designed to absorb shock. As a result, the materials in the shoes are incapable of returning energy. If you were utilizing something such as carbon fiber to spring load the foot-as you might have seen with some of the amputee runners in the Olympics - you probably saw the curved carbon fiber “legs” underneath them - you can gain energy return. There was a lot of discussion about whether this gave them an unfair advantage when competing against non-amputee athletes.

The reason is that there truly is energy returned from that carbon fiber which helps to propel the runner forward when strategically crafted and engineered like those were. This is a far cry from the use of a very common material used in lots of athletic shoes to create a “zig-zag” design underneath the foot. The material itself is intrinsically absorptive. It simply does not have the ability to return energy to the runner or user as claimed and is completely bogus. It is incapable of supplying any such energy return and I would challenge Reebok’s engineers to demonstrate their claim effectively!

On top of that, the shoe lacks the necessary structural support that a good running shoe should have. Unfortunately, I often see and treat people after they have been injured in a poorly fitting or poorly designed shoe that was recommended to them. The damage at that point has already been done! Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and talk to a knowledgeable professional before you step out into something “innovative, different, or better for you.”

In Pain? We Can Help!

Call Today

208-855-5955

So what are you telling me?!

Take all marketing claims with a grain of salt. While there is some truth to some of what you hear, there is also quite a bit of misinformation. Be sure to do some reading and investigate companies’ claims about their products. Remember that even the best of ideas can become distorted and lose their value when taken out of context.
Use specific shoes to perform specific tasks. Don’t get carried away with using one product all the time for everything that you do. Every tool has a function and a shoe is a tool! Make sure to match the tool to the job you are performing.
Don’t get caught up in hype! We so often want to use whatever is new and exciting; don’t let other people sell you on a product that they have bought into just because they have bought into it!

Check out our blog for more articles and tips.

Do You Or A Family Member Need The Help Of An Experienced Podiatrist In The Caldwell Or Meridian, Idaho Area?

If you're seeking the help of an experienced podiatrist you owe it to yourself to speak with our doctors as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208.855.5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you!

Dr. P. Roman Burk

Dr. P. Roman Burk

Providing experienced private practice podiatry services in the Caldwell and Meridian, ID area since 2007.

Post A Comment

Get Help Now

With easy-to-find locations in Meridian and Caldwell, Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle serves Boise patients in Ada, Canyon, and Valley Counties, including those in Nampa, Middleton, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Fruitland, Parma, Homedale, Marsing, Melba, Nyssa, Emmett, Wilder, and Mountain Home. Complete the online contact form or call 208-855-5955 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.

Offices

Meridian Clinic

2667 E. Gala Court #130
Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: 208-855-5955
Location Details
Directions

Caldwell Clinic

4605 Enterprise Way Ste 103
Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone: 208-855-5955
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8-5 Fri, 8-3
Location Details
Directions