In recent weeks, a great referral pathway has been formed at Talaria for all patients looking for assistance in selecting the most appropriate footwear based on their specific biomechanics. Our podiatrist Mitchell Podhajski had the opportunity to visit Active Feet, and they briefed him on their services and products, which he brought back to the team at Talaria.
Active Feet are much more than a retail shoe store. The staff members working in the store are experts in both shoes and biomechanics of the foot and lower limb. Following a referral from any of the podiatrists here at Talaria Podiatrist of Thornbury, the staff at Active Feet will provide a FREE computer gait assessment to consider your injury history, activity type, activity volume, experience and previous footwear options. This is valuable in combination with any treatment plan. It links the sometimes-overwhelming number of available shoes on the market and what benefits your biomechanics, foot posture and function. Part of each shoe selection will be breaking down which shoe type fits your mechanics. There are five distinct categories of footwear: neutral/stable neutral, mild/moderate stability, and motion control.
Neutral/Stable Neutral Runners
These are runners for those who don’t require aggressive support with neutral foot biomechanics. The main feature of runners in this category is a single density midsole that allows the foot to maintain its natural motion while providing comfort through cushioning. A small sub-branch of the neutral runner is the stable neutral runner. These runners share the same properties as neutral runners, with the difference seen in the shape of the last. The last is slightly more curved than a typical neutral runner, allowing for more accommodation for clients with a more supinated foot during gait.
Examples of neutral runners; Brooks Glycerin 19, ASICS Nimbus 23, Hoka Bondi 7.
Mild/Moderate Stability Runners
These are runners for those who may require support, particularly through the medial heel and arch. These runners have a cushioned platform and are traditionally made up of dual-density foam, which aims to provide postural guidance through the rearfoot and midfoot.
Examples of stability runners: Brooks Glycerin GTS, ASICS Kayano 28, Hoka Gaviota 3.
Motion Control Runners
These are highly cushioned runners made up of an increased amount of dual-density foam to provide significant guidance for those who heavily pronate through gait. These runners are typically more ‘heavy duty’ than a typical stability runner.
Examples of motion control runners: Brooks Beast 20, Brooks Addiction 15.
In addition to the excellent service provided by the staff at Active Feet, patients from Talaria Podiatrist of Thornbury are entitled to a 10% discount!
Active Feet stock a wide range of brands, including ASICS, Hoka, Nike, Salomon, Ascent, Ecco, Brooks, Mizuno, New Balance, Saucony and Merrell.
Read more about Biomechanics and podiatry… CLICK HERE!