A science to shoes?

Question

I went to roadrunnersports.com and filled in a form which then returns you a list of shoes that are best suited for your feet and the way you walk/run.

While there I noticed all these techincal features of each shoe akin to the features described on this website:

http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?type=brand&brandid=8&brandcatid=catall&pcid=31954&gen=w&adtrack=tl-in&term=women%27s+new+balance+w970so&offer=

I want to know if you think there really is a science to making shoes(to the degree that they claim anyway...I realize there's practically a science to everything)...or that's it all a bunch of BS?

Note: Educated answers are more likely to get 10 points.

Siervocal - I know, I stated that in my question...

Answer 1

Well, most places will be able to recommend certain shoes based on the wear patterns of a pair of your old shoes. If you have wear on the outside edges of your shoes, you roll your feet inward, so you need more support opposite your instep. If you have wear on the inside of the heels, you have little skinny heels and you should wear shoes that are more narrow in the back. Overweight people need more support, and thicker soles are better. If you have hammertoes, you should wear "elf shoes", where the toes curl up a bit at the ends. Pigeon-toed or flat arches need other shoe types, as would very narrow feet or high arches.

I think shoe design would fall under ergonomics, fashion design, physical therapy...yeah, there's a science to it, but I don't think it's a specific science all by itself.

Answer 2

It depends on how complicated your feet are. My feet are about a size different from one another, and ten or twelve years ago I hopped off the express bus and flattened my right foot.

http://www.footlevelers.com <-- This company makes orthotics inserts (contoured shoe inserts, sometimes with a lift in one shoe insert to correct a leg-length inequality). They only sell through medical professionals (I purchased mine through my chiropractor).

Answer 3

youR parents won't buy uoi shoes just becuase you really want them, you might regret scamming your parents!

Answer 4

There is a science behind behind everything, believe it or not.