Is there any way to overturn running flat-footed?

Question

Hi, i heard that running flat-footed slows you down. Is this true? Also is there any way i can train myself so that when i am running, my feet land on my toes instead of on the balls of my feet? Thanks

Answer 1

While finding a new pair of shoes (NOT cowboy boots....) might help you a bit I can't see it correcting your problem. There is no shoe out there that was made JUST for your feet, likewise for every other runner. My suggestion is to see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle or a sports medicine doctor. Both can assess your situation, diagnose your true medical condition (flat feet, etc) and then prescribe orthotics for you which are made JUST for your feet, rather than guessing at a pair of shoes. Also, having orthotics allows you to use them in more than just one pair of shoes (you'll also get more use out of orthotics than cowboy boots....unless of course you live in Texas....haha) Anywho- I have orthotics but don't have flat feet. I pronate but run a lot. Wearing orthotics help the way you run and walk. You can't go wrong with them- especially if you have a docor helping you rather than a 17 year old sports store associate.

Good luck!


P.S. Don't go with the store bought inserts either. Your putting yourself at more risk for injury than you would be doing yourself any good!

Answer 2

It is a little miss leading about running flat-footed. No you should not actually be flat-footed, but if you are running easy you can not run on the balls of your feet and you never run on your toes. Think about your foot coming back at the same speed you are moving forward. Your foot should contact the ground in a pawing motion. This is more of a sprint motion than a distance motion. If you are really landing flat-footed so that you can hear your foot slap the ground then your foot is contacting the ground too far in front of your center of gravity and yes it is slowing you down because you are actually breaking with the muscles in your legs until your foot is under your center of gravity. When you run you are pushing yourself, not pulling yourself. You increase your stride length behind your body, not in front.

Answer 3

I think running with minimalist shoes/ barefoot is the answer for a lot of people with flat feet. I have a friend that developed an arch after running in Vibram Fivefingers shoes, after some time. It strengthens a the muscles and tendons in your feet, pulling the foot's structure together, eventually giving you an arch. Your other option is to get customized orthotics or over-the-counter orthotic inserts. Good luck!

Answer 4

All of the above are right, find a fitted shoe for your feet, and learn some better form.

I would add a training technique in Japan is to loop a rubber band around your ankle and your big toe. This might seem silly, but it forces your foot into the proper position for landing and pushing off again. Something like 7 out of 10 kids who trained this way got faster.

Answer 5

when you run you're suppose to run on the balls of your feet and not your toes... running on the balls of your feet is not flat footed, to correct your flat-footed running you should get a better type of running shoe, visit your local sporting sneaker store and get help from an expert on which shoes help you run on the balls of your feet.

Answer 6

actually, if you're running long distance you want to land on your heel, not your toes.

but you can get shoes made for flat feet, most of the major shoe manufacturers make them.

Answer 7

if you have flatfeet with little arch then you can wear western (cowboy) boots to help raise you arch. this was recommed by a doctor for flat feet.