Are Cushioned Shoes Bad for Your Joints?

Big shoe companies will try to tell you that all that padding and “motion control” technology is helping to protect you from impact.

A new study from Oregon State University found the opposite. You can read all about it in this New York Times article: “Super-Cushioned Running Shoes are All the Rage, But Aren’t Foolproof.”

If you hit the article-limit paywall, here are the big takeaways on why cushioned shoes are bad for your joints:

Runners in “maximalist” cushioned running shoes hit the ground harder, and pronate more (roll their ankles inward), than runners in neutral shoes
This tendency gets WORSE the more you run in those shoes
Super-maximal shoes “tend to be more unstable” than low-to-the-ground barefoot running shoes, even on roads and track

Xero Shoes Make Happier, Healthier Runners

If there’s a common thread among the tens of thousands of Xero Shoes reviews, it’s this: Nobody started wearing Xero Shoes because of any special technology.

They just wanted to move better, and feel better. And guess what: They do!

Skeptic turned believer!

“I love that I can feel the ground beneath me when I walk, and it has really increased my proprioception so I’m not wobbly or tripping. I usually would kick my shoes off and go barefoot as soon as I got home, but now they don’t come off until I go to bed.” – Timothy C

Amazing, life-changing shoes

“I bought them because I stand all day. They are perfect. Changed my life in two days! I will buy them again.” – Donna C.

Amazingly comfortable

“I feel safer walking the trails wearing Xero Shoes – especially navigating rocky areas. I own 5 pairs and love them.” – Linda T

OMG

Great shoes. They really do make my feet feel good. Thanks! – Shane T