Shoe Gear That Assists Biomechanical Foot Function

A shoe has to do three things to help the foot function in a generally improved biomechanical manner. The foot has two primary functions, shock absorption at heel strike and propulsion at toe-off.
First, the shoe must fit correctly. I will discuss how to determine correct fit in the next installment!
Second, the shoe should have a rigid heel counter. That is the back, closed-in part of the shoe. This will allow the Sub-Talar joint to be controled in its tendancy to overpronate. Pronation is a normal and neccessary component of shock absorption, but you do not want it to continue into the mid-stance and propulsive phases of gait. You will test for this by putting one or two thumbs on the center of the back of the heel and push as hard as you can. The heel caounter should not deform in the least. If it does the shoe is not good for biomechanical control. It's only good for keeping tacks out of the bottom of your feet.
Third, the big toe joint must be allowed to bend upward as much as 90 degrees very quickly and efficiently to allow effective propulsion. Therefore, the shoe must provide a right angle bend at the precise spot on the shoe that corresponds to your big toe joint when in the shoe. You can test this by placing your open hands, one on the heel and the other on the toe, of the shoe and push them together while looking at the big-toe side of the shoe. The shoe should easily bend at a 90 degree angle at the location of the big toe joint, were it in the shoe. The shoe should not curve into the shape of a "C" or bend in the mid-foot area.
Next Topic: "The Proper Fitting Of Shoes"