American College of Sports Medicine has recently released guidelines on selecting running shoes.
http://www.acsm.org/docs/brochures/running-shoes.pdf
Basically recommends a shoe that is neutral, lighter, and low-profile. Says to avoid bulked up cushion/stability shoes in most cases. Personally, I’ve been in the light/low-profile camp for years but am somewhat surprised to see ACSM attack the traditional model so directly.
What says slowtwtich?
Interesting information and not really that earth shattering, doesn’t change a whole lot. I was happy to see the notation that orthotics are ‘not necessary’.
Personally, I wear Hoka One One’s and see no reason for concern. The ACSM specifically calls out high heel to toe drops >6 mm (Hoka Bondi is 4.5mm), shoes with motion control or stability components (Hoka’s are neutral), heavy shoes > 10 oz, (Hoka’s are 10.8, ok, a tad heavy) and shoes with “soft cushioning”. In my experience my Hokas are soft but not overly so. I definitely feel supported in them.
At any rate, given a history of hip problems and the way I feel protected in the Bondi’s I am unlikely to change whatever this said! But I am happy that it supports my choice (for the most part).
Cheers
My experience reads like a textbook example. The more cushioned my shoes became the worse I over-strided and the more pronounced my heel strike. It was with the most cushioned pair of shoes I owned that I developed runners knee in both knees.
While recovering I did a lot of research about running, learned a lot about running mechanics and shoe types. Decided to try a set of minimalist 4mm drop shoes and transitioned as per the recommendation (started doing short 2km runs on a soft track instead of pavement and gradually worked up). At first the lack of cushioning provided a minor “penalty” for heel striking, which prompted me to stride shorter with a faster turnover until the discomfort stopped and I was consistently landing mid-foot.
It’s been a year now with no further issues/injuries from running. I don’t see myself going back to a “regular” running shoe.
I vote that whenever someone makes a comment about running shoes or form they have to state their weekly mileage, PRs, and qualifications.
I vote that whenever someone makes a comment about running shoes or form they have to state their weekly mileage, PRs, and qualifications.
Deleted. 
My professional and medical opinion, the ACSM “guideline” was developed by a DPT and does not reflect the current literature.
I figured I’d lose that pissing match. I’ll refrain from having an opinion based on personal experience in the future while in this forum.
LOL… just realized the irony of my comment. Personal opinions don’t trump science.
Consider me chastised for trying (and failing) to be a smart ass.