HAWC: 80 percent of people are wearing the wrong sneakers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Just as physical training is necessary in order to comply with Air Force Fitness Assessment standards, having the right pair of running shoes is essential for effective, injury-free running.

But with hundreds of options to choose from including FiveFingers, minimalist and lightweight sneakers, finding that perfect fit can be close to impossible. Airmen wishing to become more efficient runners can do so, thanks to the Malmstrom Clinic and the Health and Wellness Center's gait analysis assessment.

According to Runner's World Magazine, a gait analysis is a biomechanical evaluation that detects imbalances in a person's running, their [feet] pronation tendencies and foot types.

"Most people choose sneakers because they like the color, but they don't understand that it may not be the right fit because everyone has a different style of running," said Staff Sgt. Hugo Reinor, 341st Medical Operations Squadron physical therapy technician. "First we take pictures of their feet to distinguish the shape of their foot - normal, flat/low arch or rigid/high arch. Then we record them walking, jogging and sprinting and will view the video in slow motion to detect if someone's gait is over-pronated, supinated or neutral. If someone is a moderate to severe over-pronator and they're wearing a shoe that is very lightweight with no stability their ankle will roll, which can lead to bigger problems such as injuries in their knees and hips. Starting out with the right shoe is extremely beneficial."

The test takes no more than two minutes of walking and running and approximately 15 minutes of working with the HAWC member to receive running tips and advice on purchasing new shoes.

"Although lightweight sneakers are very popular right now, they are geared specifically for neutral and stable runners," Reinor said. "I would suggest a gait analysis to everyone to help prevent hurting yourself in the long run."

The benefits of receiving a gait analysis are vast, as HAWC personnel not only identify posture imbalances and running style but provide additional stretches to strengthen muscle weaknesses.

"We suggest certain exercises if we notice a part of someone's body is weak," Reinor said. "A common weakness we see is a rotating hip, which could indicate weak inner thighs."

Four personnel from the 341st MDOS conduct gait analyses Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Airmen, their dependents and retirees interested in scheduling an appointment can do so by calling the HAWC at 731-4292.