As a long-distance runner, I can tell you there is now a very strong movement away from the cushioned shoe back to minimal shoes or no shoes at all. A lot of people with chronic injuries are now running barefoot or with near-barefoot shoes, such as the Nike Free. And they are no longer experiencing issues. Why? Your foot is a lot more sophisticated than you realize. When your foot makes actual contact with the ground (read: no cushioned shoe), it sends critical info that allows the rest of your body to adjust to the impact, including the entire foot, ankle, knee, back, neck, etc. Your sole alone contains hundreds of thousand of sensors that detect and measure impact as your foot rolls through it's motions - effectively cutoff by thick, cushioned shoes. One of the problems in the cushioned-shoe era is that most people are becoming heel strikers, as the heel tries to "find" the ground through the shoe. This condition often leads to injuries. Something to think about...
A lot of the minimalist shoe movement is based on faulty information and assumptions, unfortunately. The real emphasis should be on good shoes vs. bad shoes. There are plenty of each in both categories.
Funny you say that. Shortly after buying a new pair of adidas I developed a case of plantar fasciatis.
I had some adidas when I was a teenager, and I got into a bunch of trouble. Since I've been an adult, I haven't worn adidas, and I haven't been caught, I mean, I've stayed out of trouble. Just Say No to Adidas! barfo
Broke my Fifth Metatarsal playing soccer a few years ago. Was wearing Puma's when I did it and I blame it on the shoes. Narrow sole shoe with my wide feet. I've been in Adidas ever since! I was back playing 8-9 weeks later with some discomfort. Complete break through the bone btw. I felt mild pain in the area for at least a year after the break.
