Marathon Mondays: Listen to your "foot brain"
Megan Searfoss, owner of Ridgefield and Darien Running Company, joins Britt and Brendan to dive into the rigorous running shoe fitting process that includes a 3D scanner, detailing why the brand and type of shoe matters for the wearer. The trio also discuss the latest trends in footwear, including carbon plating, as well shoe life expectancy and how to deal with companies updating your favorite pair of running shoes.
August 21, 2023 | Britt Gunsser, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS | Brendan Copley, CSCS, ATC
On this episode of Marathon Mondays hosted by physical therapist and RRCA Running Coach Britt Gunsser and personal trainer Brendan Copley engage in a discussion about running footwear with Megan Searfoss, the owner of Ridgefield and Darien Running Company.
Megan dives into the rigorous running shoe fitting process that includes a 3D scanner, detailing why the brand and type of shoe matters for the wearer. The trio also discuss the latest trends in footwear, including carbon plating, as well shoe life expectancy and how to deal with companies updating your favorite pair of running shoes.
They dive into the advantages of visiting a running store over buying shoes online, emphasizing the importance of a personalized fitting process, such as using a 3D scanner to determine arch height, size and width, as well pressure points, pronation, supination, and foot flexibility while walking. The purpose of the shoe is also evaluated during the fitting process to determine whether road, trail, cross-training, or walking shoes are right for the customer based on their different needs.
No one shoe will work for everyone, and depends on personal style preference (traditional vs. minimalist vs. maximalist shoes), how they run (forefoot running vs. heel striking) and how much support their feet require. Megan discusses the purpose of shoe rotation, wear and tear considerations, and recovery time for shoes, as well as her specific recommendations for marathoners.
Near the end, Megan touches on the phenomenon of "super shoes," or high-tech sneakers that claim to make their users run faster, explaining who they benefit and their key differences from regular training shoes. She also goes over common myths and misconceptions about running shoes, finally answering the question, "which brand or shoe is the best?"
Finally, the hosts address common myths about running shoes and seek Megan's response to the age-old question of what constitutes the best shoe or brand. The episode concludes with a fun question about pump-up songs for races, offering a well-rounded and informative exploration of the world of running footwear.
Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.
