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Are you looking for the best running shoes for clubfoot? Children who are born with clubfoot have one or both feet pointing downwards with the soles of the feet facing backward. According to the NHS, 1 in 1 000 babies is born with clubfoot in the UK. It is normally diagnosed after the baby is born, and after that, physiotherapy sessions can begin to help the child straighten their feet.
Running Shoes for Clubfoot
The baby’s feet will usually correct themselves within the first months. Some babies will need physiotherapy whilst others won’t. Clubfoot is normally treated within a few weeks of the baby’s birth when the tendons are still soft and flexible to move easily.
In adults, however, clubfoot is managed by way of surgery or casting. Adults can also have clubfoot and, as such need, shoes to help when running.
- you may be looking for running shoes specific for clubfoot for yourself
- Or perhaps you need to get running shoes for someone else with clubfoot
Regardless of the reason, clubfoot does not need to stop you from living an active lifestyle. Running with clubfoot may mean you need to consider certain things, including the shoes you wear.
When it comes to running a pair of shoes for running, it can seem like a pretty daunting task as this is no lightweight decision. The impact that the ground has on our feet as you run is a lot, and doing it in the wrong shoes can be detrimental to your foot health.
In a Hurry
Do you need a quick guide to buying the best shoes for clubfoot? There are some important variants you need to consider. One of the most important things to note is that runners and their styles differ. The shoes you get will largely be based on personal preference.
Go and get measured. With some people, the surgeries performed to correct clubfoot lease their feet in different sizes. If you want to get a running shoe that fits properly, get measured. Getting a fitting can help you get a custom pair that is made just for you.
For example, if one leg is not the exact length as the other due to casting and surgeries to correct the club feet, you can get shoes that will make up this difference and lead to the active style you want to lead.
If you go to the right store, you can also buy a mismatched pair if your feet are now different sizes. Also, look at the amount of cushioning and stability the shoes will give you. Also, look at the amount of flexibility the shoe offers you.
A good comfortable insole can also make your shoe that much more comfortable.
Our Top Pick
We have done our research and found our utmost favorite pick to be the Skechers Equalizer 2.0 True Balance Sneaker. It has a rubber sole; its shaft measures approximately 3″ from the arch. The width of the shoe is EWW for 4E and EW for 2E. It also has a memory foam insole for a plush ride.
Running Shoes for Clubfoot Reviews
Saucony Guide 10 Running Shoes
The first thing that you will notice about the issues is that they have a rather thick heel. I say heel, but it’s really the sole. This is designed to provide you with ample support for impact resistance and shock absorption.
This is an essential feature for those that have clubfoot. There is an 8 mm offset that ensures that cushioning is distributed quite evenly throughout the hill from the forefoot all the way to the heel.
As a result, you find that your body is more balanced whether you’re walking or running. Your feet will strike the ground in a more natural and even pattern.
Another great feature that was introduced with these shoes is the Everun. According to the manufacture of this is a breakthrough in cushioning. It delivers a more responsive and smoother landing and also gives you a stronger takeoff.
The takeoff pass will not matter if you’re not racing, but the cushioning and the landing will matter regardless of how are usually issues.
The upper part of the shoe Flex-fit. It is a lightweight material attached to the to ensure that there is no need to have too many layers. With fewer layers, there is a lighter weight through which will benefit the user.
You also be happy to find that there is an increase in force especially due to the TriFlex. It gives you more flexibility and traction.
Pros
- These shoes are very comfortable.
- They provide you with great traction.
- They are breathable.
- They are lightweight.
- The cushioning used is more responsive.
- The soles are resistant to impact.
- There are several colours to choose from.
Cons
- Some users have had issues with sizing.
- May require a breaking in period.
New Balance 990v4
Our next pick does not use synthetic material on the upper part of the shoe, as is common. Instead, they’ve gone with a mixture of leather and textile. The textile ensures that you get the breathability that you usually get from the use of synthetic material. These shoes are made in the USA. Beyond the upper part, the soles are made of rubber.
They provide enough cushioning and shock absorption. The measurement from the shaft to the arch is about the low top. These shoes are designed specifically for running. As such, they are made to be breathable, courtesy of the textile material that we mentioned.
To be more specific, it is a mesh-like lining. Instead of just leaving it at that, they have included some supportive leather overlays. This makes for a more durable finish.
The rubber outsole is that we’ve already mentioned are blown. They come with a dual-density collar that is designed to enhance comfort. New Balance has used the ENCAP PU ring with some EVA core in the shoe’s heel area.
There are several designs and colors that you can choose from. Whether you’re after something bright or something a bit more subtle, you will find it.
Pros
- The shoes are very comfortable.
- They deliver a good amount of cushioning.
- There is good arch support as well.
- There are several colours to choose from.
- They are quite reasonably priced.
- They are very breathable.
- This is made in the US.
Cons
- There are some fakes on the market.
Skechers Equalizer 2.0 True Balance Sneaker
Skechers is a brand-new, synonymously providing shoes that deal with common issues that users face. This is no different. The Equaliser 2.0 is designed to enhance the comfort that you get from the underfoot. This is a key area for those that have clubfoot by delivering a more comfortable rubber sole.
This ensures that there is less shock absorbed into your foot when going about your business—the shaft measures 3 inches from the arch, which is perfect for providing you with good support.
You’ll also be pleased to find that they’ve made use of the memory form in the insoles that come with the shoes. This ensures that once you’ve got in your ideal fit, you can maintain it.
As expected with memory fun, these shoes are known to shape themselves around your foot. This means there is less pressure on your foot to be a certain way. As you already know, when one has clubfoot, they are not in the shape of most people’s feet, which means that the average shoe is not made with you in mind.
This is why we can appreciate a shoe that goes against the grain. The memory foam is gel-infused, which makes them slightly cooler. They also have moisture-wicking capabilities to keep your feet dry and smelling fresh.
There is also a blood pressure relief that is taken from the insoles. You also find that shoes are highly breathable.
Pros
- The shoes are very comfortable.
- They have moisture-wicking capabilities.
- They provide you with good arch support.
- There is a memory foam insole.
- They are suitable for those with wide feet as well.
Cons
- The width may be too wide for some users.
- The toe box isn’t always big enough.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoe
This is the shoe from a brand that we all know and respect. I mean, who doesn’t? Nike has been at the forefront of shoe development for as long as most of us have been alive. The Air Zoom Pegasus 34 is made out of leather and synthetic materials. For the most part, this is not a product that is manufactured in the US.
The soles of this you are made out of rubber. As with other Nike products, this will provide you with sufficient grip when you’re on the move. The shaft measures a low top from your arch. This ensures that you get a good amount of art support.
The other part of the shoe has mesh material which ensures that you get good breathability. This also makes it quite a lightweight shoe.
There is good cushioning within the max air. It is what snaky describes as responsive cushioning. They have raised knobs on the outside of the issues that enhance the traction. It is multi-directional traction, if you’re wondering.
There is a synthetic leather cage that makes up the midfoot area. It ensures that your foot is secured in place and does not move around in the shoe. They have taken inspiration from kids’ shoes in some ways. This is a partial booty construction issue that has a sock-like fit to it. It makes it wraparound your foot quite snuggly.
Pros
- There is sufficient padding for foot protection.
- You get a range of colour options to choose from.
- The rubber soles provide great traction.
- The shoes are quite lightweight.
- It is from a reputable brand.
Cons
- Some customers reported sizing issues.
- Cushioning could be better.
HOKA ONE ONE Speed Instinct 2 Running Shoe
Our last shoe is one that is designed for Trail running. Just by knowing this fact, you can rest assured that this is a shoe ready to take on a lot of impacts and absorb it. This ensures that there is less impact absorbed into your feet.
That is great news for any runner who is looking for some protection through the padding. The Hoka One Speed Instinct 2 is a shoe that is made out of polyester.
When you have it on your feet, one surprising thing is just how lightweight it is. This is mainly down to the fact that it does not look lightweight. The size is largely made up of a fairly thick heel.
The good part about having a thick heel is that it provides you with a great deal of protection for your underfoot when you’re running. Those who need extra padding will appreciate this.
There is also a pen and tongue to provide you with additional comfort when you’re running. It does a great job of protecting the upper part of your feet from friction as you run. The manufacturers have also used early-stage Meta-Rocker to ensure smooth movement of the foot within the shoe without much constraint.
Although there are several colors on the market, they tend to be fairly difficult to get hold of in one place. That is perhaps the main criticism that one could level against this rather impressive shoe.
Pros
- They are very attractive shoes.
- They provide you with good padding and cushioning.
- The customer service is reasonably good.
- We loved the lacing system.
- There is good traction from the soles.
- The shoes are breathable.
Cons
- We need better colour selections
Buyer’s Guide
Having considered all of the shoes that we reviewed above. There are undoubtedly some questions that you may have related to them. That is the purpose of our guide.
Does clubfoot affect height?
Clubfoot is usually first diagnosed in children when they are born. Treatment in the form of physiotherapy normally commences within the first few weeks of the baby being born. If the foot does not correct itself by three months, then the baby will have to undergo surgeries or casting.
Today, a technique known as the Ponseti method is the main treatment for club foot. Your baby’s foot is gently manipulated into a better position, then putting into a cast. This is repeated every week for about 5 to 8 weeks.
After the last cast comes off, most babies need a minor operation to loosen the tendon at the back of their ankle (Achilles tendon).
This is done using a local anesthetic. It helps to release their foot into a more natural position. Your baby will need to wear special boots attached to a bar to prevent the club foot from returning.
At times the surgeries can cause the child’s legs to be different in length as they are corrected, depending on the severity of the clubfoot.
Is Clubfoot a disability?
Clubfoot is an inborn foot deformity. It is a congenital disability that can lead to stability, depending on its severity.
Can clubfoot be seen on ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan can be used to monitor an unborn baby. Several congenital disabilities can be detected during pregnancy, thanks to this scan. Clubfoot is no different. It can be diagnosed via ultrasound from around 18 to 21 weeks.
Are clubbed feet hereditary?
Clubfoot can be hereditary, even though this is not the only reason it occurs in babies. If you have one child with clubfoot, your chance of having a second child with the condition is about 1 in 35. If one parent has a club foot, there’s about a 1 in 30 chance of your baby having it. If both parents have the condition, this increases to about a 1 in 3 chance.
Conclusion
Being born with clubfoot does not exempt you from living an active lifestyle. It may mean you do a little less than other people but you are still able to be active and run the miles you want to run.
It can be discouraging, and sometimes medical opinion may say that you will be unable to do much after the surgeries, but it is not impossible. Many people across the globe run daily, with clubfoot and n the right shoes.
Thankfully there are new technological advancements that have made this an even stronger possibility. You can get shoes that will help you run and give you the support and stability you need. The shoes on the market today also allow you to be comfortable and not strain yourself.
We certainly hope that our reviews help you find the right shoes for you. The best fit will make a world of difference for you as you run. We have reviewed what we like and what we think could be improved on these top brands. Happy shopping!
If you are interested in shoes specific to heavy runners, follow our previous article’s link.
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