Inov-8 produces a line of shoes designed for minimalist running, with an emphasis on light, flexible soles that provide better ground feel. This in turn will affect the way your foot strikes the ground when you are running, and foot strike patterns will translate up your leg to your knee and hips. As minimalist shoes encourage a more natural running gait, they can help with tendonitis and bursitis in the knee and hip.
Inov-8 Philosophy
Inov-8's philosophy on running shoes is that a lighter shoe allows you to run with better mechanics because you are better able to sense the ground under your feet. Instead of relying on advanced motion-control and stability technology, Inov-8 believes that a shoe's main function should be to provide protection of the sole. Stability and motion-control are left up to the muscles in your foot.
Impact from Minimalist and Barefoot Running
According to a study published in "Nature" entitled "Foot Strike Patterns and Collision Forces in Habitually Barefoot Versus Shoe Runners," those who run barefoot or in minimalist shoes actually experience less impact force on their feet, knees and hips than those who run in traditionally cushioned running shoes. The reason for this is that the feet are able to sense a strong impact and actively utilize muscles in the legs to cushion each step.
How Minimalist and Barefoot Running Effects your Knees and Hips
Because of the lower impact forces experienced by running barefoot or in minimalist shoes, your knees and hips will actually experience reduced stress. In the case of bursitis, this means the joints don't absorb so much impact force, sparing the bursa in knee and hips. Tendonitis, which can occur in any of the tendons of associated muscles, will also likely be mediated by running in minimalist shoes, such as the Inov-8 series.
Learning to Run in Inov-8s and Other Minimalist Shoes
The beneficial effects of running in minimalist shoes will only occur if you learn how to run properly in these shoes. Most of us are so used to running in traditional running shoes that our foot strike patterns are not at all suited for running with less padding safely. If you jump right into minimalist shoes with the same running pattern, you will actually cause more injury. For this reason, if it important to make a slow transition to running in minimalist shoes.
Transitioning with Inov-8s
Inov-8 offers a number of shoes with differing toe-heel heights and cushioning, depending on your needs. For this reason, it is possible to choose a shoe midway between a full minimalist shoe and a traditional running shoe. Since Inov-8 maintains an emphasis on ground feel, you will still develop better running mechanics, positively influencing any bursitis or tendonitis. In all cases, it is your responsibility as a runner to learn good form; you should not rely on a shoe to prevent injury.
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