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We are told to run forefoot/ball of foot first, indeed this feels right for me.  Yet all running shoes I have seen are wedge shape designed to prevent the shock from landing on the heel, with only limited cushioning under the forefoot. Surely I should be running in a shoe with a flat sole with the same cushioning from the front to rear? and surely having a big fat wedge under the foot is going to interfere with the natural mechanics of running? I have seen some posts here pushing this stance, but it still appears to be the minority.  The majority of posts to newbies(or relative newbie like myself) and in response to injury (ie shinsplints) is to remind them to find a friendly running shop and get 'properly' kitted out with well fitting shoes (foam wedges). I am confused.

I have seen some posts here pushing this stance, but it still appears to be the minority.  The majority of posts to newbies(or relative newbie like myself) and in response to injury (ie shinsplints) is to remind them to find a friendly running shop and get 'properly' kitted out with well fitting shoes (foam wedges). I am confused. Everyone has different opinions, and mine is that everyone (not just those with great form, etc) would benefit by wearing racing flats as their everyday trainers. I believe that they teach you how to run properly faster than any book or coach. My form changed when I started using them. I couldn't help it. It just happens. You are forced to run softly, striking with the midsole or balls of the feet. The first couple weeks can be awkward (only time I've had shinsplints in my life) as you make the transition, but it's so worth it in the end. Having said all that, I do believe in the use of a good insert of some sort that has a nice arch support. A quality insert in a flat is a much better pronation aid than motion contol or stability shoes. Again, this is all my opinion and of course anyone reading it can make up their own mind. cheers,

I have both wedges and flats, but neither is confused. How do you tell anyway?

I'm confused! Don't be. This is a trivial and completely pointless subject that come up on here from time to time.   You have those who favour a graceful heel-to-toe movement as they stutter over the ground at 2 mph, and those who flit like fairies over the grass leaving barely a mark as they prance daintily from ball-to-ball. It's all nonsense.   Run as you feel comfortable.   If that's on your heels, so be it.   The _style_ gurus are twits.   Without exception. Emily.   Who flits like a fairy.   But doesn't care how others run.

I have seen some posts here pushing this stance, but it still appears to be the minority.  The majority of posts to newbies(or relative newbie like myself) and in response to injury (ie shinsplints) is to remind them to find a friendly running shop and get 'properly' kitted out with well fitting shoes (foam wedges). Actually, the encouragement probably is (1) to increase cadence which may result in a more forefoot landing and (2) to get properly fitting shoes that have the right degree of whatever (torsional control, heel control, etc) for your biomechanics. Unfortunately, most shoes in shoe stores have high heels. Well-fitting shoes does not mean foam wedges; it means it fits the foot and biomechanics. [I think (not sure) I've heard of some people slicing the heels off of otherwise good shoes for them.] And if you follow the recommendation to run lightly, flats might work although most people aren't quite that light on their feet. Dot