Conversation guest
Dr. Troy Hurst
Physical Therapist & Runner
Troy is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and runner based in Wisconsin. His work includes running footwear, foot health and rehabilitation, bringing both professional knowledge and personal running experience to the conversation.
Visit website: Dr. Troy Hurst, opens in a new tabConversations with Troy.
FIT
What caught a physical therapist’s attention about FitX?
Troy on why off-the-shelf sizing is not an exact science, how width, bunions or hammer toes create pressure points even when the length is right, and why custom fit has usually meant a costly clinical process. Recorded before he had tried a pair; FitX offered him a complimentary pair.
Dr. Troy Hurst
Physical Therapist & Runner
CHOOSING SHOES
How a physical therapist evaluates a new running shoe
Troy’s checklist: comfort out of the box with no break-in, no hot spots at the big or little toe, room for the toes to splay under load, a secure heel and midfoot without lace pressure, energy return and grip in the wet.
Dr. Troy Hurst
Physical Therapist & Runner
FIT
The biggest fit problem with off-the-shelf running shoes
Troy on the toe box: heels and midfoots are usually secure, but toe boxes taper too fast, toes cannot splay under load, and blisters, black toenails and, over many miles, foot deformities follow.
Dr. Troy Hurst
Physical Therapist & Runner
DURABILITY
How long should running shoes last?
Troy on why the common 300 to 500 mile guideline is too low and not well supported by research, and why 750 to 1,000 miles is a more reasonable expectation.
Dr. Troy Hurst
Physical Therapist & Runner
HEEL DROP
Zero drop or a higher heel: what should a runner consider?
Troy wears zero drop day to day but runs in a 6 to 10 mm drop; he explains what a drop over 12 mm does to your toes and why jumping straight to zero drop so often ends in Achilles or calf injuries.
Dr. Troy Hurst
Physical Therapist & Runner
Educational information; individual needs vary.
More perspectives on your fit.
Hear different practitioners answer practical footwear questions.
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