The quest for the perfect shoe

[Sam Morgan Moore]

We walk significantly differently with a Steadicam on our bodies than otherwise, I'm pretty sure. Might be interesting to have them evaluate your step with and without the rig on!

 

Good point

 

they do it on a treadmill - could be an interesting practice/analysis tool in general

 

S

[chris fawcett]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8483401.stm

 

Nuff said

[Anthony Quesada]

There is a really interesting book called "Born to Run" which is worth exploring even if you are not interested in running. Since reading that book I have been a huge convert to the modern barefoot style of running using the Vibram 5 finger shoe. I haven't tried the Mbt shoes but have found the Vibram's improved my posture, could be a placebo type effect and just having them on has made me more conscious of it?

[Aaron Medick SOC]

Chris,

I run like that, but I have not been able to walk smoothly toe strike first. Unless, i take short strides, when the pace picks up I'm striking my heel first until I'm in a jog/run. Any pointers on achieving smooth quick walking with toe strike first? Other than Practice practice practice:)

 

Thanks,

Aaron

[Damien King]

Hi Everyone,

 

I have only been operating(Steadicam) for a year or so now and i find the Solomon shoe the best, used it on the Amazing Race Series here in Asia. I then loved wearing them so much i use them now whilst operating the steadicam.

 

http://www.salomon.com/footwear/footwear/trail-running

the ones your looking for are the XD Pro 3D Ultra, there is also a full gortex version GTX model for those out in the rain, but i find these sweat a bit.

 

Anyway good times everyone

 

regards,

Damien

[chris fawcett]

Hi Aaron,

 

I agree with Damien. Salomon shoes work very well for me too. However, they are a narrow fit. Friends with medium-width feet claim that Merrels work well for them; for broader feet Tevas seem to do the job (though they tend to get smelly). All these shoes have one thing in common—a low, stable sole with some arch support, but little cushioning. Also, when you bend the shoes with your hands, they all bend at the same place as your feet do. Avoid shoes that bend in the middle. Little thought has gone into the design of the sole.

 

I wrote 5 years ago in Steadicam Posture about footwear. There was evidence then that expensive training shoes caused more injuries than cheap ones. Do an internet search now on the subject, and you will find a huge amount of anecdotal evidence, but also a growing body of research to back that up. There are five problems with squishy soles. First, soft soles allow the many bones of our feet to change alignment with each other, stretching tendons, and causing articulating surfaces to rub against each other in unintended ways. Second, soft soles are inherently unstable, which can lead to injuries such as sprained ankles. Third, landing on a squishy surface leads us to 'plant' our feet harder in order to find stability. If you jump from a table wearing soft sneakers, and measure the deceleration at the level of your hips, then compare that to landing on bare feet, there is a difference. Try it. The effect is noticeable: unshod, you land cat-like. The softer the surface, the greater the tendency to 'plant.' If you've ever landed on a gymnastic mat, you'll know what I mean. Fourth, the feet are analogous to the hands, in that they provide us with one of the main tactile inputs from the environment. When a bare foot strikes the ground, millions of stretch receptors initiate spinal reflexes that prepare the muscles of the leg for the incoming shock wave in such a way as to protect the ankle, knee, and hip joints from damage. A soft-soled shoe pretty much robs you of that information. Finally—and to begin to answer your question, Aaron—soft shoes do affect your gait. Slow-motion footage of barefoot versus shod running (see YouTube) shows that there is no heel strike with barefoot running. Instead, you land on the ball of the foot in the same anatomical place as do most animals. You can clearly see the reduction of the shockwave running up the muscles of the leg that results. In walking, the difference is much less dramatic, since normal walking involves the heel landing first, but the slight attenuation of the heel-strike shock that results from wearing a stable shoe probably is beneficial too.

 

Thanks, Anthony, for bringing the Vibram FiveFinger to my attention. I am hugely excited to try them out with Steadicam. When you switch from a spongy to a firm sole, your calf muscles have to do a lot more work, so I don't expect an easy transition. On the other hand, I don't see why my natural arch muscles shouldn't become strong enough, given a little training, to support themselves. In contrast, I am hugely suspicious of Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT shoes). The makers claim inspiration from how well the Masai walk barefoot, and have created a monstrously spongy shoe to make us pampered Westerners walk in the same natural way. Well, hello.

 

As to the difference in walking with Steadicam as to walking without—and this is purely anecdotal—I have found that my own operating improves as I get closer to my usual walk. As I grow into Steadicam over the years, my operating walk more closely resembles how I walk in normal life. This might not apply to everyone, and of course will not apply to back-mount vest users since they have to maintain their hips level. I'd be very interested to know if anyone shares this experience.

 

As Hippocrates, the father of Medicine, said nearly two and a half thousand years ago: Walking is the best of all medicines.

 

Chris

[Fabrizio Sciarra SOC ACO]

Hi Aaron,

 

I agree with Damien. Salomon shoes work very well for me too. However, they are a narrow fit. Friends with medium-width feet claim that Merrels work well for them; for broader feet Tevas seem to do the job (though they tend to get smelly). All these shoes have one thing in common—a low, stable sole with some arch support, but little cushioning. Also, when you bend the shoes with your hands, they all bend at the same place as your feet do. Avoid shoes that bend in the middle. Little thought has gone into the design of the sole.

 

I wrote 5 years ago in Steadicam Posture about footwear. There was evidence then that expensive training shoes caused more injuries than cheap ones. Do an internet search now on the subject, and you will find a huge amount of anecdotal evidence, but also a growing body of research to back that up. There are five problems with squishy soles. First, soft soles allow the many bones of our feet to change alignment with each other, stretching tendons, and causing articulating surfaces to rub against each other in unintended ways. Second, soft soles are inherently unstable, which can lead to injuries such as sprained ankles. Third, landing on a squishy surface leads us to 'plant' our feet harder in order to find stability. If you jump from a table wearing soft sneakers, and measure the deceleration at the level of your hips, then compare that to landing on bare feet, there is a difference. Try it. The effect is noticeable: unshod, you land cat-like. The softer the surface, the greater the tendency to 'plant.' If you've ever landed on a gymnastic mat, you'll know what I mean. Fourth, the feet are analogous to the hands, in that they provide us with one of the main tactile inputs from the environment. When a bare foot strikes the ground, millions of stretch receptors initiate spinal reflexes that prepare the muscles of the leg for the incoming shock wave in such a way as to protect the ankle, knee, and hip joints from damage. A soft-soled shoe pretty much robs you of that information. Finally—and to begin to answer your question, Aaron—soft shoes do affect your gait. Slow-motion footage of barefoot versus shod running (see YouTube) shows that there is no heel strike with barefoot running. Instead, you land on the ball of the foot in the same anatomical place as do most animals. You can clearly see the reduction of the shockwave running up the muscles of the leg that results. In walking, the difference is much less dramatic, since normal walking involves the heel landing first, but the slight attenuation of the heel-strike shock that results from wearing a stable shoe probably is beneficial too.

 

Thanks, Anthony, for bringing the Vibram FiveFinger to my attention. I am hugely excited to try them out with Steadicam. When you switch from a spongy to a firm sole, your calf muscles have to do a lot more work, so I don't expect an easy transition. On the other hand, I don't see why my natural arch muscles shouldn't become strong enough, given a little training, to support themselves. In contrast, I am hugely suspicious of Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT shoes). The makers claim inspiration from how well the Masai walk barefoot, and have created a monstrously spongy shoe to make us pampered Westerners walk in the same natural way. Well, hello.

 

As to the difference in walking with Steadicam as to walking without—and this is purely anecdotal—I have found that my own operating improves as I get closer to my usual walk. As I grow into Steadicam over the years, my operating walk more closely resembles how I walk in normal life. This might not apply to everyone, and of course will not apply to back-mount vest users since they have to maintain their hips level. I'd be very interested to know if anyone shares this experience.

 

As Hippocrates, the father of Medicine, said nearly two and a half thousand tears ago: Walking is the best of all medicines.

 

Chris

 

Nice post dude!

 

By the way, just throwing in my .2 cents, I've been using for years New Balance 907, 908 and lately 909, great shoes, very supportive and light; big downside is that they last next to nothing.

Only recently, decided to try out the Merrel Chameleon Wrap Slam (what a name!) and found them astonishing comfortable and rigid at the same time. Only negative point I could find is that they are a bit heavier than the NB. Oh, only for cold winters as they are really worm shoes!

Happy flying

Edited March 4, 2010 by Fabrizio Sciarra

[Brad Grimmett]

Since we're talking about shoes, lets talk laces. I've been wearing Merrells for a long time and my favorite has been the Merrell Chameleon Stretch partially because of the lacing system. I have finicky feet and I like to adjust the tightness of my shoes many times throughout the day depending if I'm sitting on a dolly, doing steadicam, relaxing at lunch, etc, so these are perfect for me. I recently bought the Merrell Pivot to try out something new. So far so good.

Is anyone else wearing shoes with these types of laces? I know Merrell isn't the only brand with laces like that.

[chris fawcett]

Thanks Fabrizio!

 

I agree, Brad. Never tripping on your laces is a plus too.

 

Chris

[Kyle Blackman]

I have been hittin' the pavement (and those stages with 5 layers or creaky plywood) wearing the New Balance 473 and just made the switch over to the NB 572.(like 60 or 70 bucks) My feet get really hot so any show I wear needs to breathe A LOT! Not water proof but hey that's why we buy Neos :D

 

The other thing that helps me immensely is different insoles. A pair of DIY custom molded insoles from Sports Authority. You heat them up in your oven for 3 minutes and then let them cool while you are wearing them.($30)

 

No matter what shoe you like, I strongly recommend new insoles:

 

http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3502018&cp=3077570.3079720.1336391.1767680&fbc=1&f=Brand%2F2089%2F&fbn=Brand|Sof+Sole&lmdn=Brand&parentPage=family

 

 

 

-

Kyle

[Sam Morgan Moore]

There was evidence then that expensive training shoes caused more injuries than cheap ones....

Chris

 

My feeling is that my low top converse one stars - basically a really flimsy little tennis shoe are the best - close to a barefoot experience

 

I would choose something with more beef if the was risk of a turned ankle - say a rough surface ?

 

S

[chris fawcett]

There is a really interesting book called "Born to Run" which is worth exploring even if you are not interested in running. Since reading that book I have been a huge convert to the modern barefoot style of running using the Vibram 5 finger shoe. I haven't tried the Mbt shoes but have found the Vibram's improved my posture, could be a placebo type effect and just having them on has made me more conscious of it?

Hi Anthony,

 

On your recommendation, I picked up a pair of the Vibram Fivefinger KSO Trek shoes on my last trip to the US, and love them. They are jet-black kangaroo leather, silky smooth and not too conspicuous. Finally I worked up the courage to try a shoot with them. Two back-to-back hour-long takes of a dance performance. They were perfect for fast-moving, delicate work, though they seem less suited to standing around in. I'll keep experimenting, but so far, I'm impressed. Thanks for the tip.

 

Chris

[Anthony Quesada]

Hey Chris,

Glad you like them. I know what you mean, I have yet to be able to stand comfortably in them for prolonged periods, while I can run relatively long distances in them?? Maybe you can share some tips for back to back hour long takes, I don't think any shoe would save me in that situation:)

 

Anthony

[chris fawcett]

Light camera, light rig, and keep moving!

 

I find being in the same position most tiring. Although I remain in missionary, as much as possible, for the sake of my shots, if on a long take, I vary the camera position relative to my body as the situation allows. A change is as good as a rest, we say.

 

Chris

[Jon Beattie]

I've been getting into the barefoot running crazy over the last six months or so. The vibrams are very popular with barefoot runners. Everything that I've read (and experienced) so far has been that it takes your feet,ankles,calves and knees sometime to adjust as your using muscles in a way you have not before. I've sure with prolonged use of your 5 fingers you'll be fine standing around.

 

I don't have the guts to wear the 5 fingers on set. We are enough of a sideshow at times.

 

What I have done is switched to Nike Free Runners. They are super lightweight and have amazing flex on all angles. I also use my barefoot running technique of always stepping on the ball of my foot first rather than my heal. It produces less impact on your knees and hips and is better for your back and core.

 

At first it does take your legs time to adjust to this but it has been worth it.

 

On rough terrain, dirt, woods or in the rain I wear Inov 8 they have better traction and are weather proof.

 

I used to wear merrells and loved them from my time as a grip right through operating. This year though I noticed how much my heals would bother me after a day on set. I started reading a boom made the switch.