Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2023

Abstract

Heel counters are one of the many footwear components that are commented on here at Doctors of Running. Heel counters are (usually) a rigid piece of material embedded in or molded around the upper of the rearfoot. The purpose is to provide structure to this part of the shoe and potentially stabilize the heel. There are now several variations, going from ones that wrap completely around the heel, to split heel counters (a piece left out at the rearmost portion) and even super thin heel counters just to keep the upper from collapsing. While many people do well with these stiffening agents, some with sensitivities at or around their heel sometimes do not.

I (Matt Klein) always comment on the structure, stiffness and padding around this structure. Outside of having some insertional Achilles tendon problems (which may or may not be the inspiration for my current PhD dissertation), I have had a long history with Haglund's deformities. These are actually quite common and the stiff heel counters are known to be troublesome for those with sensitivity back in this area. While heel counters can be beneficial for structure and security at the heel, how they are designed and their stiffness may or may not work for a variety of people.

Comments

Originally published on Matthew Klein's website: Doctors of Running. January 2023.

https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2023/01/running-shoes-for-people-with-haglunds.html

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