Hi guys

I am currently recruiting for an important research study measuring the effect of changing from heel strike to forefoot strike on distance running performance and injury rates.

We will be comparing running in a Mizuno shoe with a heel strike versus running in a Newton shoe with a forefoot strike. We will provide shoes for the duration of the study.

The study involves completing 3 monthly questionnaires and 6 monthly 5km time trials held on a synthetic track at Newcastle. The next time trial will be held on Sunday May 23. Runners entering the study before the May time trial will be in the study for 12 months and complete 3 time trials.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:
 I am aged 18 or over
 I run for at least 30 minutes three times per week
 My US shoe size is one of the following (Women can wear mens shoes and vice versa)
Men’s size 8 9 10 11 12
Women’s size 7 8 9
 The first part of my foot to touch the ground when I run is my heel
 When I run I wear shoes with a thick cushioned heel
 I wear the same pair of shoes when training and racing
 I do not wear orthotics
 I do not intend to make any significant changes to coaching, training, equipment use, diet, medical or physical therapy, medication or supplement use in next 12 months
 I do not expect any significant change in my health or injury status in the next 12 months
 I have been competing in distance running events (5km or greater) for at least 2 years (can be run leg of triathlons)
 My season best time over my preferred distance has not varied by more than 5% over the past two years (can be run leg of triasthlon)
 I am willing to change my running style and the shoes I wear for the 12 month duration of the trial if required
 I am willing to be randomly allocated to wear either a heel strike or a forefoot strike running shoe
 I am willing to be randomly allocated to land on my heel or the ball of my foot when I run
 I do not have a commercial relationship with a shoe brand or manufacturer
 I do not derive either status or income from recommending running shoes to runners (eg shoe retailer, podiatrist)

Please send me an email if you are interested (Craig.Richards@newcastle.edu.au)!

cheers

Craig
_________________
Dr Craig Richards
Footwear researcher
University of Newcastle

Footwear design consultant
Barefoot on Grass