´Runners-Hallux´

Is it the running shoes?

´Runners-Hallux´

Is it the running shoes?

The Big Toe Test shows you how your current forefoot stability is. If you can't master the Big Toe Test, it will also have a negative effect on your overall biomechanical processes. Because if you have a problem with the forefoot, the rearfoot is not supported⁽²⁾ and tends into excessive pronation, an inward rotation of the joint, or excessive joint outward rotation, supination. Both weaken your propulsion phase and stress the entire body structure.

Make the Big Toe Test now

Over 2/3 of runners worldwide have a 'runner's hallux'

An international study⁽¹⁾ of over 500,000 foot scans confirms our own research. Summarized in four words, it reads: Big toe, big problem. Normally, the big toe provides about 85% of the stability⁽²⁾ when running. However, when wearing conventional running shoes that restricts the toes for too long, the foot will suffer from permanent structural deformation. This can be found out in two ways: you have already developed a noticeable hallux valgus or you can take the Big Toe Test. Here is how this applies.

What is a "runner's hallux"?

The term runner's hallux refers to the oblique position of the big toe, in the direction of the little toe at an angle of -8° and more. Running shoes with a toe box that is too narrow combined with the high forces that act on the foot with every running step taken, lead to developing a runner´s hallux.

The study⁽¹⁾ above, based on foot scans from over 447 sports retail stores worldwide, and another study⁽³⁾examining the hallux angle of runners wearing conventional running shoes, suggest that runner's hallux begins at an angle of -8° and greater. Greater angle measurements have an even more negative effect on foot function.

Study results⁽⁴⁾ show that the negative influence of conventionally shaped running shoes during running is significantly greater in runners with respect to big toe structure and function. Finally, it is important to realize that during running, two to three times one's body weight acts on the foot structure with each step.

What is a "runner's hallux"?

The term runner's hallux refers to the oblique position of the big toe, in the direction of the little toe at an angle of -8° and more. Running shoes with a toe box that is too narrow combined with the high forces that act on the foot with every running step taken, lead to developing a runner´s hallux.

The study⁽¹⁾ above, based on foot scans from over 447 sports retail stores worldwide, and another study⁽³⁾ examining the hallux angle of runners wearing conventional running shoes, suggest that runner's hallux begins at an angle of -8° and greater. Greater angle measurements have an even more negative effect on foot function.

Study results⁽⁴⁾ show that the negative influence of conventionally shaped running shoes during running is significantly greater in runners with respect to big toe structure and function. Finally, it is important to realize that during running, two to three times one's body weight acts on the foot structure with each step.

Tabelle und bildliche Darstellung der Vortriebsphase

Why the big toe is so important in the propulsive phase!

✔ The architecture and alignment of the big toe provide the required structural stability during the propulsive phase.

✔ The three largest intrinsic foot muscles attach to the big toe and provide the active stability required during propulsive phase.

✔ The "windlass effect" of the plantar fascia occurs mainly at the big toe and provides the passive stability required during propulsive phase.

We call it toefreedom®

Injury rates in runners have not been reduced over the past 30 years, despite a multitude of technological running shoe innovations.⁽⁵⁾ How can this be? Studies show that forces associated with running-related injuries peak after maximum pronation has occurred, with the highest forces occurring during the propulsive phase of running.⁽⁶⁾

99% of the solutions represented in the running shoe market completely ignore the stability and force potential of the big toe.

We call it toefreedom®

Injury rates in runners have not been reduced over the past 30 years, despite a multitude of technological running shoe innovations.⁽⁵⁾ How can this be? Studies show that forces associated with running-related injuries peak after maximum pronation has occurred, with the highest forces occurring during the propulsive phase of running.⁽⁶⁾

99% of the solutions represented in the running shoe market completely ignore the stability and force potential of the big toe.

Nature. Perfected!

An uncompromisingly wider, anatomically correct toe box in running shoes allows the toes to splay and perform their natural stabilizing function during the ground contact and push-off phases of running. Not even 1% of running shoes worldwide follow this principle. We've been doing it for 40 years and call it toefreedom®.

Nature. Perfected!

An uncompromisingly wider, anatomically correct toe box in running shoes allows the toes to splay and perform their natural stabilizing function during the ground contact and push-off phases of running. Not even 1% of running shoes worldwide follow this principle. We've been doing it for 40 years and call it toefreedom®.

References:

(1) ”Analysis of hallux valgus angles automatically extracted from 3D foot scans taken in North America, Europe and Asia” (Yang Jiao, Saso Dzeroski, Ales Jurca) 2022

(2) „Runners Rewired“ (Jay Dicharry) 2017

(3) “Foot Morphological Difference between habitually shod and unshod runners” (Shu, Mei, Fernandez, Li, Feng, Gu) 2015

(4) “Does the incidence of acquired hallux valgus vary from shod runners to barefoot runners?” (Watson, Arulsingh, Pai) 2015

(5)”Running shoes and running injuries: mythbusting and a proposal for two new paradigms: ‘preferred movement path’ and ‘comfort filter’” (Nigg, Baltich, Hoerzer, Enders) 2015

(6)”Preventing Bone Stres Injuries in Runners with Optimal Workload” (Warden, Edwards, Willy) 2021