Can marathon-winning trainers make you a better runner? 

Elite marathon runners are crossing finish lines in super shoes and breaking records. But what does that actually mean for everyday runners.

Super shoes. Carbon plates. PEBA foam. But what actually matters?

You’ve probably heard the claims. More speed. More bounce. Better running economy. Here’s the simple version.

The foam matters more than you think…

Traditional running shoes have long used EVA foam, a lightweight material that absorbs shock well. Newer “super shoes” use foams such as PEBA and Pebax, which are lighter and more responsive, helping runners feel quicker and more efficient.

What about the carbon plate?

The carbon plate isn’t necessarily acting like a spring catapulting you forwards. Research suggests it may actually play a bigger role in reducing stress through the foot and protecting joints in the forefoot from repetitive load.

Who benefits most?

The biggest gains tend to be seen in runners with a faster cadence and quicker pace. But they don’t always create the same improvement at slower speeds.

One thing to be aware of

Softer, lighter foams can also mean less resistance to excessive foot movement. For some runners, this may increase the risk of certain injuries.

The takeaway

Super shoes can absolutely have their place, but they’re not magic shoes. Because of their cost and lower durability, they’re often best kept for key sessions and race day.

Want help finding the right shoe for your running style and goals? We can help.

Take steps to your personal best

It’s the perfect time to tune up your biomechanics, recover right, and prepare your feet for future runs.

📍 Find us at: 1 Parsons Green Lane, Fulham, London, SW6 4HP

💻 Book your appointment here.

Take the next step toward better movement, faster recovery, and lasting performance.

Book your appointment today and step into your strongest stride yet.

Reach your peak with Penny

Your feet are your foundation. Every jump, turn and landing places huge demand on them and even small issues can quickly affect how you move, train and perform.

More dancers and gymnasts are choosing to work with a podiatrist who truly understands the physical demands of dance.

Whether you are experiencing a foot issue or simply want to take a proactive approach to injury prevention, specialist podiatry care can help you stay strong, stable and confident in your movement. 

Penny is our in-house dance, gymnast and sports injury specialist. As a former ballet teacher and examiner, she’s an advocate for helping people, particularly dancers, move better and stay pain free. 

Her skillset includes Gait and Foot Pressure Analysis and orthotic therapy,  Point of Care Ultrasound, Laser Therapy, Shockwave therapy and exercise rehabiliation. Whether you’re dancing or not, she believes foot health is paramount in everyone’s daily life. 

How Podiatry Can Help Dancers

A podiatrist can provide both treatment and preventative care, helping dancers maintain healthy feet throughout their training and performance schedules.

Common podiatry treatments for dancers include:

Skin and nail care
Treatment for corns, calluses, blisters, and nail issues caused by pressure and friction in dance shoes.

Biomechanical assessments
An assessment of how your feet move and absorb load during activity. This helps identify areas of stress that may contribute to pain or injury.

Advice on footwear and pressure management
Guidance on managing pressure points in dance shoes and pointe work to reduce irritation and injury risk.

Injury support and prevention
Treatment and advice for common overuse injuries affecting dancers, alongside strategies to help keep you training consistently.

Supporting Dancers at Active Life Podiatry

Whether you are experiencing a foot issue or simply want to take a proactive approach to injury prevention, specialist podiatry care can help you stay strong, stable and confident in your movement.

At Active Life Podiatry, Penny works with dancers to provide personalised care that supports both foot health and performance.

If you’re a dancer and your feet could benefit from expert attention, booking a podiatry appointment could be the first step in keeping you dancing comfortably and confidently.

Book your appointment today and step into your strongest stride yet.

Taking steps to end shoe poverty. But we need your help. 

Active Life Podiatry are proudly partnering with Shoe Aid for a third year to help end shoe poverty globally.

Shoe Aid is a UK based charity that sources and supplies free footwear through a collection and distribution network, so no child or adult has to go without shoes.

With your help, we delivered hundreds of pairs of shoes to people in need. For the third year, we’re collecting shoes until 30th November 2025.

How you can help

You can help to make a difference and change lives by donating your old shoes and giving them a second life to someone in need.

Simply donate your shoes to Active Life Podiatry’s drop off point at 1 Parsons Green Lane and we’ll send them to Shoe Aid for you. Or, make a donation directly.

Did you know?

• 1.5 billion people worldwide without shoes, including 300 million children. 
• 2 million shoes are thrown into landfill every week.
• 1 pair of shoes takes upwards of 1000 years to biodegrade.

Shoe Aid is tackling the problem, by educating on the importance of recycling and repurposing footwear.
They distribute tens of thousands of pairs of shoes to over 15 countries. Simply donate shoes you no longer wear to our Parsons Green Clinic, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Together, we can get steps to end shoe poverty globally.