Experts say improved rearfoot control reduces the risk of injuries in the lower extremities.
European researchers compared two leading brands designed to stabilize the heel, both with and without heel inserts. Both brands were comparable in terms of insole hardness and heel rigidity but differed in heel width. Twenty student volunteers were randomly assigned to one of four shoe groups and were filmed while running on a treadmill. Movement of the rearfoot was measured at four points from heel strike to liftoff. The data showed that shoes with narrow heels significantly decreased heel movement.