Altra Paradigm 4.0 Review

Altra Paradigm 4.0 Review

Altra has a special place in my heart.  Years ago when I was experimenting with minimal running shoes, I still remember getting my first pair of Altra Instincts.  It was awesome to finally have a zero drop trainer that had enough cushion to protect my legs from my +100 mile weeks (college) but still had everything I wanted in regards to shape and drop.  I went through 9-10 pairs until finally my lack of knowledge regarding achilles health at the time (being in college) steering me back toward traditional running shoes.  Fast forward to my current knowledge base, I made the plunge back into Altra with appropriate achilles, calf and foot/ankle preparation and the Paradigm 4 has been like meeting and old friend that has absolutely transformed.  The EGO midsole, the guide rails, the improved flexibility (even in a "max cushion" shoe) is a clear demonstration of the evolution that is Altra.  Let's jump into what makes this a unique shoe. 

Running Movement Impairments: Excess Anterior Knee Translation (Knee Forward to Toe)

Running Movement Impairments: Excess Anterior Knee Translation

Most people have heard that during squatting they should try to keep their knees from moving in front of their toes.  Then I am sure you have also heard the argument that it is indeed ok for those knees to go forward.  The answer to what is right simply depends on what what you are doing and what your goals are.  If you goal is to load the quadriceps and the patellar tendon more, then let that knee move forward.  If you are trying to minimize load and stress on the quad and patellar tendon, keep that knee back.  There is some literature on this effect, with more coming out in the recent years (Kernozek et al., 2018; Zellmer et al., 2017).

When it comes to running, there is no literature on excessive anterior knee translation that I am aware of.  However, clinical experience has shown me a similar movement impairment present in many runners with patellofemoral (knee) pain.  This may be due to the fact that running has a much higher impact load that squatting (depending on how much load you carry with the squat and the speed to which you move).  So while individuals may be able to get away with knees forward to toes with squatting, during running athletes may not have as much leeway. 

A big thank you to Ashley Bell for modeling some photos for this piece!  This is a clear example of the excessive knee anterior translation.  Her foot has not passed under her body yet and that knee is already forward of her toes!

Reebok Floatride Run Fast Review

Reebok Floatride Run Fast Review

I have been very intrigued by Reebok's recent return to serious running.  From the few shoes I have tried, they have been doing interesting things.  Among one of my favorites is the PwrPad which may helps actively engage the depression of the first metatarsal (unsure if it does).  Along comes the Floatride Run Fast and Run Fast Pro, Reebok's new racing shoes utilizing their Floatride Foam in lightweight fast packages.  While I have not tried the Run Fast Pro, the Run Fast has been on my feet for every workout and a few long runs the last month and it has shined far brighter than expected.  Let's talk about why.