When is the pitch of a shoe, not the pitch of a shoe?
Most of you will agree that the pitch of a shoe should be given as a comparison between the thickness of the sole at the forefoot, and the thickness of the sole at the heel.
Based on this understanding, a zero drop shoe should have equal thickness at the forefoot and heel, right? WRONG. Based on common shoe company methodology, you'd be incorrect.
Most of you will agree that the pitch of a shoe should be given as a comparison between the thickness of the sole at the forefoot, and the thickness of the sole at the heel.
Based on this understanding, a zero drop shoe should have equal thickness at the forefoot and heel, right? WRONG. Based on common shoe company methodology, you'd be incorrect.
| pitch /pɪtʃ/ noun 1. the steepness of a slope, especially of a roof. 2. (shoes) the difference in the stack height (padding) between the heel and the forefoot. | toe spring /təʊ sprɪŋ/ noun 1. The elevation of the toe end of the shoe from the ball. |
More often than not, it seems that the pitch of the shoe is made by a comparison of two lines. The first a line from the highest point of the toe spring to the highest point of padding at the heel. The second, horizontal, in line with the ground.
Added to this, athletic shoes generally come with a foam inner sole, which is generally thicker at the heel than the forefoot. This further increases the angle of your foot in the shoe.
Is there an ideal pitch? That is a whole topic all on its own. The short answer is no. The beginning of the longer answer is that there is only one constant in the equation, that being the foot. Morphologically the more time you spend with the heel raised off the ground, the shorter the achilles (amongst other structures) will become. Though, this is far more important in life than in exercise.
Now, go and grab your shoes, have a play, and let me know what you find.
Added to this, athletic shoes generally come with a foam inner sole, which is generally thicker at the heel than the forefoot. This further increases the angle of your foot in the shoe.
Is there an ideal pitch? That is a whole topic all on its own. The short answer is no. The beginning of the longer answer is that there is only one constant in the equation, that being the foot. Morphologically the more time you spend with the heel raised off the ground, the shorter the achilles (amongst other structures) will become. Though, this is far more important in life than in exercise.
Now, go and grab your shoes, have a play, and let me know what you find.
