From the Guidelines
There are no specific scientific orthopedic studies focusing exclusively on Puma shoes and their impact on orthopedic health, and thus, the selection of shoes should be based on individual foot structure, gait pattern, and activity requirements rather than brand name alone. While athletic footwear companies like Puma design shoes with features that may provide cushioning, support, and stability, research tends to focus on general footwear characteristics rather than specific brands.
Key Considerations for Orthopedic Health
- Orthopedic benefits or risks would depend more on the specific shoe model, its design features, and how well it matches an individual's foot structure and biomechanical needs rather than the brand name itself.
- For individuals with diabetes at risk of foot ulceration, educating them to wear footwear that accommodates the shape of their feet and fits properly is crucial 1.
- Consulting with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist can help determine the most appropriate footwear for your individual orthopedic needs, as they can assess factors like arch height, pronation, and any existing foot conditions that should influence your shoe selection.
General Footwear Recommendations
- A broad and square toe box
- Laces with three or four eyes per side
- Padded tongue
- Quality lightweight materials
- Sufficient size to accommodate a cushioned insole, as suggested by standards of medical care in diabetes 1.
Importance of Proper Footwear
- Properly fitting footwear can help reduce the risk of foot ulcers in high-risk patients, especially those with diabetes 1.
- The routine prescription of therapeutic footwear is not generally recommended, but patients should be provided with adequate information to aid in the selection of appropriate footwear 1.
From the Research
Orthopedic Studies on Puma Shoes
There are no scientific orthopedic studies specifically on the benefits or risks of Puma shoes for orthopedic health.
Available Orthopedic Studies
However, there are studies on the effects of arch-support orthotics and foot-orthoses on orthopedic health, which may be relevant to the design and features of Puma shoes:
- A study on the effects of semi-rigid arch-support orthotics found no significant changes in strength, posture, or stability, but reported a reduction in low-back discomfort and an increase in foot discomfort 2.
- Another study found that the addition of an arch support to a laterally wedged insole improved its biomechanical effect, reducing knee adduction moment and step width 3.
- A study on arch-support foot-orthoses found that they normalized dynamic in-shoe foot pressure distribution in medial tibial stress syndrome, potentially treating and preventing the condition in recreational runners 4.
- A study on arch support use in older adults found statistically significant improvements in balance, functional mobility, and reduced back and lower extremity joint pains 5.
Limitations of Available Studies
While these studies provide insight into the effects of arch-support orthotics and foot-orthoses, they do not specifically address Puma shoes. Additionally, a study on the level of evidence gap in orthopedic research highlights the limitations of current research in addressing specific research questions 6.
Key Findings
Key findings from available studies include:
- Arch-support orthotics can reduce low-back discomfort and improve biomechanical effects 2, 3.
- Arch-support foot-orthoses can normalize dynamic in-shoe foot pressure distribution in medial tibial stress syndrome 4.
- Arch support use can improve balance, functional mobility, and reduce pain in older adults 5.