this post was submitted on 30 Sep 2023

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Memory Foam Shoes are Terrible (startrek.website)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/unpopularopinion

38 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Pretty much every pair of Sketchers shoes now has memory foam soles and everyone seems to think they are great but I hate them.

They are really hot, the foam is like a layer of insulation.

The top of the memory foam soles is somewhat elastic so it's really smooth and slippery so your socks slide around inside

They are no more comfortable than regular shoes and in fact I think they provide less arch support since they are squishy compared to shoes with harder foam.

And most of all the memory foam gets smashed and wears out in no time with some shoes having the foam glued in so replacing the insole is impossible.

I just can't fathom how they are so popular.

all 39 comments

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[–] PP_BOY_ 26 points 1 year ago

Memory foam shoes are terrible for the environment too. Natural cork soles do just as well of a job for 99% of people and are actually biodegradable. Memory foam is more comfortable out the box but gets worn out within months and is usually non-replaceable.

[–] DocMcStuffin 12 points 1 year ago

A nurse friend of mine told me that Sketcher are one of the most popular shoes in that profession. He recommended them if you had to be on your feet a lot.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago

Memory foam anything is terrible.

[+] stephenc 7 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (4 children)

[deleted]

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Until you step on anything sharp or hot and hurt yourself

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

This is why barefoot shoes exist, e.g. Vivobarefoot. Thin, puncture-resistant soles that prevent puncture and slice damage while still allowing your feet to remain connected with the ground and get stronger.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Hadn't heard of those, they look comfy at least, although I'm not sure if I would call that barefoot, but of course I haven't tried them

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The Primus outsole is around 2mm thick. It's a night and day difference compared to a normal shoe. I actually think the whole "we need arch support argument" is sorta overblown because I have super high arches and had issues with my feet pronating in, putting stress on my knees, and since I've swapped things got much better. You change how you walk, so you don't slam your heels down like most do, instead relying much more on Achilles and calf muscles. My foot fascia feels stronger as do my calves after daily walking in vivos, and this was noticeable a few months after swapping. The first week was the most odd, as you somewhat have to learn how to walk to not have as much impact (let your calves be the "spring" and land midfoot or ball of foot) especially on things like concrete.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Interesting, my arches are pretty flat though, so I'm not sure how well those shoes would work for me? I feel it would put more strain on my ankles and knees

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

That's the beauty about it- it doesn't matter. Your body gets stronger and adapts. That said, make the transition smooth to avoid injury. Listen to it as your work up the step count and mileage, and explore your strides and how you rebound in the step to find something that feels strong and doesn't facilitate pain. The classic shoe community is all about "how can we build a shoe that protects your feet from discomfort" whereas the barefoot shoe movement focuses on "how can we strengthen our body such that the protection isn't required". There's obviously a balance, and that's why barefoot shoes still have things like soles to prevent injury from sharps and provide traction.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

I live in Central Alberta, if I didn't wear shoes my feet would be frostbitten after one trip to a store in winter. Snow in Canada may be a false stereotype in the summer, but you bet your ass it's completely true at the expected time of year.

[–] jacktherippah 3 points 1 year ago

I disagree. Shoes are hella warm, comfortable and they protect your feet better than sandals and flip flops.

[–] atrielienz 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I've lived in 7 US cities and I wouldn't go barefoot in any of them. I like socks. They keep my feet warm and my shoes from stinking. I require support in most shoes due to a plantar fasciitis injury and my knees appreciate the extra shock absorption from shoes. I also work in a place that requires proper foot protection. This isn't something everyone can or should do.

[–] Protoknuckles 4 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I don't have am answer why, but my feet hurt like hell after a day of standing around or walking without the memory foam. I'm trying to find a good pair of professional looking shoes that fit like Sketcher memory foam actually.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

If you'd like to try the barefoot concept of shoe, Carrots (Edit: Carets) shoes make really nice dress-style barefoot shoes.

[–] SpaceNoodle 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Carets?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

That was it! Thanks man

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I haven't used theirs, but I've got On Cloud shoes (one of those with double layers of dampening) and Adidas 4D / 4DFWD 3D printed mesh shoes, and both are really soft and stable simultaneously and work very well. Although they're also both on the expensive side too.

[–] Winbombs 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Sketchers make loafers and other "professional" type shoes. I wore a brown leather pair everyday for 8 years when I was still in an office.

[–] Protoknuckles 1 points 1 year ago

I tried a pair of boat shoes, I think? They slip on. They're not as comfortable, so my feet still hurt. I think it has to do with arch support? Maybe?

[–] Asudox 2 points 1 year ago

I couldn't agree more. I wore a few sketchers in the past and thought the memory foam would give comfort. A month ago I went to a shoe store again and wore another pair of shoes to run, this tme decided to try out other ones. And damn don't they feel much better than my sketcher pairs I've ever wore.

[+] [email protected] -10 points 1 year ago (3 children)

We don't need foam or arch support or any of that shit in our shoes, it's all marketing nonsense. We've got muscles in our feet for a reason. Save your feet, knees etc. and buy something like a pair of vivobarefoot shoes.

[–] andrewta 24 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Foam I agree that is a bad idea.

Arch support? Yeah you might want to do a little more research.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Every foot is different, and for some, like those who experience a lot of supination or high arches, arch support is likely the best way to go.

But there does seem to be a growing body of evidence that modern shoe design seems to promote weak arch muscles, and thus lead to pronation and flat arches, where as shoes with zero drop and no arch support, if transitioned to slowly, will eventually build up those muscles and no longer require support. I think there's also a strong case to be made in favor of shoes with a large toebox that doesn't squeeze the toes together.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Not sure I agree on the high arch needing support, but thanks for putting it more eloquently. A large toe box is definitely important too for walking more naturally.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Happy to be provided some. I got told I needed arch support after I'd been fairly inactive for over a year due to injury. I went barefoot style instead and my feet have never been happier.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's different for everyone my dude. You probably have a naturally flexible flat foot, which tend to do well with little or no arch support. Some people have varus or valgus hindfoot deformities that can damage tendon or ligaments without orthotic bracing.

Soft foam like memory foam tend to not work very well as they're too soft and can actually allow people with deformities to exceed their healthy range of motion.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah if you've got a diagnosed problem that's a different story. But the average foot doesn't need that support.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There's no such thing as the average or normal foot.....the vast majority (around 70%) of people in the United States have been born with or acquired pes planus deformities (flat footed). But in that category you have flexible flat feet, which don't usually require support. And you have rigid pes planus, that do usually require bracing.

You also have to account for age. You for one may not require support right now, but as you age you will acquire arthritis, loss of beneficial range of motion , and probably an excessive range of motion in the medial to lateral plane, allowing for over pronation.

You're claim may be closer to correct if you specified age, weight, and activity level, or specific a foot type.

It is in fact exceedingly rare to see western people who can remain in perfect subtalar neutral while weight bearing, and thus it's fairly rare for people to be active to a late age without sustaining chronic foot and ankle injuries over time.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The reason for that might be the fact that we're been cramming our feet into shoes that ruin them and don't allow the muscles to develop.

Also there can't not be an average.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

The reason for that might be the fact that we're been cramming our feet into shoes that ruin them and don't allow the muscles to develop.

What muscles would those be? What beneficial range of motion are we limiting to a degree that shoes inhibit healthy muscle growth?

What about athletes whom do not utilize footwear while they perform or practice? Shouldn't we see this optimum foot with dancers or gymnast?

Also there can't not be an average.

There can be averages for certain age groups.......there is no data for overall average, why would you even compile that?

[–] andrewta 0 points 1 year ago

just because something works for you does not mean it will work in all cases. that is a bad way to do research. try looking beyond yourself.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 year ago

I suffered with foot and back pain for years until I found arch supports. They make all the difference in the world. I can wear any kind of shoe as long as I put my arch support in it and stand on my feet for 18 hours with no issue.

[–] dohpaz42 7 points 1 year ago (3 children)

You got anything lower-end that are similar but not as expensive to try out?

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago

I wouldn't recommend barefoot running shoes unless you are running on soft surfaces. I am a provider who specializes in orthopedics and rehabilitation, specifically orthotics and prosthetics at a university hospital.

Our clinic is mainly patient care oriented, but we do get to do some research. The barefoot running fad was kicked off by from what I believe to be a purposely clumsy interpretation of some really interesting studies.

Mostly an investigative study about the bio mechanics of tribes in Africa who traditionally ran long distances without foot wear. The study is actually really great, but a lot of the proclaimed benefits aren't really applicable to other environments or cultures.

These tribes had their runners training without shoes at a very young age, and always on soft surfaces. If you take away any of the preconditions and the benefits also disappear.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Xero shoes are popular and more reasonably priced though I have no experience with them myself.

[–] lyam23 1 points 1 year ago

Xero are great but be warned that they are truly minimal. No heel drop, very thin sole. The soles last forever though.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Whitin barefoot shoes on amazon are a great entry into the barefoot style, they're very affordable and depending on the exact style you choose, actually seem to hold up surprisingly well for the price. Make sure you go for the ones that explicitly say they are Wide though, those have the most natural toebox shape.

There's also Splay! Shoes, which offer some affordable barefoot shoes that look like Vans.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I can't speak for other brands I'm afraid, only ever tried Vivo after taking the plunge. They are expensive so a cheaper one may be worth a shot if they're more available now.