Foot-Type Determines Running Shoe?

Another myth perpetrated by the podiatric profession.

P.S. If you think I'm being unfair to podiatrists, here's a podiatrist perpetrating the foot-type myth:

"I am Dennis Shavelson DPM, the doctor named in Dr. Kornfeld’s article.

"I am not against barefoot running (I am a Vivobarefoot Shoe dealer in practice in NYC),

"Feet are not made equal (The Foot Typing System that was mentioned). Some make excellent heel strikers, some excellent forefoot strikers, some neither, some both. I believe that’s what Dr. Kornfeld was alluding to.

"Once foot typed, advice, direction and mentoring can be given as to ways to walk, run, what shoes to wear including heel heights, what contact positions, what muscle engine training, the use of foot centering trainers (temporary orthotics weaned away as you strengthen, if you want to barefoot run (or backwards run, or walk sideways or forward..."

Here's my reply.

P.P.S.  I'm upstaged:

"With all due respect, reading statements like this on your FootHelpers website (http://www.foothelpers.com/index.html) is what makes people wary of those in your profession:

"'Simply send your Next Set of Casts (plaster, fiberglass or foam) and your Current Lab Rx to The FootHelpers Lab.

"'Dr. Shavelson will call you personally with your casts in hand to discuss and mentor you through the quick and profitable learning curve of Neoteric Biomechanics.'

"It's pitched as something not to be done for the good of the patient, but because it is 'profitable.'...

"Snake Oil: ...However, the most common usage of the phrase is as a derogatory term for quack medicine. The expression is also applied metaphorically to any product with exaggerated marketing but questionable and/or unverifiable quality or benefit."

Wow.  Hey, as they say, "If the shoe fits..."