Nike Air Monarch
Podiatrist's Recommendation for Men's Exercise Shoe
The Nike Air Monarch is an excellent choice for a men's exercise shoe because it meets the four criteria for what a shoe must have to be comfortable and keep your more active with less chance of injury to your feet and ankles. The Nike Air Monarch is not appropriate for hiking on trails as you will need a trail hiking shoe, but the Nike Air Monarch is a perfect go-to shoe for general activities, walking and the gym.
The 4 criteria needed for a shoe to be excellent are:
1. Thick, rigid and non-flexible sole. Any shoe with a flexible sole will allow too much motion through joints that may be compromised by underlying biomechanical foot issues, previous injuries and arthritic joint damage. It is counterintuitive but all shoes need to have rigid and non-flexible soles so as to protect the joints of the foot, which will then translate into less pain and joint damage. A rigid sole will also prevent the formation of bunions, hammertoes, tendon strain and osteoarthritis.
2. Wide toe box. A wider toe box means less pressure on the toes, which will slow the progression of bunions, hammertoes, corns, ingrown toenails and even toenail fungus. In my opinion, it is impossible to get rid of toenail fungus if you are wearing tight-fitting shoes because it is injury (even microtrauma) to the toenails that is what allows the fungal spores to set up house in the nail bed.
3. Rearfoot Control. Shoes that do not have rearfoot control force you to grip down your toes to stay in the shoe, which then promotes hammertoes, tendon strain as well as more strain on the knees, hips and lower back. If you have rearfoot issues such as Achilles tendonitis, Posterior Tibial or Peroneal tendonitis, it is very important that your shoes have rearfoot control because less motion gives the tendons a chance to heal.
4. It can accommodate a custom-molded orthotic or a good over the counter insert for more arch support. Arch support will decrease strain on the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. It will also help decrease arthritic changes to the Lisfranc's joint and help support the joint for anyone who has had a previous injury to the Lisfranc's joint.
This shoe is recommended for patients with:
*Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
*Mild Achilles Tendonitis
*Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
*Peroneal Tendonitis
*History of previous Lisfranc's Injury
*Hallux Rigidus
*Hallux Limitus
*Functional Hallux Limitus
*Osteoarthritis
*Morton's Neuroma
*Metatarsalgia
*Capsulitis
*Plantar Plate Injuries
*Hammertoes
*Mild to Moderate Bunions
*Tailor's Bunions
*Corns & Calluses
*Ingrown Toenails
*Over-Pronation
*Hypermobility & Ligament Laxity
*Ankle Instability
This shoe is not recommended for patients with:
*Charcot Foot
*Lymphedema
*Excessive Swelling
Check with your podiatrist if you have:
*Rheumatoid Arthritis
*Diabetes
*History of Ulcerations
*Drop Foot (this shoe should be able to accommodate a drop-foot plate or AFO, which is a custom-molded brace)
*Peripheral Neuropathy (nerve damage)
*Peripheral Arterial Disease (poor circulation)
For more information, check these articles:
Top 10 things to alleviate foot pain today.
Shoe recommendations for patients recovering from Lisfranc's Injuries.
I hope this was helpful!
Dr. Cathleen A. McCarthy
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