New Balance Sneakers and ASICs sneakers are widely considered two of the best brands of shoes and sneakers on the market. They are highly thought of and recommended by Podiatrists and especially in patients with Plantar Fasciitis. Everybody has their own idea about which brand is better: ASICs or New Balance. I have my thoughts:
The etiology of Plantar Fasciitis is an accumulation of effects on the plantar fascia. One of the contributing causes of plantar fasciitis is repeated trauma to the plantar fascia, which results in micro trauma to the plantar fascia and contributes to the formation of plantar fasciitis. Based on this any sneaker or shoe that helps reduce stress and strain on the plantar fascia should be successful in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. ASICs and New Balance both address this problem through unique mechanisms. New Balance has what is termed their ABZORB cushioning system present in a great deal of New Balance sneakers. The ABZORD is very successful in reducing stress and strain on the plantar fascia. However, ASICS has their gel system. I am of the belief that the ASICS gel system is more successful in the reduction of stress and strain on the plantar fascia. The ASICS gel can absorb stress and strain. Think about what are some of the most popular orthotics or insoles used for plantar fasciitis; it is the Gel system. Remember the commercial about gelling, well ASICS actually builds their Gel system within the shoe.
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Another contributing factor from plantar fasciitis arises from biomechanical etiology, the thought that excessive pronation or faulty biomechanics can contribute to the formation of plantar fasciitis. This is why orthotics or insoles are a popular treatment for plantar fasciitis. Now, when it comes to treating plantar fasciitis, I happen to believe that New Balance is more successful in the treatment of biomechanics. Generally their shoes or sneakers feature an EVA midsole. What is EVA? EVA is the same material that orthotics or insoles from all over the country are made from. EVA is a material that will mold to your foot over time and create an orthotic or insole specifically designed for your foot. While ASICS does provide some biomechanical control it is not as effective as New Balance.
So, I am of the belief that it depends on your situation what sneaker or shoe, New Balance or ASICs, you should purchase in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. If you are a runner or someone that works 8-10 hours a day on their feet then I think ASICS with their Gel system would be the way to go. Since you are placing all this stress and strain on the plantar fascia it only makes sense to go with the shoe that will reduce the stress on the plantar fascia. However, if you are a walker or working a desk job your plantar fasciitis most likely results from faulty biomechanics. If that is the case I would gravitate to the New Balance sneakers. But, you know your feet better than I do. If you think your plantar fasciitis is caused by stress and strain on the plantar fascia purchase an ASICS sneaker. If you think it’s faulty biomechanics I would purchase a New Balance.