As temperatures drop and race season picks up, fall is the perfect time to refresh your running gear and hit the pavement, trails, or treadmill with confidence. Whether you’re training for your first 5K, prepping for a marathon, or simply enjoying crisp outdoor walks, choosing the right running shoe is essential to protecting your feet and keeping you moving injury-free. Our podiatrists—experts in both foot health and running biomechanics—have shared their top shoe recommendations to suit a wide range of runners, foot types, and fall activities. 🏃♀️ Best for Everyday Training & Long Distances Hoka Clifton 10 This lightweight, max-cushioned shoe is a favorite among neutral runners. It’s a reliable “workhorse” option for everyday runs or long distances, with plush support and breathable materials. Heel and midfoot strikers will appreciate the comfort, while the soft interior cushions repetitive impact—ideal for runners logging serious miles. 🧍♂️ Best for Stability & Support Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 Need more structure? This stability shoe offers broad midfoot support and a snug heel for added control, making it a great choice for overpronators or those seeking extra reinforcement on long runs. A springy midsole absorbs shock and protects joints on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 Another top-tier pick for stability, the Kayano provides plush cushioning and firm arch support. It’s a go-to option for marathoners or anyone prone to overpronation looking for long-lasting comfort on high-mileage days. Brooks Adrenaline GTS Flat-footed runners love this shoe for its supportive structure and reliable cushioning. It’s an excellent balance of motion control and responsiveness, keeping your gait aligned and reducing injury risk over time. 👟 Best for Beginners or Versatile Runners Brooks Ghost 17 A crowd favorite for its balanced cushioning, smooth transitions, and lightweight feel. This versatile shoe is perfect for newer runners or those unsure of their foot strike pattern. With updates that benefit both forefoot and heel strikers, it’s a safe bet for most training needs. ASICS Gel-Nimbus & Saucony Triumph These shoes are excellent options for runners with high arches who need a bit more cushioning and comfort for impact protection. 🌲 Best for Trail Running Altra Olympus 6 For runners who prefer rugged terrain and natural surfaces, the Olympus 6 provides ample protection from rocks, roots, and uneven trails—without sacrificing comfort. It’s well-padded to prevent foot fatigue and boasts a roomy toe box, making it ideal for wide-footed runners or those who prefer a zero-drop design for a more grounded feel. 🌟 Honorable Mentions by Foot Type · For Flat Feet: Brooks Adrenaline GTS, ASICS Gel Kayano 32, Hoka Gaviota, Saucony Guide For High Arches: Brooks Ghost, ASICS Gel Nimbus, Saucony Triumph For Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Adrenaline, ASICS Kayano, Hoka Clifton or Bondi For Wide Feet/Minimalist Preference: Altra Torin — known for a zero-drop platform and wide toe box 🏁 Final Tips for Race Season Whether you're training for a fall race or upping your fitness game, remember: the right shoe can make all the difference in performance and injury prevention. If you’re experiencing discomfort, blisters, heel pain, or foot fatigue, it may be time for a professional shoe assessment—or a podiatric consultation. Our podiatry team is here to help you put your best foot forward this fall. Schedule an appointment to get fitted for the perfect pair and make sure your feet are race-day ready!
As the school year kicks off, most parents are focused on school supplies, lunchboxes, and new routines—but one of the most important back-to-school essentials is often overlooked: a good pair of shoes. Children and teens spend hours on their feet every day—walking through school hallways, running during recess, or playing sports after school. The right footwear doesn’t just offer comfort; it plays a vital role in supporting growing feet, preventing injuries, and setting kids up for a healthy, confident school year. Growing feet are still developing, and wearing shoes that are too tight, worn out, or lacking proper support can lead to common problems like heel pain (including conditions like Sever’s disease), flat feet, ingrown toenails, and joint discomfort. That’s why podiatrists emphasize the importance of choosing footwear that offers a proper fit, arch support, shock absorption, and durability. When shopping for back-to-school shoes, look for pairs that leave about a thumb’s width of space at the toes, fit snugly at the heel, and provide good cushioning for impact. Breathable materials can help prevent excessive sweating, and durable construction ensures shoes can withstand the demands of daily wear. Our doctors recommend checking your child’s shoes every 4 to 6 months, as feet grow quickly and often outpace last season’s fit. To make shopping easier, our doctors have shared their top recommended brands based on both professional insight and personal experience: Ten Little shoes are great for toddlers and early elementary students, with a foot-shaped design that allows toes to move freely, a built-in sizing guide for at-home accuracy, and flexible soles that support healthy development. New Balance Kids offers wide-width options ideal for children with higher insteps or broader feet, plus supportive midsoles and durable construction to keep up with active kids. Hoka Kids provide lightweight cushioning, structural support, and fun designs—perfect for highly active older children. See Kai Run , Stride Rite , and Asics are also excellent options for younger children and teens, especially those involved in sports or on their feet for long hours. For added support, especially in athletic or high-activity settings, Brooks is another solid choice. If your child begins to complain of foot, heel, or ankle pain, starts walking differently, or if you notice red marks, blisters, or worn-out soles, it’s a good time to check their shoes—and consider a visit to a podiatrist. Early intervention can help prevent more serious conditions and ensure your child stays active and pain-free. This school year, help your child put their best foot forward—literally. Whether you're shopping for the perfect pair of supportive sneakers or looking for guidance on orthotics or foot pain, our team is here to help. Schedule an appointment today to make sure your child’s feet are healthy, supported, and ready for every step of the school year.
Heel pain is a frequent complaint that can interfere with walking, exercise, and daily routines. At Reston and Manassas Foot and Ankle Centers in Manassas and Reston, VA, patients receive specialized care for heel pain that doesn’t improve with rest. Whether caused by overuse or an underlying condition, heel pain deserves attention before affecting mobility and quality of life. Understanding the Causes of Heel Pain The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the thick band supporting the foot arch. It often causes sharp pain with the initial morning steps. Less frequently, pain can be caused by a heel spur, a calcium deposit on the heel bone, and Achilles tendonitis, inflammation of the tendon running from the calf muscles into the back of the heel. Nerve irritation and bursitis can also lead to chronic pain for others. When to See a Podiatrist Not all heel pain is serious, but some symptoms mean it is time to see a podiatrist. If it has continued for more than a few days, increases with exercise, or affects walking, it is advisable to have it checked by a professional. Swelling, numbness, or tingling in the heel are also signals that a visit to the doctor is in order. Early diagnosis will prevent the development of more serious conditions and long-term complications. How Heel Pain Is Treated We start the treatment at Reston and Manassas Foot and Ankle Centers with a proper examination and diagnostic tests if the case calls for it. Conservative treatment may come in the form of physical therapy, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, or personalized stretches. Night splints and heel cups may provide support and relieve some pressure. When these fail, more sophisticated treatments such as corticosteroid injections or intervention with minimal surgical procedures may be prescribed. Surgery is only advised if the above treatments fail. Early Care Leads to Better Results Addressing heel pain early often leads to faster recovery and reduces the risk of chronic problems. Prompt care allows patients to resume regular activities with less disruption and a better long-term outlook. With the help of experienced podiatrists, patients can return to walking comfortably and avoid future complications. For expert evaluation and personalized heel pain treatment, contact Reston and Manassas Foot and Ankle Centers in Manassas and Reston, VA. Call (703) 437-6333 for the Reston/Herndon office or (703) 368-7166 for the Manassas/Gainesville office to schedule your appointment.
