As the founder of Maratown, I have spent years exploring the intersection of footwear innovation and comfort. One of the most polarizing debates in the shoe industry revolves around cushioning—whether it's a necessary advancement or an unnecessary barrier between our feet and the ground. The barefoot movement gained traction in the late 2000s, arguing that less is more, that natural foot mechanics should not be interfered with, and that cushioning leads to weakened foot muscles. Meanwhile, max cushioned shoes emerged with Hoka, and super shoes significantly influenced the running shoe market in the late 2010s. While my experience with cushioning has been overwhelmingly positive, science seems to struggle to explain its benefits definitively.
The Case Against Cushioning: What Detractors Say
Critics of cushioning argue that thick, soft soles disrupt the body's natural feedback mechanisms. They claim that cushioning reduces proprioception, the body's ability to sense movement and position, which can lead to inefficiencies and even injury. As Dr. Aminaka's research has shown, "Studies on barefoot running suggest that minimalist footwear promotes a more natural gait and may reduce impact forces on joints" (1). However, this argument is largely centered around running, where barefoot runners tend to land on the forefoot. Maratown shoes, on the other hand, are designed primarily for walking, where heel striking is the natural and biomechanically efficient pattern. The advantages of cushioning are particularly relevant for prolonged standing and walking, where shock absorption helps reduce fatigue and strain on joints.
The Case for Cushioning: A Different Perspective
Despite these criticisms, I and many others find that cushioning provides undeniable comfort, reduces fatigue, and enhances long-term wearability. As Lim et al. demonstrated, "Scientific studies have shown that cushioning can help reduce localized impact stress on the feet, distribute pressure more evenly, and lower the risk of repetitive stress injuries" (2). Moreover, as Malisoux et al. found, "Softer cushioning is associated with a lower injury risk compared to harder shoes, particularly for lighter runners" (3).
A notable case is Emily, a marathon runner who suffered from chronic knee pain when training in firm shoes. After switching to a well-cushioned shoe model, her pain significantly reduced, enabling her to complete her races with improved comfort and efficiency.
Biomechanics is highly individual. While some thrive in minimal footwear, others require additional support and shock absorption due to their anatomy, weight distribution, or pre-existing conditions. As Reyes et al. highlighted, "Cushioning has been shown to alleviate discomfort for many, particularly those who experience joint pain or plantar fasciitis" (4).
Maratown: Cushioned but Stable
Unlike traditional dress shoes that emphasize style over comfort, Maratown merges the plush cushioning of a maximalist running shoe with the refined aesthetics of a dress shoe. This innovative design provides the comfort and shock absorption of high-performance footwear while maintaining a polished, professional look. However, a common criticism of highly cushioned shoes is stability. Many maximalist shoes suffer from narrow soles, compromising balance—examples include models like the Adidas Adizero Prime X and certain MBT walking shoes.
Maratown provides a wide-base sole for stability and ankle protection. Additionally, the dual-material structure helps control pronation and supination angles, providing better foot alignment and support. Despite its thickness, Maratown remains lightweight and flexible, ensuring ease of movement and prolonged comfort. In men's size 9, the leather version comes in at 13.83 oz (392 g), an impressive weight for a leather dress shoe.
Conclusion: Beyond Science, Into Experience
Science provides valuable insights, but human experience should not be ignored. While barefoot advocates have valid points, as Malisoux et al. demonstrated, "The benefits of cushioning for long-term comfort and fatigue reduction cannot be dismissed. Research continues to evolve, with studies showing the protective effects of soft cushioning on injury risk" (5). At Maratown, we believe that cushioning has a place in modern footwear, not as a crutch but as an evolution—one that prioritizes well-being, comfort, and performance.
References:
No immediate effects of highly cushioned shoes on basic running biomechanics - Aminaka et al.https://consensus.app/papers/no-immediate-effects-of-highly-cushioned-shoes-on-basic-aminaka-arthur/9d34e49a4ce859da85329e8c8781ac10/
Effect of shoe cushioning hardness to running biomechanics - Lim et al.https://consensus.app/papers/effect-of-shoe-cushioning-hardness-to-running-lim-chong/b9416b66a4f954368140baa1a086d4d9/
Shoe cushioning influences the running injury risk according to body mass - Malisoux et al.https://consensus.app/papers/shoe-cushioning-influences-the-running-injury-risk-malisoux-delattre/4dbb44811abe5363ae199b59b91c83b7/
Effect of midsole cushioning on ankle, knee, and hip joint work during running - Reyes et al.https://consensus.app/papers/effect-of-midsole-cushioning-on-ankle-knee-and-hip-joint-reyes-pollard/be8be604cf275e36a552f66b617b73ae/
Relevance of frequency-domain analyses to relate shoe cushioning, ground impact forces, and running injury risk - Malisoux et al.https://consensus.app/papers/relevance-of-frequencydomain-analyses-to-relate-shoe-malisoux-gette/3b8442ecc2cf517aa3e238de826b1e8b/
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Imagine standing at the starting line of a half marathon, surrounded by athletes in high-tech running gear, their feet clad in the latest performance sneakers. Now, picture someone next to you wearing classic leather dress shoes. Sounds unbelievable? It has happened—more than once.
When it comes to running shoes, brands like Hoka, Adidas, and Nike have earned their reputations for comfort and performance. Their shoes are often designed with cutting-edge technology to provide maximum support, cushioning, and a responsive feel that’s unmatched in the athletic shoe industry. But despite their success in producing highly comfortable footwear for runners, none of these giants have ventured into creating shoes that combine the same level of comfort with a more refined, dressy aesthetic for professional environments.
Have you noticed how TV presenters, car salespeople, and even top executives are increasingly pairing sneakers with their suits? In today’s fast-paced work environments, comfort has become essential for professionals who spend long hours on their feet. However, traditional dress shoes often fail to provide the support and cushioning people need, while sneakers—known for their comfort—are increasingly seen as too casual for formal settings. As work attire trends shift toward more casual outfits, professionals like real estate agents, doctors, salespeople, and executives are caught between the need for comfort and maintaining a polished, professional look. Maratown solves this dilemma by combining a cushioned running shoe sole with a stylish, minimalist dress shoe upper, allowing you to enjoy comfort without compromising on style.
