Dr. Howard RobinsDPM · Podiatrist, Midtown Manhattan
A podiatrist and longtime running-club medical director who will check whether your shoes actually fit, and tell you when to retire them.
The conversation
Seven minutes with host Joe Brown. Start anywhere: chapters on the right.
- 0:00Welcome
- 0:35The #1 mistake runners make with their feet
- 2:26Why your sneakers are probably the wrong size
- 4:02The "full inch" toe-room rule
- 4:39One habit for lifelong foot health
- 5:25The best commuting shoe for New Yorkers
- 6:36Wrap-up
For general information, not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.
How he thinks
about care
- Degree
- DPM, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, 1973
- Experience
- Directed foot surgery at New York hospitals; a decade in sports medicine
- Running
- Medical director of New York City's largest race walking and running club
Dr. Robins says the most common mistake runners make is their shoes: pairs that feel worn in are often worn out. He also sees many people buy sneakers that are too short, and his rule of thumb is a full inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe when you stand.
He looks for the right mix of shock absorption, stability and flexibility for each person's foot, and says it's about the qualities built into the shoe more than the brand. Feet tend to stiffen as we get older, so the right shoe can change over time.
His everyday habits: keep your feet clean, don't wear the same pair two days in a row so shoes can dry out, and for walking the city, wear a quality running shoe and retire it after about 750 miles.
Summary written by Top Providers from his Episode 05 interview.
In his words
Verbatim from his Episode 05 interview.
They think they're worn in, but they are worn out.Dr. Howard Robins, Episode 05
Being in the right fit, in the right type of shoe... you have to have the right combination of flexibility and shock absorption to have the right athletic shoe for you.Dr. Howard Robins, Episode 05
A high-quality running shoe is the best walking shoe.Dr. Howard Robins, Episode 05
Clips
Under a minute each, cut straight from the interview.
ShortsYour sneakers are probably the wrong size
The full-inch rule for toe room, and why most sneakers end up too small.
ShortsThe #1 mistake runners make with their shoes
Worn in or worn out? Why race-day shoes are often past their prime.
ShortsA podiatrist's #1 shoe tip for walking NYC
Wear a quality running shoe to commute, and retire it after about 750 miles.
ShortsStop wearing the same shoes every day
Clean feet and a day off for your shoes to dry out.
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The practice
Dr. Howard Robins, DPM
- Address
- 200 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
- Phone
- (212) 581-0101
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