Definition: The shank of the shoe connects the heel to the forefoot, keeping the shoe (and foot) from collapsing while walking. Shanks were originally made of steel. Many are now made of plastic and work just as well as steel and don’t set off alarms at the airport!
To determine if a shoe has a shank, turn the shoe sole side up and try to bend it in the middle. If it has a shank, the shoe won’t collapse in the middle when you bend it. If the shoe bends at the forefoot, that is good. The shank doesn’t extend that far. Look for whether the shoe bends right in the middle.
Benefits: When a shoe collapses in mid-stride, the arch doesn’t have all it needs to complete the stride, causing stress on the arch, forefoot and toes. The shank relieves this stress, helping the foot to keep moving forward.
Text: Copyright 2007-2010 Carole Romig Image: PFA Professional Shoe Fitting