Somnio Custom Running Shoes

By STEPHEN REGENOLD

“Don’t just sell shoes. Solve Problems.” That’s the pitch Somnio Running, a new company in Santa Cruz, Calif., gives retailers when talking about its line of high-end running shoes, which debuted in May 2009 for about $125.

Touted as the world’s first “truly customizable” running shoes, Somnio’s three debut models can be tweaked and adjusted in a shop to match a runner’s unique anatomy and biomechanics. “It’s like a bike fit for your feet,” said Sean Sullivan, the company founder and a bike industry veteran.

Somnio - Shoe - small photo.jpg

Somnio Custom Running Shoes

The secret sauce in Somnio’s (www.somniorunning.com) system includes three types of footbeds; cushion inserts with differing densities for the heel and forefoot areas; and varus wedge inserts made to help align the foot and lower leg.

In total, when mixed and matched these components and custom configurations can create 648 unique shoe types, including different setups for the right and left foot. “In five years, this could be the way most people will buy running footwear,” Sullivan asserted.

Somnio - Footbeds - small photo.jpg

Somnio footbeds

I was fitted for a pair of Somnio shoes earlier this month at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Boulder, Colo., where Dr. Andy Pruitt, an internationally-known athletic trainer, was hired as a consultant to help develop and refine the Somnio system. My custom shoes — assembled after a 10-minute treadmill run and a foot analyzation on Somnio’s measuring device — were made to help me correct a pronation problem and better align my ankles and hips.

Arch comfort, leg alignment, cushioning, foot strike, and pronation control are among the benefits a Somnio customer might find. The company touts its shoes as making a runner more efficient, more comfortable, faster, and less prone to injury.

Somnio - Heel and Forefoot inserts - small photo.jpg

Somnio heel and forefoot inserts

“Biomechanically, human beings are made to walk, not run,” said Dr. Pruitt. He noted the stresses put on the feet, ankles, knees, legs, hips, and back from excessive running. “We hope this shoe can give people a longer overall running career.”

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Commenting on post : Somnio Custom Running Shoes
Posted by mark miller - 06/17/2009 01:31 PM

The reviewer hit the nail on the head. After he has put 300-550 miles on the shoes on the road, then I would rate the shoe.

Posted by John Rice - 06/29/2009 11:39 PM

I would really like to know what you think of the shoes after having them awhile and putting some miles on them. could you let us know whats up with them? What’s the verdict? Thanks,

Posted by jim jordan - 07/03/2009 07:43 PM

where can i buy the somnior running shoe locally……..

Posted by Jim Healy - 08/24/2009 10:05 AM

Where can I buy a pair in New Mexico?????????

Posted by Jim Hansen - 10/03/2009 01:00 PM

Thanks for the review. I don’t like the looks of the shoe as I like minimalistic shoes, but I would like to try a varus wedge like in these shoes as my left knee and ankle do not align at all. My knee goes in and my ankle rotates out. If they just sold that, I would try it!

Posted by Lemoine Davis - 10/23/2009 07:29 PM

Where can I buy this shoe in Kansas? Is your foot scanned for proper fit?

Posted by jo - 10/25/2009 04:09 PM

where can i buy the running shoes in new jersey?

Posted by cchurch - 11/15/2009 08:06 PM

@ jim jordan, Jim Healy, Lemoine Davis, jo:
You can find the nearest retailer on the website at http://www.somniorunning.com/about-the-shoes/dealer-locator/ or you can order online.

Posted by Bobbie - 12/10/2009 02:24 PM

Where can i buy these shoes:
Washington or California?

Posted by John Multan - 01/23/2010 08:38 PM

Where can the shoes be bought in North Dakota or Minnesota?

Posted by FredFlintstone - 02/28/2010 12:33 AM

the worlds first totally customizable running shoe…err…unless you have wide feet.

Posted by Tammy O - 03/04/2010 01:00 PM

I love my Somnio running shoes. The toe box is what really works for me…my toes have plenty of room to spread out and I feel like I am running on a cloud….excellent cushioning.

Posted by Gary Krohn - 03/10/2010 08:50 AM

I am very interested in your Somnio running shoes. Would it be possible to market them in South Africa for your company. Many Thanks Gary Krohn

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