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Somnio Custom Running Shoes
March 17, 2009, 11:12 pm / Categories: Running
“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.
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.
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.
“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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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!
I live in Southern California and bought a pair of the Somnios while visiting San Francisco in June 2009. I ran about 400 miles in them before retiring them and switching successfully to Nike Free. The whole idea is that the Somnios are supposed to be customized by the trained sales agent. When the agent saw that I was wearing orthotics in my old shoes he took all the fitting gadgets, put them in the box and told me just to use my orthotic. Untypical for myself I bought the shoes (dummy me). With the orthotic the shoe was no different than any stability shoe I had worn before (Kayano) – but uglier. Once I tinkered with the various pads the shoe proved to be a contrived product – clunky. Given its promotion as the product of an engineer-inventor it seems it was put together by a lazy inventor who didn’t want to bother thinking about real design – all the “design” is in the cushions and cushion ports that take much awkwardness to install. It could have been the bad sales agent that ruined it for me. If you are at your wits end looking for a shoe that works to eliminate foot pain (like I was last year) start with a good sales rep that really knows what they are doing and try a bunch of other shoes before settling on Somnios.
I believe that the fitting process of the Somnio products is crucial for the shoes to be successful. In our practice, we brought in the Somnio shoes to retail. We have biomechanical knowledge as well as a video gait assessement to fine tune the final product. It is amazing to see the positive changes for our patient’s gait. I am a Somnio wearer and feel liberated from the use of my running orthotic!
I have a son with autism and he keeps me on my feet! I am on my feet at least 18 hours of the day. Half way threw my day my feet are killing me! I mean KILLING me. I dont feel like its ok to spend money on myself when my son needs so much more then what I can give him and I was wondering if you may have a tip for me that can help my feet. I’d love to buy your fancy shoes but just can not. Any tip that you can give me would be gratefully appericated! and if not sorry to have wasted your time! Thanks so much Tanda Williams
I recently had foot surgery about 1 year ago and I cannot run without discomfort I cannot find a comfortable pair of shoe for my foot. I would like to try a pair of your shoes. How do I get a free pair of shoes I saw it on the doctors show today. PLEASE HELP I desperately want to run!!!!!!
I just watch the drs and the young lady said she got a pair of running shoes to try and it fit well on her wide foot. I have been having difficulties finding a comfortable sneaker to wear and would like to try yours. I am a waitress and it would help with leg and lower back issues i have. How would i go about getting a free pair?
I see you are getting many requests after watching The Doctors on TV regarding the free pair of running shoes a girl had gotten. That seems too good to be true. I know my doctor says I should wear a good pair of sneakers around the house since my surgery last October. Will you be doing this for other people?
Saw the Doctor’s show and after reading about your product, realize that since they have a wide toe box, they may be the shoe for me. I had bunion surgery a year ago and have yet to find a pair of sneakers that I love. I’d love to try your product out.
Thanks for your time.
Jennifer
I watched the doctors and was told that I could get a free pair – my size is a womens M
and my Name “ Audrey Bansal
address: 86-04 96 st. apt.B8 -woodhaven – NY 11421 – I am more than willing to pay for the shipping and handling.
As I have very tired feet with severe calouses I would love to try your shoes
i am 62 & walk 5 miles a day but my caves ach after the walk. I don’t know if its the shoes ? i watch the doctors everyday & this may be the ansure to my sore leg on the side of my caves may be the shoe & what kind to buy so i would really like to try the shoes & if this solves the problem then i would buy them.
I watch the Drs Show and would like to be a canidate to try a free pair of your walking shoes.(my size is 10 womans) I am currently using the sketchers sneakers and find them unstable for me but due to my heart problems I used the to walk with a womans walking group. My address is 729 Liberty Ave. North Bergen, NJ 07047. Thak you
I have wide feet with bunions and I have lost 14 pounds my changing my eating habits. Now I would really like to start walking and running. I watch the Doctor show everyday and on 11/9th I was informed I can get a pair of shoes to try out for free. Please send me more info about this opportunity. Thank you kindly!
Like everybody I was amazed that there is another good sneaker beside new balance. I work at a nursing home and I am on my feet all day. The nursing shoes are killers so now I invest on sneaker. Please tell me how can I try your brand since the doctors have mentioned that we can get a free pair from you.
I am a doctors asst. in surgery. There are 60 others in my department that work with me. We stand for 8 hours in one spot. We are always looking for footwear that will help us do our job better and without pain. if you have a pair of size 8 somnio footwear I would LOVE to give them a try and share my opinion with the other 60 ladies that I work with everyday.
Thanks
I would like to know how to get a free pair of Shoes. Several years ago I had an accident. Now I find it hard to find a good pair of shoes to fit me. I am a dental assistant and spend a lot of time on my feet. I cannot spend too long on my feet because it becomes painfull. I am hoping that a good pair of shoes could help.
i watch the doctors all the time and was also wonderin how to get a new pair of shoes as well i live at 42e 100s roosevelt utah 84066 i am lookin for some comfort fitness shoes to get into shape i do not have a car so i do alot of walking but cant seem to find comfortable shoes thank you Rhiannon
Good Evening.
Saw the Doctor’s show today 11/16/2010 about your product, I would like to see if these are the shoes for me. I have tried many brands of shoes and have yet to find a pair of sneakers that feel good on my feet. I would like to get a pair so I can walk a great distances. I’d love to try your product out.
Thank You for your time. Thanks in advance
Kelley
Hello – I was watching the TV Doctors Show and the Doctors were talking about your shoes and saying all kinds of good things about them. I have very bad feet, broken both of my feet when I was young and have arthritis and gout in my toes. I am a pet sitting/walker and would love to try your product. The Doctors said that your company will send people with feet problems a pair of shoes. I hope so I am interested in making my walks easier with a pair of your shoes can u please let me know if your company will send me a pair? Thank you I look forward to hearing from you soon.
I would like more information about testing your product and receiving a free pair of shoes, as was mentions on a recent episode of the Doctors. I have been an avid skier and have knee issues due to many years of abuse. I currently have kicked up my exercise regiment and would like to move toward running half marathons. I would love a great shoe to do this in. Please send me some information.
I live in South Africa and have just heard about your shoes (I do triathlons and Ironman). I have a lot of hamstring and calf muscle problems and was hoping that these may truly help me so I was very keen to read the reviews…how disappointed I was to read mostly emails from a bunch of bums merely looking for a free hand-out!!
Hi! I, too, saw the Doctor’s Show where these shoes were shown. I’ve been unemployed but actively seeking employment since April, 2008. I’m always told I’m “overqualified”. Since that time I’ve gained about 50 lbs. as I was also in a very bad head-on collision and lost my license for 1 year. I can walk though. These shoes would be a great help in doing the 10,000 steps a day as recommended.
Sincerely,
Carol
Hello! I’m looking for a good shoe like this because I have fibromyalgia that seems to flare up each year for a few months about this time of year. I have gained weight due to the pain in my feet when trying to exercise and/or stand for long periods of time. I just can’t seem to find a comfortable pair of shoes. Of course the extra weight has just complicated things more. My husband has been unemployed for 8 months and money is tight. I just saw on The Doctors Show that you have given free shoes in return for feedback. Is there any chance I would be able to become involved in this type of program? I would appreciate it SO much. Thanks!
i just watched the Doctors show 3/13/11 i would like to do the try @ home study for free sneakers. i’ve been diagnosed with rhuematoid arthritis(quite a number of years) it has traveled somewhat to my feet and angles. i have a problem at times wearing shoes and some sneakers. please allow me information on how to qualify for the study and how i can be a candidate for a free pair of sneakers. im a walker and this would be an exceptional trial for me. thank you kindly.
Would love to get a free pair of your shoes! They sound absolutely wonderful; I have so many friends and co-workers, I would be willing to be the first to have them to pass on all the info regarding them, if they are as good as they were projected to be in the Drs show I am sure most of my friends, co-workers and family members will be willing to purchase a pair of their own and I will be able to tell them from first hand experience how they feel provided I get a trial pair to access their worth. Thank you and I look forward to getting either the information as to how to get them, or to actually getting them for FREE. Thanks!
I was watching The Doctors TV show. Heard about the possibility of getting free running shoes. Have gone through some falls and injuries on the ice during the winter. Working to get back in good health. Doing some walking, approximately 3 to 4 miles a day. Can hopefully start running again. Would love to try out a pair of your running shoes.
I was watching The Doctors TV show. Heard about the possibility of getting free running shoes. Have gone through some falls and injuries on the ice during the winter. Working to get back in good health. Doing some walking, approximately 3 to 4 miles a day. Can hopefully start running again. Would love to try out a pair of your running shoes. Wear size 11&1/2.
hi there
I saw your advertisement on the doctors, and would like to know how I can recieve a free pair of your running shoes? I have 2 small children, used to be a marathon runner, currently 30 pounds overweight and would like to get back on the trails. We are on one income, my husband works and I stay home with our children. Every little bit helps, please let me know how to recieve a pair of your shoes!
thank you
hello,i am a 48 year old female who has 2 full time jobs taking care of the developementally disabled and am on my feet alot by the time i get home my feet are throbbing,does your company donate a shoes for testing purposes, because it would really help me out thanks tina montague
I was watching the Doctors TV. show and want to know if you are still giving free shoes to people that need them I work 6 days a week on my feet 12hrs a day and is over weight by 50 lbs. need to start walking and running for my health Iam 44 with high blood pressure,high cholesterol,trouble breathing. Thanks
i am 46yrs, female,i heard about the shoes on Dr’s show.i would love to get a free pair of your shoes.i am trying to get back in shape,i would run a 10k run a day,trying to get back to that.i work at hospial on my feet 12hrs a day,so i would love to try your shoes. thank-you your canadian friend
Hi, I just saw your shoes presented on the Dr’s show and am very interested in getting a free pair of your walking shoes. I have been on disability for the last year because of Vertigo and have gained weight considerably. I am better but have found it difficult to walk because it causes me lower back pain. I have high blood pressure and a thyroid problem. I am 55 years old and I would like to start walking so that I may be healthier. I would definiely like to review your shoes. Please help me!
Thank you,
Yvette La Fontaine
Hello,
I was watching the Doctor’s TV show and wanted to inquire about your free shoes. I am usually always in heals “even when using flip flops” because I have never had a pair of shoes I felt comfortable in. I would love to participate in your program, please advise me. Thank you,
Kathy
I justed tuned into the Dr’s show and saw the part about a lady who received the “somnio” sneakers free! I deal with chronic back pain, pain in my knees and feet also. I would think a pair of these sneakers would assist in my mobility. I wear a size 8.5 wide. Thank you.
I want to know how to get these amazing tennis shoes I seen advertise on the doctor’s show. I am on my feet constantly (have 3 school age kids). I have problems with the tennis shoes I presently wear. Please help me. I can be contacted at above email. I will give you my honest and fair review…promise.
Thank you for your consideration.
Esther R.
I heard about your shoes by watching the Dr. Show. I enjoy running alot but have recently started to have what could be bunyon pain in my left foot. If your shoes help with this issue I would love to try them and let you know if they are better than the new shoes I just bought, Asics size 10. Please email me if I could be a candidate for you free pair.
I would love to start running again but I am not sure what to look for in a good running shoe. I heard on the Doctors show that you are giving away a free pair. How can I get a pair sent to me and be able to provide you with feedback? I wear a size 8. This would be the answer to my prayers. Thanks
I also heard about your shoes by watching the DR. Show. I have PCOS, high blood pressure and sleep apna. My family Dr. says if I walk 30 minutes each day and loose weight it would help to correct my health issues. The problem is that my feet and legs hurt so bad. It is hard to find comfortable running/walking shoes. I have tryed many of the major brands, none seem to help. I am asking for your company to send me a free pair of Somnio shoes to try. Thank you.
My husband lost his job due to a bad back and an artery disease, he had a tub put in one leg that goes to another and the doctor wants him to walk everyday, I have tried several shoes, but he still tells me that they are not that comfortable yet, I walk with him to help him and I have osteo and I am to walk also and we are only early 50. Could you please let us try your shoes out to see if they would be of help to us. My husband is on disabilty and I lost my job so are shoes are wearing out, but we have to still walk. My husband size is 9 and my is 7. email me to let us know if we could test out your shoes to see if they could help. Thank you for even reading this email. DJ Allread.
I to heard about reviewing your shoes on The Doctors TV show i am a postal worker and on my problem feet all night if there is a way of getting a free pair for review count me in, i wear a size 13 . please let me know. even a discount would help! Thank you!Sincerily, Lloyd A. Dotson
I would love to give your shoe a try, I am always looking for a shoe that can withstand my heavy stride, I also have a tendancy to to walk on the outside of my heal, causing my shoes heal to wear unevenly. If you need someone to put your shoe to a test, then I’m your girl,
Stephanie
I watched the Dr.‘s TV show today & they said to sign up for a free pair of the Somnio shoes. I have Multiple Sclerosis and would like a pair to try. I need to walk alot . I find my legs stiffening up if i don“t do some kins of exercise. I have found that walking is the best for me. I have a treadmill inside incase it is too hot. Please consider me to try a pair of your awesome shoes..Thank You
Hi, I heard about the Somnio shoe, on the Dr.Show. Would love to try the Somnio shoe. How would I qaulify for a free pair ? And/or where can i purchase the shoe. I live on Vancouver Island B.C :0) I’m always on the look out for a good quality shoe. I work out on a regular basis,in/out doors and on my feet 24/7. Would love to try your product.
Regards,
Kris
I heard about these sport shoes and seen a breif video on the shoes,the person on the video stated she got the shoes for free to test them out. I seen the video on the show called the doctors that aires daily. I would like to try the shoes, I had a very severe injury to my feet some years ago back and since I’ve had quite a bit of trouble finding the right shoe.Is there any ways possible I could get a pair of these shoes, I would love to try them for you and myself? Thank You. And please let me know how I too may try a pair of your shoes. size 9 1/2 women. Yvonne R. Brown 2414 Berrywood Dr. Rancho Cordova, California 95670.
I saw on the doctors tv show today,about your shoes.I would like to try them free. I have plantar faciatis.wore a boot for 3 months, was told I may need surgrey on both feet, am in pain daily. please if you could help me i greately appreicate it.i also have the flatest feet the doctor has ever seen in 25 years.
Just like everyone elses comment, I saw on the Dr.‘s show that you are giving away free shoes. I have lost 100 pounds so far but I have lower back problems and am looking for a shoe that I can wear and not be in severe pain at the end of the day. If you are still giving away free shoes I would like a pair. I wear most likely a size 10 in ladies. My address is: 8609 Abe Lincoln; San Antonio, TX 78240
I hope I can say thank you for your generosity.
Pam
On the Doctor’s TV Show, Somnio Running Shoes were featured. It was such a wonderful show that I decided to take their advice and try to receive a pair of your running shoes for test purposes. I walk six days per week and most of the shoes I purchase are good for about six months. After their discussion of how you could try them and give feedback to the company, I decided to give it a try. I am 65, but will be 66 years of age shortly and want to be in the best of health by exercising. If given the chance to receive a pair, I would greatly appreciate your kindness. My size is 8 medium. The mailing address is: 4110 Wooded Way, Louisville, Kentucky 40219. Thank you in advance!
I walk approx 4 miles per day and would like to walk more but my lower back starts to hurt around mile 2. I’ve tried different brand names of sneakers to no avail. I know it’s the sneakers because I feel out of alignment when I walk. I would gladly test your sneakers. I’m 62 yrs young and would be a great test for baby boomers starting to excercise more.
Thanks
I too saw the Doctors Show the other day and i been meaning to get in touch with you guys, about getting a Free pair of shoes (sneackers) I have horrible feet and nothing help me i really need help!! Please send me an email explaining what to do about getting them FREE
Thanks!!
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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.