How To Choose the Right Pair of Running Shoes
How To Choose the Right Pair of Running Shoes?
By W E Van Schaick - Author
(Editor's Note - Always consult your doctor or trained medical professional before beginning any new physical activity that could affect your health and well being!)
Running regularly has become an extremely popular way to get out, exercise, socialize, build confidence, become connected to the outside world, as well as experience many other positive benefits. In fact, according to Statista, approximately one out of every five Americans between the ages of 30 and 49 went running or jogging during 2018, the last year numbers were available at the time of this writing. Even one out of every 10 from the ages of 50 to 64 went running or jogging!
By W E Van Schaick - Author
(Editor's Note - Always consult your doctor or trained medical professional before beginning any new physical activity that could affect your health and well being!)
Running regularly has become an extremely popular way to get out, exercise, socialize, build confidence, become connected to the outside world, as well as experience many other positive benefits. In fact, according to Statista, approximately one out of every five Americans between the ages of 30 and 49 went running or jogging during 2018, the last year numbers were available at the time of this writing. Even one out of every 10 from the ages of 50 to 64 went running or jogging!
Due to the very physical aspect of running or jogging, it is important to know how to choose the right pair of running shoes. Too often, the way the running shoes look on the runner seems to determine the best pair to purchase. However, several other factors should be considered.
Because of the differences in runner's sizes, weights, running environments, physical strides, male or female, arches and other factors, it is a good idea to be aware of several differences in running shoes, to choose the right pair for you. In some cases, it can be advisable for a new runner to check with an orthopedic or specialist about their ability and needs for the best running shoes. Of course, if you are completely new to running, checking with your doctor or trained medical professional is the best way to began to make sure you are healthy enough to pursue running as part of your lifestyle.
Once you have determined that being a runner is a good fit, then its time to learn how to choose the right pair of running shoes!
Because of the differences in runner's sizes, weights, running environments, physical strides, male or female, arches and other factors, it is a good idea to be aware of several differences in running shoes, to choose the right pair for you. In some cases, it can be advisable for a new runner to check with an orthopedic or specialist about their ability and needs for the best running shoes. Of course, if you are completely new to running, checking with your doctor or trained medical professional is the best way to began to make sure you are healthy enough to pursue running as part of your lifestyle.
Once you have determined that being a runner is a good fit, then its time to learn how to choose the right pair of running shoes!
Running Shoes or Training Shoes?
Running shoes are primarily designed for forward motion - essentialy heel to toe movement of the foot. Running shoes would normally offer more support and cushioning, both important elements in running or jogging. On the other hand, a trainging shoe is made to offer more side to side and multi-directional movement of the foot. The soles might be less supporting than running shoes. The best use for training shoes is for going to the gym because of their flexibility of movement.
There are three basic types of running shoe categories: Neutral Running Shoes, Stability Running Shoes and Motion Control Running Shoes. Each one is made for a different style of running and offers different benefits for each running style.
Neutral Running Shoe Features:
Stability Running Shoe Feature:
Motion Control Running Shoe Features:
Neutral Running Shoe Features:
- For Medium Arches
- For High Arches And Supination also called Underpronation (explained below)
- Midsole Cushioning
- Shock Absorption Support
Stability Running Shoe Feature:
- Mild To Moderate Overpronation
- Low to Flat Arches
- Midsole Cushioning
- Help to distribute the impact of Running to Minimize Overpronation
Motion Control Running Shoe Features:
- For Moderate to Severe Overpronation
- Built-in support and Outsoles that are flatter
- Helps with Excessive Pronation
- Stabilizes the Foot
Running Gait
When a person walks, jogs or runs, the way their feet land on the ground and then leave the ground is called their Gait. To understand how to choose the right pair of running shoes it is helpful to know the different types of Running Gait. The reason this is helpful is that Running Gait can help show what part of the runner's foot touches the ground while running. There are three major running gaits to consider: Neutral Gait Means: Normally, the outer part of the heel strikes the pavement first and then the foot will roll a slight bit inward to absorb the downward shock. The Pronation would be minimal. At the last part of the running gait, the foot pushes off in an even manner. Runners that have a Neutral Gait would normally wear Neutral Running Shoes (Pronation is the upright alignment of the foot and the ankle during the running or walking stride) Other Neutral Gait Attributes:
|
Overpronation Gait Means:
Normally, the outside part of the heel hits the ground first and then rolls inward. This inward motion reduces the runner foot and ankle from properly being able to allow the body to become stabilized and absorb the impact before the next stride. If a runner experiences Overpronation, they should consider a Stability or Motion Control Running Shoe.
(Overpronation is the slightly curved inward alignment of the foot and ankle as viewed from behind)
Other Overpronation Gait Attributes:
Supination Gait Means:
Typically the outside of the heel makes contact with the ground first and does not roll toward the inside, but instead, stays rotated out. With this type of gait, part of the outside of the foot handles the impact and lessens the absorption of the contact. Typically, a Neutral Style Shoe but with a good amount of cushioning could be the most beneficial.
(Supination - or Underpronation, occurs when the foot rolls outward on the ground impact and the knee bends inward as a response)
Supination Gait Attributes:
Normally, the outside part of the heel hits the ground first and then rolls inward. This inward motion reduces the runner foot and ankle from properly being able to allow the body to become stabilized and absorb the impact before the next stride. If a runner experiences Overpronation, they should consider a Stability or Motion Control Running Shoe.
(Overpronation is the slightly curved inward alignment of the foot and ankle as viewed from behind)
Other Overpronation Gait Attributes:
Supination Gait Means:
Typically the outside of the heel makes contact with the ground first and does not roll toward the inside, but instead, stays rotated out. With this type of gait, part of the outside of the foot handles the impact and lessens the absorption of the contact. Typically, a Neutral Style Shoe but with a good amount of cushioning could be the most beneficial.
(Supination - or Underpronation, occurs when the foot rolls outward on the ground impact and the knee bends inward as a response)
Supination Gait Attributes:
- Most of the shoe's wear is on the outside
- Generally, the arch is high
- The ankle leans outward
What is Your Arch Type?
Checking the type of arch that you have is easy. Lay a piece of paper or a paper towel on the floor. Wet your foot, and then carefully step on the paper. Observe the footprint that you leave behind.
If the imprint looks like your entire foot, then you likely have a flat arch.
In cases where the imprint curves in on both sides of your foot, more on the inside, and causing the center to be about half the width of the widest part of your foot, then you have a medium or average arch.
When the imprint is extremely narrow in the middle, or may not even be touching, then you probably have a high arch.
Once you know the basics of the type of foot and stride that you have, it will be easier to know how to choose the right pair of running shoes. Choosing a well-matched pair of shoes will provide the comfort needed to reduce the likelihood of pain or injury, as well as help, make your time running more enjoyable. Remember to always consult a doctor or trained medical professional before changing any physical routines or attempting any activity that could put you're well being at risk!
Checking the type of arch that you have is easy. Lay a piece of paper or a paper towel on the floor. Wet your foot, and then carefully step on the paper. Observe the footprint that you leave behind.
If the imprint looks like your entire foot, then you likely have a flat arch.
In cases where the imprint curves in on both sides of your foot, more on the inside, and causing the center to be about half the width of the widest part of your foot, then you have a medium or average arch.
When the imprint is extremely narrow in the middle, or may not even be touching, then you probably have a high arch.
Once you know the basics of the type of foot and stride that you have, it will be easier to know how to choose the right pair of running shoes. Choosing a well-matched pair of shoes will provide the comfort needed to reduce the likelihood of pain or injury, as well as help, make your time running more enjoyable. Remember to always consult a doctor or trained medical professional before changing any physical routines or attempting any activity that could put you're well being at risk!
Deals on Running Shoes!
powered by Surfing Waves