Running is accompanied by cardio loads and vertical impact loads, so this sport requires serious preparation. This applies to equipment, more precisely, shoes.
The ideal running shoes are those that feel light and comfortable.. There should be a feeling of flying while jogging, and there should be no heaviness.
If shoes are chosen incorrectly, pain in the legs, spine, and even injury may occur.
What are good running shoes?
There are certain parameters by which shoes are chosen. At first glance, it may seem that there are a lot of them. However, those who have had experience running in poorly chosen running shoes probably know the importance of all the requirements. To prevent such troubles, you should familiarize yourself with the various nuances of choice before purchasing.
Upper material
In summer models, the upper material is mesh, in winter models – a combination of leather and textiles.
Important! Leather elements should be present in a minimal amount, because their predominance can harm microcirculation.
Leather details retain their shape, while textile elements provide ventilation and absorption.
Sole
In the sole the main thing is abrasion resistance. Visually, this material resembles car rubber; you can find many models with this type of sole.
However, it is suitable for asphalt.
If you have to run on a wet surface or snow, so-called SUVs will be relevant. They feature rubber lugs on the outsole that provide excellent traction on any surface.
Insole
An insole that has an instep support to support the arch of the foot is considered ideal. For convenience, you can select orthopedic insoles later. However, in this case, you need to make sure that shoes from well-known brands have a removable insole. In any case, having removable insoles provides advantages; if necessary, you can simply remove them and dry them.
Lacing
Great if The lacing arrangement on the running model is asymmetrical and is located towards the inside of the feet.
Lacing loops should not be connected rigidly by one strip. If it is possible to provide some freedom and mobility in the loops, it will be easier to pull the sneaker onto your foot.
This depends more on the individual choice and is not a strict purchase criterion.
Depreciation
Cushioning during running is perhaps one of the most important factors that ensures comfort. If there is no decent shock absorption, then your feet will hurt, and then your back. Running like this will only bring frustration.
That's why the best manufacturers use innovative shock-absorbing materials.Among the most popular technologies are foamed substances and various gels. The Mizuno brand has shock absorption in the form of a specially shaped plastic plate.
Cushioning is especially important for overpronated feet. If this is not the case, then not only running, but also fast walking will be accompanied by pain.
Important! The greater the weight of the athlete, the greater the degree of shock absorption required.
After all, you need to dampen blows with even greater force than with low or medium weight.
Product quality
Sneakers need stiffness, but only in the heel area. At the same time, such a rigid element should not press or rub. If the frame is rigid, then the models retain their shape better and are more durable.
When purchasing, you should carefully inspect the sneakers you like, especially at the junction of the upper and the sole. High quality sneakers are not stitched. The parts are glued together. There should be no traces of glue at the junction of the top and bottom.
Weight
The lighter the sneakers, the more comfortable it is to run in them.. There is a standard for choosing running shoes based on their weight.
- Models for women should weigh no more than 200 g.
- Men's items - up to 250 g each item.
The fact is that with more weight, the load on the knees and ankles increases, which is fraught with injuries.
Important! It should be remembered that for everyday running there is no point in purchasing marathon models.
Undoubtedly, they are the lightest, but they have reduced durability since they are only purchased for one marathon.
How to choose sneakers for men and women
At first glance, it may seem that women's and men's running shoes differ only in design and color scheme. However, the design of the product itself is slightly different.
We present the distinctive features of the models.
- Women's sneakers are distinguished by their proportions. After all, women's lasts are narrower and more miniature.
- Due to women's lower weight, the cushioning of their shoes is softerthan men.
- The heel height is much higher than in men's models. This is designed to reduce the likelihood of Achilles tendon injuries.
Important selection options
There are selection parameters that no longer directly depend on the sneakers, but are more based on external factors. Under different conditions, it is better to choose different sneakers. After all, even running in summer and winter has some differences. All this is important to take into account.
Features of training
Sneakers can be chosen for loads of varying intensity if you have to run every day.
Jogging can be long or short distances. There is one simple rule for guidance. The greater the athlete's weight, the longer the run, and the worse the condition of the muscles and ligaments, the more quality cushioning and support will be needed.
It is quite natural that summer models should be light based on breathable materials. But they get wet, so they are not suitable for winter conditions. For cold weather, you need sneakers made of dense materials to keep moisture out and keep you warm.
Coverage also influences your choice of footwear.
- If you have to run on a treadmill or asphalt, then buy shoes with a regular flat surface.
- For dirt roads or snow, the sole should be stiffer, with more tread, sometimes with lugs for traction.
Individual characteristics of a runner
Only general selection rules apply to all runners. However, the anatomical features of the feet are different, so you need to find your treasured pair yourself.
When trying on, you need to look at how the model sits on your leg. It’s good when a tight fit to the leg is achieved, but there is not the slightest compression.
Reference. The size is considered correct if the thumb does not reach the toe of the shoe by 2–3 mm.
During jogging, the feet increase in size. If you buy sneakers exactly the right size, you may end up damaging your nail.
The degree of pronation and the height of the arch of the foot play a decisive role in the choice.. After all, it is this anatomical parameter that can lead to injuries.
- If available overpronation and low arch, then you need to buy shoes with arch support. This will increase shock absorption and protect your knees.
- When hypopronation, on the contrary, arch supports cannot be used, because the chances of twisting your ankle increase.
Review of the best running shoe brands
Asics, Mizuno, New Balance, Brooks, Nike, Adidas, Reebok are considered the most famous brands in the field of running shoes. Thanks to them, the selection of shoes has become diverse. At the same time, some produce a line of running models, while others limit themselves to a few developed models, but at the same time very high quality.
If you read the reviews of running professionals today, you can easily understand that Reebok, Puma, Nike and Adidas have stopped developing running collections and are not introducing new technologies. They are simply re-releasing models from 10-20 years ago with minor innovations.
Other brands are trying to use new technologies specifically for those who cannot imagine life without running.
- When purchasing running shoes for a person weighing up to 70 kg, it is better to take a closer look at the Asics model. For this weight category, the brand uses the ideal level of cushioning.
- A wide range of running models is represented by the brands Saucony, Mizuno, and a little more modestly – Brooks.
- Athletes in a larger weight class find the cushioning they need in Nike sneakers.
You need to give preference to one brand or another not based on advertising, but taking into account physical indicators and operating conditions.
If you first learn about all the features of running shoes, then the issue of choice and purchase will be resolved quickly. Having information about what features you need to pay attention to when purchasing, there will never be any doubt about whether the purchased shoes will have health benefits.
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