Running is one of the few sports that requires no equipment beyond what you're wearing. Because your feet pound the ground when you run, it is important to get the right type of shoes to support your feet and complement your running gait. It is not advisable to run in regular tennis shoes because you will greatly increase your chances of injury. Knowing what factors to consider can help you find the best running shoes for you.
Athletic Shoe Overview
Running shoes are designed to support your feet during the rolling motion of running and striking the ground. Tennis shoes and other athletic shoes are designed for different movements, depending on the intended purpose of the shoe. Cross training shoes, for instance, are heavier than running shoes and include more support for sideways motion. Tennis shoes are designed for quick turns, jumps and movement across a tennis court. Tennis shoes include rubber soles that grip the tennis court and cushioned heels to absorb shock while playing tennis.
Running Shoe Features
Wearing the wrong type of athletic shoe can cause runners a host of problems, including knee, tendon or muscle pain, difficulty running with good form and long-term injuries. Running shoes vary in their level of cushioning and support, as well as in weight and style, but all running shoes are designed with the foot's back-and-forth motion during running in mind. It is important to get running shoes that are the correct size and that you replace every 400 to 500 miles because running in worn shoes can cause injuries.
Foot Type Considerations
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right running shoes for your feet and training program. You can determine the degree of arch to your feet by placing your wet feet on pavement or paper towels and studying the prints. If your whole footprint shows, you have low or no arches and need shoes with strong arches. If your footprints have some indent in the inner, middle part of the prints, you have regular arches. If you see just a line on the outside connecting the bottom to top of each print, you have high arches.
Running Shoe Features
Other running shoe features to consider include the degree of cushioning and support and the weight of the shoe. Talk to a sales person at your local running store for help finding the best running shoes for your gait, foot type and training needs. If your feet roll excessively inward or outward when you run, you will want to try motion control shoes, which are sturdier than many running shoes and minimize sideways movements in your feet. If you are overweight or run on a lot of hard surfaces such as cement or asphalt, you will probably need shoes with plenty of cushioning. If you are a trail runner, there are shoes designed specifically for trail running, with heavier structures and more support than regular running shoes. Minimalist running shoes are a popular, lightweight option for experienced runners and those who step on the middle or front of the foot while running.
Member Comments