Running Shoes Buying Guide
by Maria Rita Bihis
Did you make a list of new year’s resolutions for this year? Is losing weight or keeping yourself in shape on top of that list? Then running is one of the best forms of exercise that you could engage in for you to be able to achieve your goal. And a good pair of running shoes should come with that.
Running shoes are the most important piece of equipment that every runner should have. You don’t want to stop yourself from running just because you put so much stress on your feet that it moved all the way up to your hips and lower back. This is a common problem if you did not find the shoe that matches with your running style and foot shape for these are the two most important factors that you should look into when searching for a good pair of running shoes.
Running shoes have three basic components: the outsole, the midsole and the upper.
The outsole is the bottom of the shoe made up of either carbon or blown rubber with flex groove or split heel construction to enhance traction on softer surfaces.
The midsole is the most important part of the running shoe as it is the cushioning and stability layer between the outsole and the upper. Cushioning may be made up of Ethylene Vinyl acetate (EVA), Polyurethane (PU) or both. Stability provided by stiff materials used in some shoes on the medial or inner side of the shoe to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot and pronation reduction usually in the medial post or footbridge form or by heavier densities of cushioning materials for increased shoe stability.
The upper is that soft body of the shoe that wraps around and over the top of the foot made up either leather or synthetic material consisting of the basic shape of the shoe called the last which is composed of three categories: straight, semi-straight and curved; the front part of the shoe called the toe box; the heel counter which is made up of either plastic and composite material built into the upper to surround the heel. It provides stability and motion control of the rear foot.
And the groove in the back of the heel collar called the Achilles notch which protects the Achilles tendon and prevents it from irritation.
Running shoe companies like Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Saucony and Reebok have invested so much money in technological enhancements just to satisfy each runner’s style, pattern and features. There are three basic running patterns or biomechanical tendencies, namely: pronated, supinated and neutral and each one is associated with a certain foot type: flat foot, high-arched and ideal.
The first step is to determine your foot type. Almost 60% of the population are flat footed wherein the pronated foot rolls inwards at the ankle and the midfoot bulges inward and the longitudinal arch flattens. Thus it is the most common cause of foot injury when done excessively. So, look for a pair of Adidas running shoes or Nike running shoes with a medial post and straight or semi-curved last for stability and maximum support of the inside of your feet, a dense, durable polyurethane midsole and a carbon rubber outsole for greater durability.
Saucony ProGrid Triumph 4
30% of the population on the other hand, have high-arched/supinated feet wherein the foot is rigid, rolls outward and are very poor shock absorbers. If you belong to this group, look for a pair of New Balance running shoes or Saucony running shoes with a semi-curved or curved last, EVA or compressed EVA midsole and a softer, lighter outsole with a greater flexibility.
The last 10% belongs to those who have neutral/ideal feet wherein the foot will land on the outside of the heel and then roll slightly inward for shock absorption. This will be determined by the amount of excessive pronation or supination present. Be sure to look for running shoes with a straight or semi-curved last, moderate cushioning and a durable carbon rubber outsole.
For a perfect fitting pair of running shoes, see Tips on How to Find your Shoe Size.
Keep in mind that your shoes doesn’t last forever so look at the soles of your shoes and replace them if you have to. Running shoes should be replaced every 400-500 miles or every six months. Visit shoedeals4u.com and say goodbye to those worn out pair. Shoedeals4u.com offers the best selection in running shoes online at a very affordable price. Not only that, enjoy free shipping, free returns for life and no sales tax on any order at your one-stop online shoe store.
Keep in mind that your doesn’t last forever so look at the soles of your and replace them if you have to. should be replaced every 400-500 miles or every six months. Visit and say goodbye to those worn out pair.
