EXERCISE
Having trouble choosing your new running shoes? Our tips might help you
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Having trouble choosing your new running shoes? Our tips might help you
The now enormous supply of running shoes in the shops makes consumer choice increasingly difficult. This guide may shed some light on this very aspect. Indeed, in the shops, when we try on running shoes, they look comfortable and perfect, but the verdict only comes after the first few kilometres, and then they can be a pain. Will they be used during a race or training? For competitive purposes or for pleasure? And for what distances? On what terrain? There are so many questions that the average consumer obviously doesn't know to ask. In fact, running shoes can greatly influence not only the training itself, but also the general health of the body. Take the following information for information purposes only, but we are sure you will find it very useful when it comes time to change your current running shoes.
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The key question: where will you use these shoes?
There are different running shoes (or sports shoes in general) depending on the type of surface on which you intend to run. Asphalt shoes are unsuitable for running on uneven and uneven surfaces, but are perfect for cushioning the blow of the foot on hard surfaces, avoiding problems with joints such as knees and ankles. Trail running shoes are designed for off-road trails, i.e. roads with irregularities or obstacles such as branches, puddles, mud, rocks and so on. These shoes have a sole with excellent traction that guarantees stability. The last are cross-training shoes, and are perfect for training in the gym or at times when it is important to have good stability, albeit perhaps with less joint support.
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Before buying new shoes check the old ones
The degree of the sole wear will help you shorten your type of running. Based on this, suitable shoes should be bought. If the wear is in the middle part of the sole, with a small part also on the heel, it is called pronation, and is the natural movement of the foot. If the wear is greater on the inner edge, it is called overpronation, and is an exaggeration of the normal inward rotation of the foot. Supination, or under-pronation, is when the most wear is in the outer edge of the sole. Neutral running is in pronation, but there are shoes suitable for all types of running. Knowing what your typical movement is will help you not only in your choice of shoes, but also in the running itself.
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The materials of the shoe could influence the choice
Nowadays, there are a huge variety of different materials for running shoes. Synthetic leather allows a very short break-in time, and compared to real leather it lasts longer, dries sooner and is more breathable. Nylon, on the other hand, offers enormous lightness, breathability and durability. Also useful are the TPU inserts, positioned at the heel, which improve stability and durability. Also useful when running are the waterproof uppers, which keep the foot dry, even if they lack a little breathability.
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The classification of shoes by running
Running shoes are divided into seven categories, based on the different types that exist on the market. A0 = minimalist (chosen according to if you like it, very simple shoe); A1 = super-lightweight (running fast on flat, even surfaces); A2 = intermediate (possibly a running shoe or, for some, even a cross-country shoe); A3 = maximum cushioning (neutral, good for everyone and one of the most popular); A4 = stable (protection in long training sessions and high performance in short training sessions); A5 = trial running (running in nature); A6 = jogging shoes (shoes suitable for those starting out).
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Tips when trying on running shoes in the store
The first piece of advice is to try them on directly in the shop, because these shoes need to be felt on you before you buy them. If possible, try them on at the end of the day, because the foot swells slightly after many hours on your feet, so it is better to avoid getting a model that is too small. Given the movement of running, it is important that there is space between the toe of the shoe and the tip of the foot. In addition, it is also important to have your own insoles with you in case you use them. Shoes, even running shoes, should be worn as we would wear them for training.
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Also assess your weight
We know, it's a bit of an ugly speech to make, but we can't hide from it: body weight influences so many things in life, and also training and choice of shoes. In general, up to 65 kg a runner is considered to be light, up to 75 kg he or she falls into the medium range and above this weight into the heavy category. Depending on which band one belongs to, it becomes important to assess the level of cushioning of the running shoe, so as to make the impact with the ground less abrupt.
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How often to change shoes
Reasoning in terms of perfection, running shoes should last between 650 and 800 km in total. So, let's say 4 to 6 months for those who train regularly but without overdoing it. Always check the wear of the sole, but also the condition of the ankle joint support and laces. After 6 months, it may be time to replace them.
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