Running is considered to be one of the most popular types of training. Everyone is engaged in it - both children and adults, regardless of gender. In order for the lesson to be beneficial, but on the contrary, not to injure the legs, it is worth knowing how to choose sneakers for running. In this case, general-purpose shoes are not suitable. There are special models that take into account weight indicators, gender, foot position, even the technique that you are guided by during classes.
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List of the best running shoe manufacturers
Sneakers should be chosen based on the proposals of well-known companies. This is due to the fact that eminent brands value their reputation, and therefore all products, before entering the market, undergo a series of control checks. Plus, such brands produce footwear with a comprehensive approach to the task. They make sneakers based on the study of the stresses that athletes face while exercising. There is even the possibility of creating new materials that will be used for running shoes.
If you decide to seriously engage in jogging, then it is better to pay attention to special shoes with excellent qualities of ergonomics and comfort. After analyzing the market situation, reading the opinions of professionals and consumers on the Web, we came to the conclusion that the products of these brands deserve attention: Adidas, Asics, Saucony, Mizuno and Nike.
The main parameters for choosing running shoes
The size
This parameter is one of the most basic. Manufacturers have special size tables, which are represented by national metrics such as UK, US, Euro, CM. For example, Salomon produces small sizes, but La Sportiva produces larger ones. If you buy shoes in a store, then there will be no problems with this, you can try them on. But if you turned to the Internet order, then it is important not to miscalculate the size.
It is better to choose once and for all one dimensional metric, which you will always follow when choosing running shoes. It is important to remember that it is correct to take shoes with a margin of 0.5-1 size from the real one if you will be running long distances, in particular, in mountainous areas. But believe me, if someone claims Salomon Speedcross should only be worn back to back, then this is a wrong opinion. The thing is, you can easily earn thumb problems. For example, osteomyelitis of the big toe is common.
In the event that you know your body, and often encounter leg swelling, it is better to take shoes with a margin of size. It is also better to do if you plan to insert an additional mesh, wear a woolen sock. As a result, it is possible that the size of the sneakers will be 1.5 sizes larger. The most important thing is to keep your leg comfortable.
If you run short distances, do not tend to wear orthopedic insoles, then you can take the size in size. But keep in mind that it is still worth leaving a small distance between the toes and the toe area. Let it be 2 mm, and that's good.
Which sneaker to choose: light or heavy?
There shouldn't be any difficulties with this parameter. If this is a long distance running shoe, then the weight should be 280-350 grams. for 1 sneaker. The sizes in the calculation are average. Please note that the larger the size, the greater the weight. Accordingly, this rule works with a smaller size.
An excellent modern competition shoe will weigh 170-280 grams. Trail runners do well in 330 gram models, though. Sometimes they even come to the finish line first in such models. Winning a running tournament will generally depend on the correct choice of shoes and the athlete's body condition.
If this is a sprinter who runs in spikes, then the shoes will not be heavier than 250 grams. They are less in weight than house slippers, and therefore the weight is not felt at all.
Connoisseurs of challenging expedition racing, for example, Patagonia Expedition Race prefer offtrail or offroad shoes, their weight is stable at 330 grams.
Drop running shoe
The difference in height from heel to toe is called Drop. The heel of running shoes should be higher than the toe, this is a special condition. For example, the technical parameters of a sneaker often indicate drop indicators. For example, the designation can be specified like this: "20mm / 11mm (drop - 9mm)". The decoding is that the heel thickness at the thickest point is 20 mm, and the toe is 11 mm at the thinnest point.
The higher the drop rate, the more likely the runner is making the correct movement starting from the heel. Due to this, a smooth roll is also due, from a toe in such a model it is very inconvenient to run, in particular, on asphalt.
The minimum drop in the running version can be 4 mm. This is a sprint version of spikes, i.e. flat.
It is important to keep in mind that this indicator does not mean that depreciation is poor. Nowadays, manufacturers of shoes with a minimum drop make them with high soles with good shock absorption, the same goes for road shoes.
Running shoe cushioning
Each manufacturer has their own unique technologies for creating cushioning. They believe that this is just about the most basic characteristic that helps people determine which running shoe is the best. In general, this is true, in particular, when it comes to amateur choice.
All running shoes are divided by zones of cushioning distribution:
- equipped only in the heel. Rare;
- in the heel and toe. Frequent technology;
- over the entire surface of the sole.
It is worth choosing the right type based on your individual requirements. You can consult an orthopedist. You can often see variants with pronounced damping in the area of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, i.e. thumb. Cushioning is important if ailments such as gouty arthritis, saline have been transferred in the past. The main purpose of the cushioning will be to absorb the shock load from running that hits all joints of the body. Running 20 km in flat-soled sneakers, while not having strong muscles and a musculoskeletal system, you may face problems.
For this reason, all coaches and experienced runners recommend pumping the ligaments, feet, and muscles in the knee, back, and deep muscles. Natural amortization is inherent in the human body, it also needs to be trained. Even the anatomy of a flat-footed foot can be a factor in reducing the natural characteristics of shock absorption. This is the main reason for doing more GPP.
Types of running shoes
Before getting to an overview of the main types of running shoes, it is suggested to consider the general classification for all models. First of all, sneakers should be selected according to gender. Women's and men's feet differ in structure, the ratio of body weight to area, for this reason, the pressure on the sole of both sexes is not similar in values.
Apart from design decisions, the characteristic features of men's running shoes will be: pronounced cushioning properties, less lift in the heel and a wide last.
Women's running shoes are less cushioned as girls are often lighter than men if they look after their appearance. Also, manufacturers worry about preserving the Achilles tendon, and therefore the heel on models needs to be raised much higher.
It is customary to divide sports shoes into subspecies due to the running surface. These are options for running on asphalt, gym and treadmills, for rough terrain.
The division is not random. It is better if you follow the appointment. In this case, you will feel comfortable while exercising, and the sneakers can last much longer.
Winter sneakers
The option is made of dense material. By weight, it can reach up to 800 grams. This is the perfect solution, as the upper material is made in the form of Gore-tex with additional insulation. The outsole is thickened, made of polystyrene foam, which protects the feet from moisture and cold. Winter models can be supplemented with cast and removable studs additionally. The only drawback is that the legs will not "breathe" in them, even using Gore-tex is not able to do this.
Summer sneakers
Manufacturers make summer sneakers based on lightweight materials. In this case, the sole will be made of foam or silicone. As for the top, it is customary to do it on the basis of a mesh. In this version of the shoe, the legs "breathe" perfectly. Sneakers differ in light weight. The pair will not exceed 500 grams. They can be used for jogging on the street in the summer, but in the gym in shoes it will be comfortable all year round.
Mid-season sneakers
The variant is in between winter and summer sneakers. The peculiarity is that the shoes will not get wet. It has a thick sole and ventilation.
Workout sneakers
Suitable for professional athletes and amateurs. In this case, good cushioning will be provided, the weight may be slightly increased. A pair of sneakers will weigh 250-400 grams. The outsole features high wear resistance, distributing the pressure of the foot over the entire surface. The top is made in accordance with the Fluid Fit technology based on a polymer mesh.
These sneakers are characterized by comfort and safety performance. But for championships and serious competitions this is not the best option, since the weight is really big. The outsole is designed for outdoor asphalt training, not the rubberized stadium surface.
Pros:
- support and protection of the legs is reliable;
- excellent shock absorption properties;
- the outsole is soft and durable;
- Ventilation of the legs is ensured by the mesh upper.
Disadvantages:
- great weight.
Competition Sneakers
This type of footwear is liked by professionals. As a rule, sneakers are 2 times lighter in weight than training models. Here the weight is 200-250 grams. This allows you to develop maximum speed indicators at a distance. The outsole is flexible and very thin. There is also better grip for running. The option also differs in a rigid grip of the ankle area. It is not always convenient, but the speed of the runner can be maintained. With regard to depreciation, in this case, it is almost absent. For this reason, footwear is not suitable for continuous training.
Pros:
- a light weight;
- you can develop high speed;
- the sole adheres perfectly to the treadmill;
- excellent hold on the leg.
Disadvantages:
- suitable for professional athletes;
- properties do not allow sneakers to serve their owner for a long time.
Cross Country Sneakers
Option for those who like to run off-road. These are special sneakers with an increased weight of up to 400-500 grams. This is due to the design features.Here is a flexible outsole with reinforcement, tread, and a dense upper with waterproof properties.
Pros:
- sneakers will not get wet;
- the outsole is thick, has excellent shock absorption and protection from stones;
- weight is evenly distributed;
- excellent flexibility, which allows you to take ups and downs;
- embossed protector, which makes it possible to grip the surface of the treadmill as much as possible.
Disadvantages:
- heavy weight;
- there is no ventilation.
Lacing
This is an equally important parameter that allows you to fix the foot while running. Lacing can be classic, quick and on ordinary knots. The choice is only yours. If this is a fast option, then it has no equal in speed, especially when it comes to exercising in the cold. Classic lacing is softer and more comfortable if you need to loosen.
In good running shoes, you can find a compartment where knots or lacing remnants are removed so that they do not interfere with running.
Heel stiffness and fixation
For cross country runners, this is an important parameter. The spots should be fixed well. You can't let it dangle or slide forward. If you press the heel of the sole higher, then it should be firm or have minimal bursting. The safety of the Achilles tendon will depend on this. Only a minimalist trail shoe has a cushioned heel, but the hold is still high.
The same can be said about road shoes. In the training version, the heel fixes well and is always rigid. But there are a lot of competitive variations. This is, for example, for triathlon running, where the shoe is soft in the heel.
Tread geometry
The geometry of the tread can affect the grip of trail running shoes. The tread and the pattern will determine how the outsole reacts to contact with dirt, how easy it is to clean. If the tread is clogged then grip on the mud will be zero. It is customary to say from the geometry and width of the studs that the overall grip depends.
Based on the above data, you will definitely be able to purchase quality running shoes that will bring exceptionally desirable results in training.
