Top 10 tips for choosing running shoes

Popular vote - which brand makes the best running shoes?
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Brooks

Asics

Nike

Salomon

Mizuno

Puma

HOKA

Total voted: 8

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The choice of running shoes depends on the purpose for which they are purchased. There are models with completely different characteristics.

Training. A responsive and comfortable running shoe with quality cushioning to absorb impact from outdoor or indoor runs. They securely fix the leg, sit tight, but at the same time soft, springy. The design of the shoe is designed for constant comfortable training.It can be used not only by an athlete, but also by any person who runs to keep fit.

Competitive. Not suitable for training running, only used for short and long distance marathons during competitions. Differ in the minimum weight, a thin firm sole. Depreciation is not provided for in them, the impact loads of the competition models are not smoothed out. But they allow you to develop good speed during the race.

When choosing running shoes for regular runs, be sure to consider the type of road surface. Many characteristics of shoes will depend on this - depreciation, sole material and severity of treads.

Asphalt. City dwellers most often have to run on asphalt. In this case, maximum attention should be paid to depreciation. It reduces the impact load on the ankle. Cushioning inserts are required in the heel and toe of the sneakers. As for the sole, it should be soft enough, with low treads to prevent slipping on wet pavement. The same sneakers are suitable for the stadium and indoor activities.

Rugged terrain. Jogging in nature, off-road requires a completely different shoe. Particular attention should be paid to the depth of the tread (at least 4 mm), as well as the quality of fixation of the ankle. The block of such models is rigid, and the upper part is reinforced with protective overlays in the toe and heel area.

Athletes choose running technique intentionally, for other people it depends on individual characteristics, body weight. The main difference is which part of the sole you land on. If you haven't paid attention to it before, take a test run. 

From the heel. The most common running technique at a slow pace, in which the maximum load falls on the heel area. Optimal for people with excess weight and flat feet. For her, it is best to choose shoes with enhanced cushioning and a large height difference from heel to toe.

Natural run. In natural running, most of the load falls on the center of the foot. In this case, it is better to purchase shoes with enhanced cushioning throughout the sole surface in order to reduce shock loading.

With a sock. The technique is used mainly by athletes during intense sprints for competitive purposes. Depreciation in this case is not needed, preference is given to light sneakers with thin soles.

Pronation or the type of arch of the foot is a moment that should be given maximum attention. In humans, the arch of the foot acts as a natural shock absorber. When landing while running, it becomes flatter, which reduces the shock load on the joints. Pronation can be of several types.

Neutral. Normal foot without deviations. Most sneakers are suitable for people with neutral pronation, there are no special nuances when choosing.

overpronation. Upon landing, the arch of the foot collapses into the inside.Overpronation is one of the main reasons for the development of flat feet. The choice in this case falls on sneakers that support the foot well, but at the same time have a not very stiff block and not too strong cushioning.

hypopronation. People with hypopronation are said to be "clubfoot". That is, when walking and running, the foot collapses outward. Due to the low flexibility of the foot, an excessive load on the lower leg is created. In this case, preference is given to sneakers with good cushioning and a smooth drop (transition from heel to toe).

If you plan to run outdoors both in summer and in winter, you will have to have several pairs of running shoes at once. Their choice will depend on both the season and weather conditions.

Summer. It is better to give preference to lightweight sneakers with a mesh upper so that in hot weather your feet do not sweat while running.

Off-season. For spring, autumn and summer weather, it is worth considering models for off-road running. They have deep enough and tenacious treads for good grip on wet or muddy surfaces. This will protect against accidental falls on slippery roads. Not bad if the material will have moisture-proof impregnation.

Winter. For the cold season, models for cross-country running are also suitable, but here it is worth considering membrane options. And for complete confidence on the road, special sneakers with metal spikes are perfect, in which you can even run on ice.

Many people do not pay attention to lacing when choosing sneakers. But this is an important element responsible for the secure fixation of the foot. There are two types of lacing - classical with tying knots and fastwhen it is sufficient to tighten the lock. The second option is more convenient, but the type of lacing does not matter.

It is much more important to pay attention to its other features. It is better to give preference to models in which the lacing is located asymmetrically, shifted closer to the inside of the leg. It is very good if the loops have the possibility of some displacement, they are not united by one common bar. This allows you to more tightly fix the shoe on the leg.

You can choose the perfect running shoes for all the parameters considered, but if the size is even a little off the foot, it will be uncomfortable to run in them. Here it is worth considering a number of basic requirements - the shoes fit tightly on the leg, do not hang out, but at the same time there is free space in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe fingers, movements are not constrained.

Size marking may vary depending on the brand, but in the description there is always such an indicator as the length of the insole in centimeters. This is where you need to be guided. And for accuracy, you need to correctly measure the foot. Measurement is best done in the socks that you use for running. You need to stand with your foot on a piece of paper and circle the outline of the foot.Then, using a ruler, measure the length from the edge of the heel to the very tip of the protruding finger (thumb or index).

We add 0.5-1 cm to the result obtained. It remains to verify the indicator with the manufacturer's dimensional grid. A small clarification - the feet can sometimes vary slightly in length, so it's better to measure both legs and focus on a larger indicator. It is also necessary to take into account the fullness of the leg. The need to choose shoes with greater fullness can be indicated by a noticeable stretch of the material on the outside. You can determine the completeness by measuring the girth of the foot at the most protruding points of the toe (line B in the figure at the beginning of the council), comparing it with the size of the foot.

It is better to buy running shoes in regular, rather than online stores, so that you can try them on. Doing this is definitely on the toe and preferably in the evening, when the legs swell slightly. Take a walk, run around the store to understand whether the shoes fit you or not. Particular attention should be paid to the following points.

The heel should fit snugly. If she even "walks" slightly, there is a possibility of injury while running. But at the same time, shoes should not hamper movement.

There is free space in the thumb area. It should be at least 5 mm if you put your foot on the heel. In tight running shoes, running will turn into torment.

Trying on multiple pairs. It is better to stay in the store a little longer, trying on several different models, comparing them for convenience. Even if the first pair of shoes seemed to be successful, the next one may be even more comfortable.

Additional insoles. If the sneakers are satisfactory in all respects, but the type of pronation does not fit, you can try to correct the situation by purchasing an additional anatomical insole.

It is always better to give preference to well-known, proven brands. Even if their shoes are significantly more expensive, they will last longer and meet all the requirements for sports running shoes. At the moment, the following manufacturers are especially popular and trusted by buyers.

Brooks. One of the best brands of running shoes, respected even by professional athletes. The American manufacturer produces really light and comfortable women's and men's models using its own technologies.

Asics. A large Japanese manufacturer, in the assortment of which you can find models for various purposes - for running on asphalt, rough terrain, for training, running for short and long distances. There are many good options for men and women on sale.

Nike. A world-famous brand that offers excellent models for regular training - running on the street on asphalt, in off-road conditions. The manufacturer does not produce professional models for competitive races. But there are sneakers for running in winter.

Salomon. In the assortment of the French manufacturer, men's and women's running shoes for running on tracks of varying complexity, all kinds of surfaces are widely represented. If you need high-quality off-road sneakers, winter studded models, you should pay special attention to the brand. But for asphalt, the choice is limited.

Mizuno. High-quality and stylish running shoes for runners with different levels of training, including professional athletes. So there are models for both regular training and overcoming marathon distances. The main difference from other brands is the use of a wave cushioning system that minimizes shock loading.

Unfortunately, even in some seemingly quite serious sports stores, you can find fake sneakers of famous brands. Naturally, their quality will not be the same. Each manufacturer has its own anti-counterfeiting method, but there are ways in which you can check the shoes of any brand.

iGepir program. An application for a smartphone that allows you to get information about a product by reading the manufacturer's barcode. But some stores stick their barcode on top, in which case it will not work to use the method.

Batch number and article. Find the batch number and manufacturer's article number on the label of the shoe and on the box from it. They must match. If everything is correct, then we look for a unique serial number on both sneakers - it should be different. This method is applicable to models of all major brands.

General external signs. Sneakers of any well-known brand are worth a close look. A fake can be given out by poor workmanship - uneven lines, an abundance of glue with a pungent odor, "burrs", poorly processed holes for laces.

Often come across very "high-quality" fakes, in appearance they are practically indistinguishable from the original.Therefore, it is always worth buying shoes in a trusted store, and if you are sure of the size and model - on the manufacturer's website.