What is the importance of quality running shoes?
Running shoes are the most vital piece of equipment that you as a runner will ever own. There are so many shoe brands and styles on the market, but not every one of them are designed for running. Just because you own the newest pair of #Nike’s doesn’t mean they were designed for the runner. Without proper athletic shoes, your running performance can suffer and you may end up with injuries.
#Asics, #Brooks, #Mizuno, #New Balance, #Nike, #Saucony — these are just a few of the companies that sell running shoes. But how do you know which running shoes are right for you?
Know your running style.
About fourteen years ago, I stopped in at a shoe store, near St. Louis, looking for a new pair of running shoes. When the employee asked me what style of shoe I was looking for, I simply responded with “a decent pair.” Five minutes later, my feet were being video taped while I ran on a treadmill. Afterwards, when the employee told me that I had an underpronated gait, I thought “I have a what.”
After a quick lesson in pronation, I understood how your personal pronation type is crucial to choosing the proper running shoes. Minutes later, I was being hooked up with a brand new pair of Saucony’s designed for my running style and I have worn their shoe ever since.
So, let’s examine the various styles of gaits. If you have a normal foot arch, you are likely a normal pronator, meaning you will do best in a stability shoe that offers moderate pronation control. Runners with flat feet normally overpronate, so they do well in a motion control shoe that controls pronation. High-arched runners typically underpronate, so they do best in a neutral cushioned shoe that encourages a more natural foot motion.
According to #Runner’s World, the definition of normal pronation is, The outside part of the heel makes initial contact with the ground. The foot rolls inward about fifteen percent, comes in complete contact with the ground, and can support your body weight without any problem. The rolling in of the foot optimally distributes the forces of impact. This movement is called pronation, and it’s critical to proper shock absorption. At the end of the gait cycle, you push off evenly from the front of the foot.
Over pronation is defined as, As with the normal pronation sequence, the outside of the heel makes the initial ground contact. However, the foot rolls inward more than the ideal fifteen percent, which is called overpronation. This means the foot and ankle have problems stabilizing the body, and shock isn’t absorbed as efficiently. At the end of the gait cycle, the front of the foot pushes off the ground using mainly the big toe and second toe, which then must do all the work.
Under pronation (also referred to as supination) is defined as, Again, the outside of the heel makes initial contact with the ground. But the inward movement of the foot occurs at less than fifteen percent (i.e., there is less rolling in than for those with normal or flat feet). Consequently, forces of impact are concentrated on a smaller area of the foot (the outside part), and are not distributed as efficiently. In the push-off phase, most of the work is done by the smaller toes on the outside of the foot.
If possible, find a specialist in the area you live to analyze your gait. Self-diagnose if you have to. Bring your old running shoes with you. A salesman might be able to determine what style of shoe you need by examining the wear on the sole of your shoes. Take your time trying on and testing shoes. It is well worth your time to find the right running shoe. You will notice a difference.
Choosing the right shoe.
A good number of people today still do not fully realize the importance of investing in a good pair of running shoes. Worn out or ill fitting shoes are a leading cause of injury to runners. It is best to go to a specialty running shop (not a big box or department store) where a salesperson can watch you run and help you select a pair of shoes that offer your feet the support they need.
Once you understand your gait, you can choose the right shoe. If you have normal shaped feet you want a running shoe that offers stability. A stability shoe has all the necessary components of a good running shoe and they don’t cause the foot to go in a certain direction while running.
If you are an over pronater, you may need a motion controlled running shoe. These shoes are straight and rigid, preventing the over rolling of the front of the foot. You will prevent injuries to your foot and increase your performance by wearing something that helps control your foot’s natural tendency for over pronation.
Under pronating runners need extra support and slight motion control to help their feet follow through with pronation. Wearing cushioned running shoes will help absorb shock, as underpronation causes you to hit the ground harder, and will also help steer your foot inward to help prevent injuries from under pronation.
Don’t keep your shoes any longer than six months or 500 miles. There is a high risk of injury when running with worn out shoes even if they do not appear to be worn out.
So, what is the importance of quality running shoes? If you want to stay healthy, fit, and injury free, invest in a good pair of running shoes. It will be worth the extra expense incurred!
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