March 9th, 2012 by John Smith
Choosing The Right Type Of Running Shoes [infographics]
An infographic by the team at PriceCollate
There are different types of running shoes, which adapt to different people with different running intentions. There are different types of activities to be performed, carried on by different people with different feet and preferences; the options are limitless when it comes to shoe-wear design.
We can consider shoes as being tires for our feet; they can be designed for pavement surfaces and others similar with minor irregularities, they can be very light and flexible and provide cushion and support in order to bring in more stability for the foot. Additionally, shoes can be intended and designed for off-road routes, which might go through the mountains and can lead the runner to outstanding and marvelous scenic views. There are also shoes that come with an enhanced and much more aggressive outsole, which is intended for a better grip and traction or even fortified and reinforced structure in order to offer greater stability, underfoot protection and support for the runner’s feet.
There are different types of formats in running shoes, either minimal or non-minimal. Minimal design shoes are those that are straightforward, no extra elements and no fancy design; plain format and its main purpose is to reduce injuries. The idea behind these shoes is that using them provides a much more natural fit and use, which will in turn reduce injuries; common injuries involved in running include Knee Injury (which is approximately 30%), IT band (20%), Pulling a Muscle (32%), Achilles Tendonitis (17%), Shin Splints (16%), Stress Fracture (19%) and Planta Fascitis (26%). These are all injuries that diverse in seriousness and complexity, and it is believed that they all can be avoided by the use of minimal shoes.
Shoes can also adapt to a specific foot arch; there is flat, medium and high arch. Choosing a correct shoe that fits the type of arch that the person has reduces significantly the possible pain produced while running or walking. Runners with flat feet (flat arch) tend to over pronate, which is the separation of the front end of the feet, therefore the feet “aim outwards”. The opposite pronation is produced when the individual has a high arch.
Having narrowed down the main functions, characteristics and common situations produced by the use of shoes, not let us consider how a running shoe should feel.
Wiggle room: there should be enough space between the end of the toes and the front of the shoe, roughly about half an inch.
Fit: you should look for a secure fit and a comfortable feel all throughout. Imagine as if a hand was gently keeping your foot in place.
Heel: the goal is little or even no slippage at the heel.
Remember to always land gently on your feet as you gradually allow the heel to come down and make contact with the road. The transition should be slow, and not only when talking steps, but in every aspect. Be sure to stretch your muscles and tendons, this will avoid serious injuries; a pulled muscle can mean weeks off the roads and keeping you away from running and enjoying such a beautiful outdoor activity. Always pay attention to what your body has to say; feeling pain while performing walking or running activities is not a good sign. In case of need be sure to check up with your doctor. Moreover, the last tip is to buy minimal shoes for your everyday activities; the lack of a high heel and the use of malleable shoes will make you feel utterly comfortable.
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