Shoes that are specifically designed for runners to help them while running easily in a race or some other purposes such as exercise etc. are called running shoes.
What are the features of running shoes?
Features of good running shoes are:
- They provide DURABILITY and BREATHABILITY as they are made with a combination of synthetic leather and mesh.
- The lacing system helps the runner to customize the fit of shoes, and the heel can be stabilized by a durable heal counter.
- For running at nighttime, reflective materials are used in it
- For cleaning and replacement removable insoles are attached.
- They offer cushioning and durability due to the EVA midsole.
- An EVA midsole is attached to brand technology to reduce weight while boosting shock absorption.
- Motion control may arrive in the type of MEDIAL and LATERAL BRIDGES.
- For traction, outsoles usually contain a waffle pattern. For durability purposes, carbon rubber is used and grooves of FOREFOOT FLEX for utmost flexibility.
How to select the best running shoes? (1)
There are no single shoes that are specifically made for you and fit your feet perfectly. Here are some tips that will help you in finding perfect running shoes for you.
Tip # 1. Choose a running-specific shoe
Running shoes may look similar to sneakers, but they contain special technology that helps you while running. When you run, your foot will hit the ground the same way with every step. Running shoes are different from sneakers as they have special technology to save you from injury while running due to revising motion. They provide cushioning that helps in shock absorption. The design of running shoes is kept specific which helps you run with greater ease.
Tip # 2. Get the right fit
You mostly look for one specific feature that is fitting, when you select running shoes for you. If you select misfit shoes it will make your running experience bad and painful as well. Sometimes misfit shoes can lead to injury also.
Tip # 3. Choose the right types of running shoes.
When running shoes are designed, they are designed with some specific feature in mind. You should select your running shoes based on your need and the type you want.
- Everyday running shoes
- They are durable
- Have versatile options
- It mostly handles all type of running that most people do
- Lightweight running shoes
- It is less durable than running shoes
- They are best for workouts and races
- They are less cushioned as compare to everyday shoes.
- Trail running shoes
- They are best when have to run on dirt and rocky road
- For better grip, lugs are present at the bottom of the shoes
- They have more durable upper
Tip # 4. Know what you are paying for
Mostly running shoes are costly due to their high technology and comfort. If the price tag shoes high price, it means they are the most comfortable shoes with great technology, but that doesn’t mean you have to purchase that expensive shoes to win the race. Similar to that, cheaper shoes are considered as a bad choice for runners as they think they are not made specifically made for runners. Running shoes with high quality mostly range from 100 dollars to 250 dollars. Well-suited running shoes are expected to pay between 110 dollars to 150 dollars for daily needs.
Tip # 5. Know the lingo
Stack height
The amount of material present between the FOOT and GROUND is referred to as STACK HEIGHT. The range for stack height is from barefoot, or less cushioned to a maximum or high cushioned. Running shoes mostly lies in between the stack-height spectrum. Runners who prefer less cushioned or low stack height will enjoy the feeling of the ground as compared to highly cushioned. They appreciate this type of shoes as they can experience natural running. On the other hand, runners who prefer more cushioned shoes can enjoy the experience of plush running with a combination of protection.
Heel-toe offset
The amount of material difference that is present between the heel and forefoot of running shoes is referred to as heel-toe offset. For the accommodation of stride, more material is present beneath the heel of running shoes as the heel is the first slice of the foot that will hit the ground. This will assist in the absorption of landing. If running shows have low heel-toe offset, it will provide uniform thickness under the whole foot. Stride is promoted when the middle or front part of the foot strikes the ground.
Pronation control
Running shoes can be classified into two types:
- Neutral shoes
- Stability shoes
Neutral shoes
- Eight percent of running shoes are made of neutral shoes
- They offer a great option for running shoes
- They are best for runners
Stability shoes
- They are designed specifically to correct the overpronation of running shoes
- Overpronation happens when your ankle rolls greatly inward with every step during running which will increase your chance for injury.
Cost for running shoes
The average cost for running shoes is seventy-five dollars. People mostly spend 50 dollars to 100 dollars on running shoes. People, who are conscious about the brand and their level of commitment, spend more than 200 dollars on running shoes. Branded shoes last longer as compare to ordinary shoes and they also offer customized fitting for your foot. If you buy running shoes worth 100 dollars, they will provide more comfort with better support and experience than shoes worth 50 dollars.
Top-rated brands for running shoes 2021 (2)
Here are the best running shoes brands 2021:
Brooks
- They make the most popular running shoes
- Almost every runner can find their best fit shoes for running or training
- Brand focus their research and development on running shoes
ASICS
- Their motto is “A SOUND MIND IN A SOUND BODY”
- They provide high-quality shoes for runners
- Running shoes of ASICS provide a premium experience for runners
HOKA ONE ONE
- Newcomer to the industry of running shoes
- They have made a great entry with their big midsoles
- They are highly cushioned and perfect for runners and people at the job who require more standing and walking at the workplace
Nike
- Athletes are mostly found in Nike shoes
- Well known brand for decades
- Nike shoes are the best shoes in the world of running shoes.
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