The Shoe Shops Online guide to trainers and running shoes
Finding the right pair of trainers or running shoes, means knowing your own needs
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This is a guide to running shoes. For any running, training or exercise the most important part of the kit is what you wear on your feet. Whether you call them running shoes, trainers or sneakers it is important that you protect your feet from hitting the ground and help stop any twists that you generated when you run or work out.
No two people are the same when it comes to the ideal running shoes so when selecting your running shoes you must make sure they are what you need and they are right for the type of exercise you are doing. I can help you work out what kind of shoes are right for you. Then you can look at our extensive listing to find out which running shoes you like.
Firstly, we will look at the mechanics for the shoe. Your foot shape is closely related to its movement as you walk, run or exercise. Typically, your foot strikes the ground heel first; it rolls slightly inwards, flattening the arch to cushion the force. This movement is called pronation. Next, your foot rolls slightly to the outside, stiffening up and creating a springboard that propels the next step. The outward motion is known as supination.
If you pronate or (roll inwards) you may need extra support for what is commonly known as flat feet (“fallen arches”). If you supinate you run on the outside edge of your feet, which in turn does not absorb much shock as you land. This is frequently the result of inflexible feet and high arches. The preferred shoe for this type of runner offers plenty of cushioning and flexibility. But how do you determine what sideways motion your foot makes? The answer is probably in your closet.
If you own a pair of trainers or running shoes, check the wear pattern on the soles to see whether you over or under pronate or if your foot motion is normal. If the wear is centralized to the ball of the foot and a small portion of the heel, you have a normal amount of foot movement. Over-pronation is identified by wear patterns along the inside edges, while under-pronation is marked by wear along the outer edges.
Finding the right pair of running shoes, means knowing your own needs, we can divide running shoes into the following categories.
Neutral
These trainers are neutral or under-pronate. Some shoes in this category may also be suitable for mild over-pronators. Under-pronators should look for a flexible pair of well cushioned neutral shoes.
Support
These still have the same kind of cushioning technologies as neutral shoes but in addition to this they have features to give extra support and guidance to slow and reduce over-pronation.
Motion Control
People who over-pronate more severely and heavier runners who over-pronate can choose these shoes that provide extra support and guidance.
Trail
Specifically designed for off road running
Lightweights
Less protection than regular training shoes these shoes are also either neutral or supportive.
Failure to replace older, worn-out running shoes will lead to injuries. Remember, that the ground is unlikely to yield to the pounding force you place upon it when you exercise and your body's mechanical motion is likewise unlikely to change. Thus, if you are using a shoe that is unable to compensate for your form, weight, and persistence, it will be your body that succumbs to the uncorrected stress. The results could be painful and nasty.
Now we have look at the different type of running shoes let us look at buying your running shoes.
Firstly, you must acknowledge that a pair of running shoes are the largest outlay you will have for exercise, so decide from the start that you are going to buy a good pair, don't cut corners, otherwise you will just wish that you had bought the good pair in the first place.
A good pair will offer protection from injury and reduce the occurrence of muscle or joint aches resulting from poor footwear. Paying from around £45 upwards will get you a decent, basic shoe, and from £60 upwards, you are getting more durability, quality, and features beyond the basics.
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