|
|
|
|
When shopping for running shoes, learning how to buy running shoes based on a shoe's design is a fundamental part to a runner's training program. Unless you're at a specialty running store, or are talking to someone who happens to know a lot about running, most store associates can't tell the difference between one running shoe and another. This puts all the burden on you to pick a shoe that's going to work for you. No worries. It's actually very simple to categorize a shoe and figure out whether it is a good candidate. Read the following tips on how to know if a particular running sneaker is right for you just by looking at it.
1. Look at the medial side (side where the big toe lies) of the shoe. This is a good indicator on how much support a running shoe has. Remember, not everybody needs the same level of support. Getting a shoe that gives the amount of support that YOU need is what you're aiming to do. You don't want too much support, but you also don't want too little support as well. You have to get it just right. If you don't know how to do so already, click here to learn how to choose running shoes based on your foot's structure. Below are pictures showing how stability, motion control, and neutral shoes are typically designed.
Notice how the stability shoe has a section in the midsole foam filled in with gray. The gray foam is denser than the white foam. This extra density keeps the arch from flattening out and foot from turning inward too much. You may also find some plastic pieces within the gray area for extra reinforcement. The motion control shoe has a darker posting, hence it is denser and provides more support. The posting in motion control shoes is also usually longer, traveling either back to the heel or further into the forefoot. Additionally, you may find even more reinforcing pieces of plastic inside motion control postings. The neutral shoe has no posting, so it lacks support because people that use neutral shoes don't need support. They just need a flexible cushioned shoe. Keep in mind that not all brands will use foam densities as support features. For example, Mizuno, FILA, and Pearl Izumi will use pieces of plastic. As a general rule, the more things a shoe has in the arch and heel area, the more support it has.
2. Look at the bottom of the shoe. Flipping the shoe over and noticing how the bottom takes shape is a fairly good method to categorize shoes. I suggest you use this method in addition to the one above because I have seen some exceptions. Note the general shapes of stability, neutral, and motion control shoes.
Stability shoes curve inward a bit. Neutral shoes have a slight more pronounced curve. Motion control shoes are straighter. The amount of curve controls the inward or outward movement of your foot. Stability shoes have moderate inward control. Most runners' feet turn inwards a bit, therefore they need a stability shoe to balance them out and keep them straight. The straight shape of a motion control shoe has high inward control because people that wear these shoes need to be really forced out to set them straight. Neutral shoes have little inward control because they accommodate people who transition fairly straight. Some neutral wearers actually need to be forced in a bit, hence the curvier platform.
Other Running Shoe Links
Helpful Links |
|
