How to pick "your" running shoe
Apr 29 '01
The Bottom Line Shoes are the only thing between you and the road, so how do you pick a shoe??
Some of you may be under the impression that the most expensive shoe is the best shoe for you, or the latest fads that advertisers and engineers dream up in shoe lingo such as air or shox or dmx to swindle you out of your money is the best bet. This is not the case. Shoes should be chosen based upon the many specific factors that are specific to each individual. Such as body make up, foot make up, and what the shoe will be used for ie (off road, on road, trail, speedwork etc.) This in turn does not result in the best shoes being the most expensive.
Types of shoes
There are five types of shoe type categories that most running shoes are referred to as.
i)Motion-Control Shoes
These shoes are usually heavy and very durable. These shoes limit the level of overpronation that occurs in runners that need maximum rearfoot control and extra support on the medial arch. So if you area big or heavy runner who needs support and durability in a shoe these shoes are for you. Those who have flat feet may fit this mold.
My Fav's Asics Gel-Foundation II, Mizuno Wave Foundation, New Balance 587
ii)Cushioned Shoes
These shoes usually have the best cushioning but in doing so they give up medial arch support. These shoes should be for efficient runners that do not have control problems with their stride. These shoes are do well for those that have high arches.
My Fav's Nike Air Pegasus, Adidas Response Trail, Adidas Equipment Ride
iii)Stability Shoes
These shoes offer the best of cushioning and medial arch support. These shoes are built with a midweight runner who do not have problems with his stride. This shoe is made with normal arches in mind, which most runners have.
My Fav's Nike Air Span Triax, one of the best running shoes I have owned, Nike Air Max Tailwind, Brooks Vapor
iv)Lightweight Training
These shoes have in the mind the runner that is looking for a racing or speedwork shoe. This is good for sprinters or under 800 meter runners that do a lot of fast stuff.
My Fav's Mizuno Wave Precision, Mizuno Wave Rider 2001
Breakdown
Everyone has different needs in what they want to get out of a pair of running shoes, and while many shoes can cost up to 110.00 research is the best way to find the shoe that is best for you. A sprinter needs a different shoe than a marathoner, however a bigger build runner needs a different shoe than a lightweight marathoner. Thus you should find a shoe that fits you, your running style, your biomechanics (mainly arch type), and personal preference.
Also keep in mind that brands fit differently that others. For example, Nike shoes usually fit smaller than Adidas. Mizuno makes shoes that are for lighter faster runners. So find a Brand that you are comfortable with and you have had experience with.
Also keep in mind that the only thing that is between you and the road when you run is the shoe. Thus a good shoe can help prolong the health of your legs in the long run.
Therefore spend some time researching shoes that fit your needs and wants, but don't give into the hype that shoe companies want you to. There are often shoes that are not the most expensive that run very well, better than the 150.00 Nike Shox, or the 139.99 Air Max. Just to throw out some names the Mizuno Wave Precision (90.00), the Nike Air Span Triax (80.00), Asics Lyte Trainer (110.00). Just to name a few.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
chewychin
|
|
Location: Berkeley, CA
Reviews written: 48
Trusted by: 19 members
About Me:
CW is a student at NTU, and a alum of UC berkeley.
|
|
|
© 1999-2008 Shopping.com, Inc.