Deciding to jot down running on your daily itinerary? Cool! However, just when you thought that running is just about, well, running (that’s self explanatory), then think again. Before you put on your trendy Nike or Adidas on and aim for a good run, you might want to take note of these musts and haves when it comes to choosing the right running shoes.
Just like summer, every running shoe has a story. They come in different size and forms. Each of them is especially made and designed according to your running style and foot shape. So there is no single topmost shoe; they all differ with one another. What makes you feel awesome can actually make others feel terrible.
First, let’s check out what foot style do you have. One way to know what type of foot you have is through the wet test. It’s easy; on a shallow pan, put a thin layer of water then soak your foot; place foot on a thick paper like illustration board to see the pattern of your foot. Voila! You have yourself a foot pattern.
Normal / Neutral Pronator
This is the most common foot type. Majority of runners with this pattern can wear just about any running shoe. Normal pronation is when about half of your arch region is filled in. Usually, this suggests that your arch naturally supports your body weight and pronates normally under load. Some pronation or “rolling in” of the foot is desirable and acts as a natural shock absorber.
What to wear: Stability footwear that has both cushioning features and support features into its design.
Flat / Over Pronator
Most commonly known as flat feet. Experts say that you are most likely to catch accidents with this foot type. If the arch of your footprint is filled in, it’s likely that your foot collapses inward upon weight bearing.This acts as a shock absorber, but the additional rolling in of your foot may stress your feet and knees, adding to your injury risk.
What to wear: Motion control footwear that emphasizes internal wedges and build up the arch side for medial support. This medial (inside support) support slows the rate of over pronation by having dual density midsoles and supportive posts, roll bars or foot bridges.
High / Supinator
If your footprint shows little or no contact as it leans to the outside and you see just your heel, you probably have a “high” arch. Also called as over supinator, it means that the body’s natural shock absorbing capability is reduced. Your foot may not roll in much when you run, but it doesn’t absorb much shock.
What to wear: Use a well-cushioned footwear that enhances shock dispersion with little or no arch support or stability features.There are also custom orthotics to help overpronation. Some shoes are added with air, gel or hydro flow to the forefoot areas for more cushioning factor..
Also, check out the shoes for your specific needs from the American Adventure Sports :
Road-running shoes are designed for pavement and occasional forays onto packed surfaces with slight irregularities. Light and flexible, they're made to cushion or stabilize feet during repetitive strides on hard, even surfaces.
Trail-running shoes are designed for off-road routes with rocks, mud, roots or other obstacles. They are enhanced with aggressive tread for solid traction and fortified to offer stability, support and underfoot protection.
Cross-training shoes are designed for gym or Crossfit workouts or any balance activity where having more contact with the ground is preferred over a thick platform sole.
Hoping these simple hacks about choosing the right running shoes would help you maximize your running experience and minimize running accidents. Happy running, once again!
