There is such an abundance of shoes out there that at times
runners do not know where to begin. We will first discuss
the various ideas behind shoes and why they were designed
as well as the, in our opinion, over used word 'pronation'.
View the article 'buying
your first pair of running shoes' in which we discuss
the various shapes of your feet and a simple way to assess
them, as well as the type of shoe best suited for your foot
type.
We will first mention the shoe that is aimed at most runners,
the Normal Foot.
The 'catchword' for this category is light to medium cushioned
stability. These shoes would be aimed at a runner who is not
doing high mileage and who is looking for a bit of stability
which suits all foot types. This shoe is not for anyone with
known or suspected biomechanical problems, and is heavier
than 75Kg's/185 lbs. The shoe need not be too cushioned and
does not need too much stability.
Motion control - You either too in or way out
Too in - over pronation : You will tend to be more a Flat
Foot runner. These shoes are for feet that roll
inward too much, or over pronate. They are built to reduce
or control the excess inward rolling, pronation,
action of the foot. The shoe tends to be built on a straight
last. If you take a ruler, turn the shoe bottom up and place
the ruler on the outer sole, the toe area of the shoe will
not turn away much from the ruler. The shoes are designed
to be rigid and would not offer too much cushioning. In this
instance your foot plays a major role in shock absorption
during the roll of your foot. Unfortunately, the shoe will
tend to be more heavy because of the features it offers. The
key to the shoe 'stabilty and control'.
Way out - supination
: You will tend to be more a High-Arched runner. Your foot does not absorb sufficient shock and thus
needs assistance with cushioning. Cushioned shoes with plenty
of flexibility to encourage foot motion are recommended. The
shoe tends to be built on a curve last. If you take a ruler,
turn the shoe bottom up and place the ruler on the outer sole,
the toe area of the shoe will turn away from the ruler. The
motion-control of this shoe would be one that does not allow
you to roll outwards, supinate. Shoes that reduce foot mobility
inwards are a big 'no no'.
With that explained, we shall shortly
be presenting the various brand names out there who make shoes
specifically to suit what has been mentioned above.
Future articles :
- Shoes, shoes,everywhere
and not a foot to spare. Part 2
- More on shoe tips
and which category suits you
- Shoe terms and jargons explained
