Shopping around for running shoes is not something you want to take
lightly.
The difference between choosing a good pair for your feet and a not so
good pair is not always obvious in the shoe store.
But when you run on the wrong running shoes you run the risk of some
pretty serious running injuries.
So, make sure you carefully read this page and other pages in this
section to work out what you need to know about running shoes.
I will help you find the best running shoes for you.
Foot Type and Running Shoes --
Does it Matter?
You may have heard about foot types before. Difficult terms like over- and underpronating.
Stuff you do not really want to know about. It is very important that
you know about this though. So, I will try to give you a clear and
simple explanation:
Different foot types are defined based on how much of your foot touches
the ground when you take steps. A well-known special foot type is flat
feet. If you were to put your wet flat feet on a paper bag you would
see pretty much the whole bottom of the foot.
The other extreme is people with what we call a high arch.
When they step on the paper bag you would only see toes and heels.
Each foot type requires a
different type of running shoes.
Pretty much every big brand has got running shoes for every type of
foot. But when you go to your normal sports store it is not clear what
running shoe is good for which foot type. In addition to that, you may
not really know your own foot type, making it very hard to make the
right decision about which pair of running shoes to buy.
So, what are the main foot types
and what type of shoes do you need for those foot types?
Foot Type #1: Normal Arch
When you have a normal arch like the majority of people, then count
yourself lucky. There will always
be plenty of running shoes to choose from if you have a normal arch.
What you need are stability running shoes.
Basically running shoes that help you land on your feet like you do
today.
Foot Type #2. Flat foot
When you have flat feet, you are what they call an overpronator.
Your arch moves completely inward. So with every step you take your
feet basically move too much.
That's something you will want to stop using motion-control
shoes.
Foot Type #3. High arch
When you have a high arch you almost leave no footprint on the paper
bag. You then have the opposite situation of someone with flat feet,
your feet do not move enough, your arch should collapse inward a little
bit more.
The main problem this gives is that the shock of the landing is
absorbed via a very small area of your feet, which will make a bigger
impact on your feet and lower legs. Do that thousands and thousands of
times per run and you can get injured as you can imagine.
So, you need running shoes which have softer midsoles,
which absorb the shock. These are called neutral running shoes.
Nike
One of the biggest sports brands of our time, Nike has established
itself as a brand that combines its classics with new technology. Many
brands follow Nike in what they do.
ASICS
ASICS is actually an acronym. It stands for Anima in Sana in
Corpora
Sano which means "healthy mind in a healthy body".
ASICS has been in business since the 1940s and is a Japanese company.
They offer running shoes, but also many other sports shoes. Many top
athletes use ASICS.
Brooks Sports Inc was started in 1914 by Morris Goldenberg. It started
off as a produced of bathing shoes.
Only in the 1920s the company started producing sports shoes. It is now
one of the major manufactures of running shoes and apparel. It is only
one of the very, very few large manufacturers still operating
predominantly from the USA.
New Balance
New Balance are a USA based manufacturer of running shoes. They are
popular around the world, but most popular in the US.
Since the company has been established in 1906 it has left its
footprint on the running shoe industry. They have a very good, broad
selection of running shoes which makes it easier to find what you are
looking for!
Mizuno
Mizuno is gaining a little bit more popularity each year it seems. They
offer a better variety of shoes each year amongst which are some top
favourites.
Saucony
Saucony is another USA based brand that is pretty popular. They were
founded a long time ago, 1898, in Pennsylvania.
As with other manufacturers it originally started off in another niche,
in this case children's shoes.
The brand now specializes in running shoes and has been around for over
100 years, not something many companies can say.
Pearl Izumi In the
crowded running shoe market Pearl Izumi is one of those brands that may
not often be named in your top-3. They are however a reliable
manufacturer of a versatile range of running shoes.
Etonic
Etonic is one of those smaller players in the running shoe market. They are starting to impress with some interesting shoes. Etonic running shoes are extremely comfortable. They feature firm cushioning that provides extra support and cushioning, thereby lessening the impact on the feet, ankles, and knees.
Adidas
Adidas running shoes are one of the best brands of shoes around. The well-acclaimed worldwide Adidas shoes mark is unparalleled in quality, reliability, and a top-class image that you'll feel assured to trust.The Adidas Group supplies the sporting industry with highly viable sporting goods and apparel.
Merrell
Men's Merrell running shoes are comfortable, attractive, breathable and excellent running shoes. At best-running-gear.com we have reviewed a fine selection of Merrell running shoes for you.
Puma
Puma is a top shoemaker with a wide variety of sporty Puma running shoes in its' collection. Made from durable material that is comfortable, these running shoes defy different weather and ground conditions to serve you over a long time. All of them durable and comfortable, so check out the reviews of these Puma running shoes.
Salomon
Salomon running shoes are building a name for themselves due to their agility, comfort and high cushioning. Salomon put a lot of emphasis on quality in every shoe they make. Their prime concern is your safety during and after running. Check out the reviews of Salomon running shoes for more info.
Reebok
Reebok knows all this and makes different shoes to suit different functions. Reebok running shoes share common traits such as good motion control, stability and rich cushioning. When shopping for Reebok running shoes, you can get some great information from the reviews on this page. Check out a good selection of Reebok running shoes.
Cross Country
Cross-country running shoes need to be able to deal with any kind of
terrain. No matter what the circumstances are, you will want your cross
country runners to be able to stand up to the test.
That's why these shoes are usually a bit stronger and heavier.
Trail Running Shoes
Trail running is one of my favourite activities. It is great to be out
in the open. Your trail running shoes need to be that great fit between
a hiking shoe and a running shoe. It is sometimes hard to find that
good balance with shoes either not strong enough, or too heavy.
Track Spikes
A pair of good track spikes can be the difference between shootinng
away at the sound of the gun or losing seconds when the race has only
just begun. When you have good track spikes you will be able to get
good traction, achieve faster turnover and get to your top speed a lot
faster.
Discount Running Shoes
Sales are always a great opportunity for a bargain. We have created a section in which we review
discount running shoes of the moment.
Best Rated Running Shoes
Some shoes just turn out to be crowd favourites because they have that excellent balance between quality, fit and price.
The best rated running shoes pages will give you an opportunity to pick up great shoes at great prices.
Running Sandals
For some people, running shoes just don’t do it for them, either because they do not feel comfortable with their feet enclosed or get too sweaty every time they wear enclosed shoes. In this case, running sandals are more appropriate. Check out a selection of running sandals on this page.
Do you really like your running shoes?
Then take a few minutes to let us know about them.
It may help your fellow-readers make their mind up about their next pair of running shoes!
Please tell us:
Brand and Type of Shoes (incl Men/Women)
What you like about your shoes.
I'll repeat what I said in the beginning of this page.
It is not always obvious from the start whether you have the right running shoes or not.
But the wrong shoes can do a lot of damage.
So make sure you know your foot type and get respectable shoes from brands you know and trust.
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