In a sport like running, running shoes, that is the basic equipment for beginners but also for runners and runners, it is important to protect and support the foot in the typical stresses of running. Choosing the running shoes suitable for your feet, running terrain and your running style is important for avoiding traumas and running performance, but even before running shoes, it is important to evaluate the suitability for running with the visit to the sports doctor.
In the race, the choice of the type of running shoes must take into account not only the morphology of the foot, ie the type of foot and stride, or the way in which the foot rests on the ground at each running pace, but also the ground on which one runs.
Today the industry has developed running shoes that for design and materials are suitable for any terrain and allow you to protect and prevent trauma even on land most at risk of injury to the ankles, for example, how can the trail running or running in the woods. Depending on the terrain it is better to choose more resistant soles in carbon rubber if you run on the road, while lighter and fluffier soles if the running terrain is mostly park, footpaths or treadmill.
Good running shoes are particularly important for those who want to make the race a continuous sport even if they do not intend to run long distances or marathons. In fact, if you run with a certain frequency, that is at least 15-20 minutes three times a week, you must have appropriate running shoes but it is better to avoid choosing them in the wake of fashion or those recommended by the friend runner. In running, shoes must be comfortable first of all, amortized according to their weight, possibly at least a larger number than the foot because the feet are tired over long distances.
Finally, although some claim that the shoes should be changed every 700-900 km of travel, if the sole has no holes and bending the heel to the tip does not form folds on the sole means that the time has not yet come for new shoes running.
We always say that, in running, the only really important "tool" is shoes.
It is inevitable: they serve to cushion and guide the contact with the ground, always guaranteeing a sure grip and stability just to run safely. Each foot is unique, often even relatively to the same person. So buying a pair of running shoes is not a matter of fashion at the moment, nor is it a trademark or fashion color.
Buying the right pair of running shoes is a matter of supporting the foot, body shape, weight, the distance you travel, the frequency with which you train, and much more. Therefore it is advisable to rely on a specialized shop that may even make an analysis of the support of the foot and understand its needs.
The sizes and numbers of shoes are often approximate and approximate, including the running shoes and of course between different types of shoes. So before blindly buying a pair of shoes to run better try them, considering also a couple of factors: the feet tend to swell in the evening; the feet tend to swell during the run.
So, a pair of shoes that looked perfect because you try them in the morning in the store can become narrow or short when you go out in the evening. Ideally the correct size for a pair of running shoes is the one that leaves a finger of space in the toe, otherwise, the risk of black nails that are broken is around the corner. Running shoes are nothing more than a continuation of the foot to cushion the impact with the ground.
Leaving the laces too soft causes the foot to move inside the shoe, thus undermining the protective effect during the support of the feet.
Running shoes are usually divided into 7 main categories:
1. Minimalist A0
Extremely light shoes, generally weighing 150/300 grams and designed to promote the natural movement of the joints of the foot. They guarantee an optimal biomechanical position of the foot and help to correct some posture problems.
2. Super light A1
They weigh less than 250 gr. and they are suitable for competitions and training at a rapid pace thanks to their flexibility and elastic return. Recommended for fast and light runners without support problems.
3. Intermediate A2
Models weighing between 240 and 295 gr. which generally guarantee a good level of amortization. They can be used in fast workouts or in moderate-pace races and can have light medial stabilizers for pronation control.
4. Maximum amortization A3
Footwear weighing over 300 gr. able to offer maximum comfort thanks to its high shock absorbing power. Very popular as training shoes, they are normally used by runners with neutral or supine support or those who use custom orthotics.
5. Stable A4
Shoes created specifically to correct the problems of excessive pronation, generally weigh over 300 gr. and guarantee excellent support, protection, and stability. Recommended for pronators and heavy athletes.
6. Trail Running A5
Lightweight shoes from
Crocs, very breathable and often waterproof, with specific soles to face rough and mountain tracks, able to absorb the impacts with the ground and ensure maximum downhill and braking hold.
7. With nails - A8 Specialist
This category includes the cross-country models and those used in the various track specialties. Characterized by volumes and reduced weight and forefoot nails (6mm, 9.5mm, 12mm) depending on the use.