Choosing the Right Running Trainers
Created On: 15 January 2010
Your running trainers are an expensive and important purchase
and you'll want to get it right.
Choosing the best trainers for you isn't as simple as picking
your favourite design and colour any more. If it's your first time
buying a pair of good running trainers then it will be worth
getting some advice.
What size to buy
The size you think you are and the size you actually are may
well be different, ask the assistant to measure your feet (both
feet as they can be different).
When you run your feet will swell, a podiatrist will tell you
that getting a trainer half a size bigger than your feet is usually
a good idea. It's worth mentioning that the best time to try on a
pair of new trainers is immediately after a run, perhaps a jog to
the shops then...
When to get a new pair of
trainers
We are told that trainers are good for approximately 300-500
miles dependant on the trainer and the runner. Therefore an athlete
running 20 miles a week will need to replace their trainers twice a
year. A pair of trainers might still look fine after six months
but, if you could examine the mid sole - the part of the trainer
that absorbs the impact you would see that it's time for a change
(and you'll feel the difference when you put on the new
trainer)
Pronation and what it means for
you
Typically runners will come under one of three categories;
Overpronation, Neutral or Underpronation. Depending on which you
are will change which is the best shoe for you.
Most good stores will have staff that can tell you which of
these categories you fall into, it will involve you walking and
jogging to and away from them for a few minutes to see how your
foot moves as you run. If you have a pair of old trainers bring
them with you when you go shopping, shoe wear will assist the
salesperson in determining your degree of pronation.
Overpronators
Overpronators will roll their feet inwards as they run, this
causes the lower leg to turn inwards which puts the knee and hip
out of alignment and can cause the back to be rotated. This can
lead to injuries such as shin splints and achillies tendonitis.
As an overpronator you'll want a pair of motion-control shoes.
Motion-control shoes are the most rigid, control-orientated running
shoes. Designed to limit overpronation, motion control shoes are
generally heavy but very durable
An individual who overpronates tends to wear down their running
shoes on the medial (inside) side of the shoe towards the toe
area.
Neutral
Neutral pronation is the most ideal, efficient type of gait. As
a neutral the outside of your heel will strike the ground first and
then the foot will roll inward slightly absorbing the shock more
effectively allowing the foot and ankle to properly support the
body.
As a neutral you will want a stability shoe. A stability shoe is
blend of cushioning, pronation control features and durability.
Underpronators
Underpronators (also known as supinators) place most of their
weight onto the outside of the foot and raise the arch as they run;
this is the opposite of overpronation and is far rarer.
Underpronation causes problems for runners as in this position the
foot is less able to provide shock absorption which can lead to
injuries like shin splints and ankle sprains.
An underpronator will need a highly cushioned and flexible
running shoe to make up for the lack of shock absorption at your
foot.
An individual who underpronates tends to wear down their running
shoes on the lateral (outside) side of the shoe towards the rear of
the shoe in the heel area.
Where to buy your trainers
If this is your first time buying a pair of good running
trainers then take the time and go to a specialist store. The sales
assistants in these stores will be far more knowledgeable than a
typical high-street sports shop and they should be able to point
you in the right direction.
And remember you will be spending many hours covering many miles
so invest in a the right trainer not the cheapest as this will help
to reduce injury and discomfort and ensure you're running is far
more enjoyable.
Tags: run,advice
