Have you ever wonder what shoe is perfect for you when you do track or when you run to get in shape, or maybe even what the difference is of all the running shoes? The way to choose the perfect shoe is to focus on the way you run, what your arches are like, and how the shoes feel. Not everyone runs the same.
Some run constantly on their toes, on the ball of their foot or the heel. Differences in running styles require different types of shoes. For example, some may need high arches while others need low arches; some need padding in one place, others in another.
Because needs are different, shoes differ to meet those needs. For example, these two shoes are different. Asics makes both, but the one on the left is a Gel-Kayano 17, and the one on the right is an Asics GT-2160-- two totally different shoes. The one on the left has more padding for the ball of your foot and less arch support, while the one on the right has more arch support and not as much padding in the ball of your foot.
Some run constantly on their toes, on the ball of their foot or the heel. Differences in running styles require different types of shoes. For example, some may need high arches while others need low arches; some need padding in one place, others in another.
Because needs are different, shoes differ to meet those needs. For example, these two shoes are different. Asics makes both, but the one on the left is a Gel-Kayano 17, and the one on the right is an Asics GT-2160-- two totally different shoes. The one on the left has more padding for the ball of your foot and less arch support, while the one on the right has more arch support and not as much padding in the ball of your foot.
Another way to find good shoes is to go to an athletic shoe specialty store -- not a discount shoe store or all-around sports store-- whose employees are trained to match and fit shoes to specific needs. A way to find a good shoe store is to ask a fellow runner, consult yellow pages, etc.
Compare it to shopping for a mountain bike. A serious mountain biker is not going to go to the closest discount department store and buy a cheap bike. He would go to a bike shop and get outfitted with a bike that fits both his body and his needs.
When you go to the running store take an old pair of running shoes with you, this will help those fitting you with shoes understand better how you run.
For track, the difference lies in the spikes. There are sprinter's spikes, middle distance spikes, jumper’s spikes, javelin spikes, thrower's spikes, hurdler's spikes, etc. A specialty athletic shoe store is the best way to match spike to need.
When buying spikes, first think about the type of track surface you run on and what events you compete in. For example, you don’t want to wear regular spikes on a dirt track; they will cause you to slide. The best spike for a dirt track is cross country flats. Another spike type is the pyramid spike used for dirt and grass surfaces for cross country; they also can be used on the track-- you just place smaller spikes in them.
Needle (aka slim) spikes provide traction on all-weather tracks; they also stick to the track. Studs (aka blanks) have no spikes in them and are used on indoor tracks, cross country courses, and some asphalts.
X-mas trees are compression spikes that look like a Christmas tree; they are used on rubber surfaces and do not stick like needle spikes. Tartan spikes are dull needle spikes and are used on tracks only.
When buying spikes, first think about the type of track surface you run on and what events you compete in. For example, you don’t want to wear regular spikes on a dirt track; they will cause you to slide. The best spike for a dirt track is cross country flats. Another spike type is the pyramid spike used for dirt and grass surfaces for cross country; they also can be used on the track-- you just place smaller spikes in them.
Needle (aka slim) spikes provide traction on all-weather tracks; they also stick to the track. Studs (aka blanks) have no spikes in them and are used on indoor tracks, cross country courses, and some asphalts.
X-mas trees are compression spikes that look like a Christmas tree; they are used on rubber surfaces and do not stick like needle spikes. Tartan spikes are dull needle spikes and are used on tracks only.
The effects of not getting the right shoe are: your knees will hurt; your back, muscles, joints, and your feet will ache if you get a shoe that does not work for you. Also your speed may be compromised because the wrong shoe will negatively affect your form.
Don’t buy a shoe because your friend has the same shoe ,and it looks cool. In the end, you will be sorry you did. I once tried switching my shoe from Asics to Saucony. My arches started to hurt so badly I could barely walk. Lesson: once you find a good shoe, shoe stick with it because what works for you may not work for someone else.
And when your shoes are three months old, it is time to get a new pair. They break down that quickly, and your body will pay.
Don’t buy a shoe because your friend has the same shoe ,and it looks cool. In the end, you will be sorry you did. I once tried switching my shoe from Asics to Saucony. My arches started to hurt so badly I could barely walk. Lesson: once you find a good shoe, shoe stick with it because what works for you may not work for someone else.
And when your shoes are three months old, it is time to get a new pair. They break down that quickly, and your body will pay.
No comments:
Post a Comment