Before buying a pair of running shoes, the first thing to consider is its purpose and the type of feet you have. No one can finalize the ‘best shoe’ because it just doesn’t exist. It’s all about individual comfort, your feet type, weight, the surface on which you are planning to run and material used.
Due to so many determining factors, you need to look at what the different models of running shoes have to offer, and their main design features. Some shoes will be ideally suited to your type of feet, and also the type of running that you plan on doing.
Determine feet type
Finding your foot print is very easy and simple. All you have to do is wet one of your foot and step on an even surface to analyze the type of mark it makes. The three major types are normal foot, high arch and flat foot. A complete footprint is flat foot while high arc is for those who leaves a print with literally no arch. A print that falls somewhere in between these two can be considered a normal footprint.
Type of running shoes
There are different types of running shoes available in the market. Runners can conveniently pick the one that suits their feet and the immediate requirement.
Cushioned Shoes – Made for high foot arches, this variant offers lesser stability and motion control because they are made for neutral runners with cushioned interiors. For those who don’t over pronate when running, this is the best fit.
Motion Control – The rigid shoes are meant for heavier runners and offers better durability. Designed to provide exceptional control over movement, the shoes offer heavy duty stability and is made for people with lower arches.
Lightweight & Racing Shoes – Both products are extremely similar with their features. They are lightweight designed to allow the runners to sprint and race short distances without adding extra weight. These models are more responsive, and provide better cushioning and are an ideal product for light runners.
Trail Shoes – Made especially for off-road running, the trail shoes are rugged and can be used even on rocks, wet terrains or muddy areas.
Spike Shoes – Track spikes and cross country spikes are the two variants available. Because of the variety of sports, the former edition is further divided as jumping, distance and sprint spikes. Cross country shoes are meant to be used on snow, slippery areas and wet mud. The spike pins integrated can be removed or modified as required.
Design features
When buying a pair of running shoes, you can consider choosing them based on the feet they are made for. The design will usually be based on the three types of feet as said above. Basically, there are cushioned, moderately cushioned and lightweight with complete leather material for fast runners.
Ventilation and breathability
Latest running shoes provide best breathability and sweat resistance with high quality, durable material. The strenuous activity is supported by these shoes that have pores and exhaust outlets to remove excess moisture as well as heat generated while running.
Weight
The cushioned shoes are the heaviest of all with extra padding and cushion materials. Before buying a pair of running shoes it’s good to know how heavy it is. The lightweight models offer highest responsive yet they have lightweight cushion materials integrated in it to provide minimal comfort while sprinting.
Take the shoes for a trial and pick whichever you feel fits you perfect offering utmost comfort. That is the ‘best shoe’ made just for you.
