If this is your first time choosing a running shoe, it’s important to consider the many nuances. Choose the right model, sole and material, and then the run will turn into a real pleasure!
Which are suitable for running?
There is no shortage of running shoes today. A beginner, rather, will face another problem - the widest range of sneakers for every taste.
There is no one universal model that is suitable for comfortable jogging on the street and in the hall all year round.
To run on asphalt, soil and synthetic surfaces, you need to choose different models of sneakers that will protect you from unnecessary injuries. If you seriously decide to go jogging, you should have at least two pairs of sneakers - summer and winter, selected taking into account the coverage on which you usually run.
Kinds
Trail
The model of such running sneakers is designed for jogging in a forested area. They are suitable for moving along paths with soil, small vegetation, rocky terrain. In short, ideal for off-road.
They have an aggressive outsole pattern that prevents slipping on the ground. Rigid inserts on the sole protect the feet from hitting stones and overhangs while running. Most models have a hard toe that protects your fingers.
For urban running
If you live in a city and run in the nearest park or on the highway, a model for running on asphalt is suitable for you.
The sole should be ribbed to prevent slipping, but not with such a deep pattern as on trail sneakers. Sneakers should be “breathing”, protecting your legs from deformation and have good cushioning. The most important thing is the presence of good cushioning, which will prevent kicks on hard asphalt. In good sneakers, special inserts are located in the heel and toe, because these areas receive the maximum load.
For the gym
If you jog on the track only as a warm-up 2-3 times a week, you will have enough ordinary sneakers in which you practice in the gym. They have a small depreciation, which is enough for a moderate run.
If you do intense jogging on the track, this is especially true for runners with a lot of weight, then you will need special running sneakers. Suitable models for urban running, which have the necessary shock absorbing elements.
Waterproof
If you like to run outside in any weather, whether it is rain or snow, you will need a pair of spare waterproof sneakers. They are equipped with a Gore-tex membrane, which prevents the feet from getting wet, but also allows air to pass through, making the skin breathe. For winter, it is worthwhile to purchase a warmed waterproof model, which will additionally protect your legs from the cold.
Season selection
Winter
Warm waterproof sneakers that keep your feet dry and warm. If you run on asphalt, a regular sole is enough. In trail models, a special sole with metal spikes is usually provided, which allows you to move on ice and snow. It allows you to reliably fix on slippery surfaces, minimizing the possibility of falling and injury.
Summer
Lightweight, breathable running shoes that are ideal for jogging in warm, dry weather. In case of rain you need another pair of waterproof sneakers. In order not to spend money on special summer ones, you can choose the all-season option.
All season
Such sneakers mean a universal model for urban running. If you do not run every day, and only on asphalt or in the gym, one pair of sneakers for the whole year will be enough for you. In winter, you can put on a warm sock that will prevent your foot from freezing. In case of bad weather, you can just stay at home, go for a run another day.
What should be the material?
Choose sneakers from quality material that is durable and soft at the same time. Forget about natural skin, which will interfere with normal ventilation of the legs.
This should be a natural, breathable material that allows your feet to breathe and prevents sweating. Most often, running shoes are equipped with mesh inserts that cope well with this function.
How to choose the size?
It is important to choose the right size for running sneakers, because this will help protect your legs from sprained toes, corns and other injuries. If you constantly run in sneakers of the wrong size for you, you can earn very serious injuries that will have to be treated by a surgeon.
- In most people, the length of the feet is slightly different from each other, so you need to measure their length on both legs. When choosing sneakers, you will need to focus on the foot that is longer.
- To measure the length of the foot, place it on a piece of paper, pressing it firmly against the floor. Make two marks with a pencil - front and back, in the most prominent places, and then measure the length between the marks.
- Since you will run in socks, you need to add their thickness to the result. Conventionally, a thin sock adds half the size, and a thick winter sock - an entire size. Also during training, blood will be added to your feet, due to which they will additionally increase in size.
If you buy summer running shoes or running shoes for a treadmill, it will be enough to take a pair half the size larger. All-season running shoes should be larger in size, and winter models need to choose one and a half sizes larger.
We take into account various nuances
Sole
The sole on running sneakers is of three types:
- Flat. Suitable for runners with a slight rise and almost flat foot. Sneakers with such a sole will fix the inside of the foot, preventing it from falling inward.
- Curved. Needed by high-lift runners. Due to the good cushioning, it will fix the back of the foot, not allowing it to fall out.
- Slightly curved. The optimal warrant for runners who have no problems with the foot.
Depreciation
Since a large load is created during running over the whole body, it is necessary to choose sneakers with good cushioning, which will prevent bumps. The heavier you are, the better depreciation should be. It can be made of various materials: a special gel, foam, or corrugated plastic.
Socks
Many runners in vain neglect the choice of special socks for running. They can be found both from well-known manufacturers and from democratic brands. They are made of very flexible fabric that breathes and removes moisture well.
Compression socks and leggings are popular. They tightly compress the leg, which accelerates the flow of blood through the veins. This helps to recover faster after strong physical exertion.
Frequent mistakes when choosing
- Sneakers with a thick soft sole are not suitable for jogging. But if you used to run in such sneakers, you can not abruptly refuse them. Reduce the thickness gradually, moving from thick to medium, and then to thin.
- The thickness under the heel should not differ much from the thickness of the rest of the sole. The optimum difference is no more than 3 mm.
- Sneakers should not be narrow in the fingers.otherwise, they will be involved only in repulsion. To run correctly, they must be straightened, give your fingers enough free space.
- Heavy-weight people need to choose thick-soled sneakers., a small difference and a wide toe. This will reduce the load on the joints of the legs while running.
We examined the basic nuances of choosing the right running shoes, which will help you make the right choice.