How to choose running shoes – expert reviews

Like any physical activity, running has both positive and negative sides: improper execution and non-observance of technique, as well as the lack of the necessary equipment can bring serious injury to your body, and in this case we are talking about knee joints. And the right sneakers are essential in this situation – it depends on them whether running will bring pleasure, whether it will be good for your body or bad for it.

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1. The best sneaker manufacturers – which company to choose
2. Features of running sneakers
3. Types of sneakers for running
4. Parameters for choosing a running sneaker
5. What sneakers to choose
6. The cost of sneakers for running
7. Video on choosing running shoes

The best sneaker manufacturers – which company to choose

Produce sports equipment and equipment for outdoor activities is currently engaged in a huge set of manufacturers. If you want shoes to serve faithfully for many seasons, and not to crack at the first race, give preference to products of those brands that are popular and “untwisted”:

1. Nike
2. Adidas
3. Reebok

4. uma

5. Asics

The above brands have a huge number of different models in their own catalog, but when choosing the most suitable shoes to calculate not only the catalog description, but also customer feedback, who managed to get acquainted with a particular model and try it in action.

Features of running sneakers

At their core, running shoes have a lot in common with shoes of a similar class, but there are just as many differences. In fact, the main purpose of any running shoes – providing maximum comfort during exercise and reducing the load on the ankle and knee joints. To solve these problems, each manufacturer uses different solutions, but the general features of all sneakers for running the following:

1. Soft, breathable upper without a lot of seams and stitching;
2. High-capacity sole made of tough material with a cut-out molded to keep the foot in the right position;
3. Soft intermediate part – the midsole – has a special porous structure and is designed to minimize shock loads on the ankle and knee joints;
4. Specially shaped sole with a rising sockliner and high backside. It is made of soft and durable, and at the same time, springy, elastic materials, providing the lightest and most natural movement of the joint during the run;

Sneaker styles for running

Depending on the season of the year

Summer Sneakers

The lightest, most compact and practical models, designed for use in warm summer. Also suitable for active exercise in the gym throughout the year, as well as for running on the treadmill.

Advantages

• Low weight;
• A large variety of model options;
• Comfortable fit and anatomical shape;
• Excellent breathability characteristics;

Disadvantages

• High-quality models are expensive;
• Suitable for use only during the warm season;
• In wet weather they get wet quite quickly;

Winter sneakers

The construction of these sports shoes is a cross between a classical sneaker and a lightweight winter shoe: the traditional form is very often combined with a high upper, which fixes the ankle. Top models of these sneakers are made of membrane fabrics, and their tread provides reliable traction even with slippery surfaces and snow.

Advantages

• Maximum protection against the cold;
• High-top design ensures a secure fit;
• Powerful tread;
• Resistant to moisture;

Disadvantages

• Winter sneakers do not breathe;
• High cost;
• When used in plus temperatures, the foot sweats in them;

Demiseasonal sneakers

The most popular model in our latitudes, allowing to consider it a universal. It incorporates all the advantages of summer and winter sneakers and is practically devoid of their disadvantages. These sneakers provide decent protection against cold and moisture, provide comfortable movement, as well as a very good moisture removal outside – “breathe.

Advantages

• Versatility – can be used both in cool summer weather and in relatively cold winter weather;
• Quite good breathability characteristics;
• Excellent moisture protection;
• High-quality fit on the leg, anatomic cut;

Disadvantages

• High cost;
• Not suitable for use in hot or bitter cold

Depending on workout regimen

Sneakers for competitions

Sneakers designed for maximum performance and performance of all stated indicators. The highest-quality, most technologically advanced materials are used in their manufacture, and the world’s top track and field athletes are involved in their development.

Advantages

• Minimal weight;
• well-thought-out shape and maximum rigidity of the upper part;
• Vapor permeability and moisture wicking at the highest level;
• Top quality craftsmanship;

Disadvantages

• High price;
• They do not last long because of the constant ultimate loads;
• Inadequate cushioning, not suitable for prolonged, monotonous training;

Training Sneakers

A simplified version of the training models, in which many key elements are reduced in their functionality for the convenience of everyday use. Great running characteristics and perfect for evening jogging thanks to the advanced cushioning system.

Advantages

• Intelligent design;
• The use of modern materials in the manufacture;
• It has a firm grip on the leg even during intensive training;
• Excellent vapor permeability;
• Excellent cushioning characteristics, excluding injury;

Disadvantages

• High cost;
• High enough weight;

For training on rough terrain

Training on quality stadiums and asphalt surface is not for everyone, so those who prefer to run in the park or woods, it’s best to opt for sneakers designed for training in such conditions. According to their characteristics they are similar to the training ones, but differ from them by a powerful sole of a special design that provides rigid contact with the surface of any structure;

Advantages

• High durability;
• A wide variety of models for all operating conditions;
• Comfortable fixation on the foot;
• Monolithic design;

Disadvantages

• Heavy weight;

Parameters of sneaker selection for running

Sneaker Size

Choosing a particular model, you should pay attention not only to the size indicated on the shoe, but also to their own feelings when trying on, because very often manufacturers overestimate or, conversely, underestimate the size.

Degree of pronation

how much the foot bends when pushing off the ground. Pronation plays an important role when choosing shoes – exactly how exactly this parameter is taken into account, depends on the comfort and absence of pain during running. Determining the degree of pronation is as easy as wetting your feet and standing on a dry surface. In normal pronation the curve of the foot will reach the center of the foot. Depending on anatomy, there can be not only pronation, but also supination, when the bend is more than half the width of the foot, as well as flatfoot, when the bend is absent completely. The above anatomical features must be taken into account by the manufacturer in the design of the inner part and sole of sneakers.

Cushioning characteristics of the sole

At the moment two main types of running shoes can be found on sale, depending on the cushioning characteristics:

1. The toe as a cushioning point means that these shoes are designed for shorter distances and ‘choppy’ tempos with frequent accelerations;
2. If the cushioning point is on the heel, it means that these sneakers will be good for running in a monotonous rhythm for long distances;

The material used in the sole

Given the stresses to which the running shoes during use, as well as regular fluctuations in temperature, the material from which the sole is made, paid special attention. It should be soft, durable, not afraid of deformation and constant bending by an angle of up to 45 degrees.

1. Rubber in all its manifestations – a relatively budget-friendly, high-quality and wear-resistant material that provides decent performance characteristics. The disadvantage of rubber -one: it is afraid of temperature changes and “freezes” in the cold;
2. Duralon is a synthetic material which is a combination of rubber and EVA. Soft, plastic and not afraid of temperature extremes, this material is not devoid of disadvantages. Low abrasion resistance and tendency to wear out within a short period of time;

The material of the upper of the sneaker

1. Artificial leather (dermantin, sensatech) is most often found in budget models of running shoes. Rubber has a very good strength, but is not able to withstand serious loads and low temperatures;
2. Natural leather is much better in this respect. Wear-resistant and durable, it offers the maximum reliability in any rhythm of use. The disadvantage is the minimal vapor permeability – the foot in such sneakers sweats after a short time after the start of training;
3. Nylon canvas or mesh is the material most commonly used in the manufacture of summer sneakers. With its help provides excellent ventilation and heat exchange even during intense training;
4. Gortex (Gore-tex) synthetic membrane material, which has in its structure three layers and is well suited for winter sneakers;

What sneakers to choose

1. For ordinary training and weight loss, it is best to choose classic training models with rubber or duralon soles, the anatomy of which will match the structure of your foot;
2. If you take part regularly in competitions and various races and select sneakers, based on these needs, it is best to give preference to competitive models;
3. If you need to train not only in summer but also in winter, you should prefer warm winter sneakers, based on Gore-tex material;
4. If you do not run on the stadium or flat paved ground, and on rough terrain, the best choice would be sneakers for off-road, equipped with a pronounced tread;

The cost of running shoes

1. Quality training sneakers cost about 5-30 thousand rubles;
2. Models designed for competition are more expensive – from 10 to 40 thousand;
3. Winter models can not be called budgetary – the cost of a pair of quality shoes will vary in the range of 10-15 thousand rubles;
4. A similar order of figures have and models for training on rough terrain. The price for these sneakers starts with 5-7 thousand and can reach 30-35 thousand rublesher;

In the following articles, our experts tell you the types of sneakers Nikeisecrets of choice pedometerdlya active workouts.

Video on choosing running shoes