Shoe stores have a variety of shoes like tennis shoes, sneakers, running shoes and trainers. However, people find it tempting to wear the same shoe while doing all activities. And although wearing the same shoes for all activities may look like a convenient option, it may lead to foot and leg injuries.
So, running shoes are specifically designed for running, and they prevent foot injuries and increase athletic performance. Running shoes like Nike TNÂ provide more cushioning to the forefoot and heel and protect the ankle. These shoes are available in various styles, sizes and levels of the heel-to-toe drop to help runners perform better.
Basic Features of Running Shoes
Laces:Â Running shoes must have laces to keep the shoe close to the feet. And tying them tight helps people to perform their best.
Medial Post: Medial post is the firm element found in the centre of the running shoes to provide extra support, and it helps runners by preventing the feet from rolling inward.
Sole: Sole is a significant part of a running shoe with features like extra cushioning. It helps people run quickly and efficiently.
Toe Box: The toe box of the shoe is the portion where the toes fit. It should not be too tight or loose because it may cause discomfort and blisters.
Types of Running Shoes
Lightweight Shoes: These shoes reduce the impact of the feet on the ground, and they do not offer much cushioning and support.
Road Running Shoes:Â The running shoes help to grip surfaces like concrete or asphalt, and they are worn by people who run marathons and on road pavements.
Motion Control Shoes:Â These shoes support the arch region to prevent feet from rolling inward. Besides, they provide more stability while running.
Trail Running Shoes:Â This type of shoes allows people to run off-road, and they provide grip while running on dirt, rock and uneven terrain.
Zero-Drop Shoes:Â Zero-drop shoes provide no heel-to-toe drop, and though they offer more mobility, they do not provide much support.
Training Shoes: Training shoes are heavier than racing shoes, and they are not worn on race days but are suitable for cross-training and warm-up running.
How to Select Running Shoes
Choose Ideal Cushioning:Â Running shoes must offer good cushioning, and using an insole gives additional cushioning. As such, the stack height of a running shoe depends on the cushioning it provides.
Good Shock Absorption: Runners have to withstand the shock of high-impact exercises, and wearing a pair of shoes with a good shock absorption feature is essential to protect the legs and feet.
Support Energy Return:Â The foam in the soles of the running shoes must cushion the feet and propel them forward while running. This energy return is essential while running long distances.
Do Running Shoes Make a Difference?
Yes, running shoes make a difference because they are specifically made for running and handle the high impact it creates. The cushioning in the shoes can withstand repeated stress and impact. And with snug-fitting shoes, there are fewer foot injuries like blisters. As such, they offer comfort and flexibility and reduce the strain on the joints.
Benefits of Wearing Running Shoes
- Prevents blisters
- Provides support for flat feet
- Corrects overpronation
- Improves running experience for heel strikers
- Reduces stress on ankles, toes and heels
- Provides support to the arches
- Prevents knee, back and hip pain
- Prevent tendonitis and fractures.
Good running shoes like Nike TNÂ protect people’s feet while running and last for many years. Meanwhile, people run for several reasons, but they need to wear the correct type of running shoes to perform better and protect their feet, ankles, legs, back and joints. In addition, they enable people to continue running for many years.
