How to choose running shoes – expert reviews

Like any physical activity, running has both positive and negative sides: improper performance and non-observance of the technique, as well as the lack of the necessary equipment can cause serious injury to your body, and in this case we are talking about the knee joints. And an important role in this situation is played by correctly selected sneakers – it depends on them whether running will bring pleasure, whether it will benefit the body, or, on the contrary, will only harm it.

The best sneaker manufacturers – which company to choose

A great many manufacturers are currently engaged in the production of sports equipment and equipment for active recreation. If you want your shoes to serve faithfully for many seasons, and not come unstuck at the first race, you should give preference to the products of those brands that are popular and 'promoted':

1. Nike

2. Adidas

3. Reebok

4. Puma

5. Asics

The above brands have a huge number of different models in their own catalog, and therefore, when choosing the most suitable footwear, it is necessary to take into account not only catalog descriptions, but also customer reviews who have had time to familiarize themselves with this or that model and try it out in action.

Features of running shoes

At its core, running shoes have a lot in common with shoes of this class, but there are no less differences here. In fact, the main goal of any running shoe is to maximize exercise comfort and reduce stress on the ankle and knee joints. Each manufacturer uses different solutions to solve these problems, but the general features of all running shoes are as follows:

1. Soft, breathable upper, devoid of a lot of panels and seams;

2. Tight heel counter made of rigid material with a specially shaped cutout to keep the foot in the correct position;

3. The soft midsole – the midsole – has a special porous structure and is designed to minimize shock loads on the ankle and knee joint;

4. A specially shaped sole with a toe rising to the top and a high back. It is made of soft and durable, and at the same time, springy, elastic materials that provide the easiest and most natural movement of the joint during jogging;

Types of running shoes

Depending on the season of the year

Summer sneakers

The lightest, most compact and practical models are designed for use in the warm summer period. They are also suitable for active workouts in the gym throughout the year, as well as for running on a treadmill.

Advantages

• Light weight;

• A wide variety of model options;

• Comfortable fit and anatomical shape;

• Excellent breathability;

disadvantages

• Quality models are expensive;

• Suitable for use only in the warm season;

• In wet weather they get wet quickly enough;

Winter sneakers

In their structure, such sports shoes are a cross between classic sneakers and light winter boots: the traditional form is very often side by side with a high top that fixes the ankle. The best models of these sneakers are made of membrane fabrics, and their tread provides reliable traction even on slippery surfaces and snow.

Advantages

• Maximum protection from cold;

• Reliable fit on the leg thanks to the high top;

• Powerful protector;

• Resistant to moisture;

disadvantages

• Winter sneakers practically do not breathe;

• High price;

• When operating at positive temperatures, the leg sweats in them;

Demi Sneakers

The most popular model in our latitudes, which allows us to consider it universal. It has incorporated all the advantages of summer and winter sneakers and is practically devoid of their disadvantages. These sneakers provide decent protection from cold and moisture, provide comfortable movement, and also wick moisture out very well – 'breathe'.

Advantages

• Versatility – can be used in cool summer weather, and in relatively cold winter;

• Quite good breathability;

• Excellent moisture protection;

• High-quality fit on the leg, anatomical cut;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Not suitable for use in heat and severe frost

Depending on the training mode

Competition Sneakers

Sneakers designed for maximum results and performance of all stated indicators. In their manufacture, the highest quality and most technologically advanced materials are used, and the world's strongest athletes are involved in the development.

Advantages

• Minimum weight;

• Thoughtful shape and maximum rigidity of the upper part;

• Water vapor permeability and moisture protection at the highest level;

• Highest quality workmanship;

disadvantages

• High price;

• Short-lived due to constant extreme loads;

• Mediocre shock-absorbing properties, not suitable for prolonged monotonous workouts;

Trainer Sneakers

A simplified version of training models, in which many key elements are stripped down in functionality for ease of everyday use. They have excellent performance and are great for evening runs thanks to the advanced cushioning system.

Advantages

• Sophisticated design;

• The use of modern materials in the manufacture;

• Reliable fixation on the leg even with intense workouts;

• Excellent vapor permeability;

• Excellent shock absorption characteristics, eliminating injury;

disadvantages

• High price;

• High enough weight;

For training in rough terrain

Not everyone can train on high-quality stadiums and asphalt surfaces, and therefore those who prefer to run in a park or forest should opt for sneakers designed for training in such conditions. In terms of their characteristics, they are similar to training ones, but they differ from them in a powerful sole of a special design, which provides hard contact with the surface of any structure;

Advantages

• High strength;

• A wide variety of models for any operating conditions;

• Comfortable fit on the leg;

• Monolithic construction;

disadvantages

• Large weight;

Running shoe selection options

Sneaker size

When choosing this or that model, you need to pay attention not only to the size indicated on the shoe, but also to your own feelings during fitting, because very often manufacturers overestimate or, conversely, underestimate the size.

Pronation degree

This parameter displays how much the foot flexes when pushing off the surface. Pronation plays an important role in the choice of footwear – the comfort and absence of pain while running depends on how accurately this parameter is taken into account. Determining the degree of pronation is simple – just wet your feet and stand on a dry surface. With normal pronation, the bend of the foot will extend to the middle of the foot. Depending on the anatomy, not only pronation can occur, but also supination – when the bend is more than half the width of the foot, as well as flat feet, when the bend is completely absent. The above anatomical features must be taken into account by the manufacturer when designing the midsole and sole of the sneaker.

Cushioning characteristics of the outsole

Currently, there are two main types of sneakers on the market, depending on the cushioning characteristics:

1. The toe cushioning point means that these models are designed for short-distance running and 'ragged' paces with frequent acceleration;

2. If the cushioning point is at the heel, this means the shoe will do well when running in a monotonous rhythm over long distances;

Outsole material

Considering the stresses that running shoes are subjected to during operation, as well as regular temperature changes, special attention is paid to the material from which the outsole is made. It should be soft, durable, not afraid of deformation and constant bending at an angle up to 45 degrees.

1. Rubber in all its forms is a relatively budgetary, high-quality and wear-resistant material that provides decent performance characteristics. The disadvantage of rubber is one: it is afraid of temperature extremes and “dubs” in the cold;

2. Duralon synthetic material, which is a combination of regular rubber and EVA, can be distinguished as the opposite of rubber. Soft, plastic and not afraid of temperature changes, this material is not without its drawbacks. These are low wear resistance and a tendency to wear out within a short period of time;

Upper material

1. Artificial leather (dermantin, sensatec) is most often found in budget running shoes. It has a very good strength, but is not able to withstand serious loads and low temperatures;

2. Natural leather is much better in this regard. Wear-resistant and durable, it provides maximum reliability in any rhythm of operation. The disadvantage is the minimum vapor permeability – the leg in such sneakers sweats after a short time after the start of training;

3. Nylon fabric or mesh is the material most often used in the manufacture of summer sneakers. It provides excellent ventilation and heat transfer even during intense workouts;

4. Gore-tex is a synthetic membrane material with three layers in its structure and is perfect for winter sneakers;

What sneakers to choose

1. For ordinary workouts and weight loss, it is best to choose classic training models with rubber or duralon soles, the anatomy of which will correspond to the structure of your foot;

2. If you regularly take part in competitions and various races and choose sneakers based on these needs, it is best to give preference to competitive models;

3. If you need to train not only in the summer, but also in the winter, you should prefer warm winter sneakers, which will be based on the Gore-tex material;

4. If you are running not on a stadium or on a flat paved area, but on rough terrain, off-road sneakers equipped with a pronounced tread will be the best choice;

Running shoes cost

1. High-quality training sneakers cost about 5-30 thousand rubles;

2. Models intended for competitions are more expensive – from 10 to 40 thousand;

3. Winter models cannot be called budget in any way – the cost of a pair of high-quality shoes will vary between 10-15 thousand rubles;

4. Models for off-road training have a similar numerical order. The price of such sneakers starts from 5-7 thousand and can reach 30-35 thousand rubles;

In the following articles, our experts tell you the types of Nike sneakers and the secrets of choosing a pedometer for active training.

Running shoes selection video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.