Some people find it hard to find the right running shoes that fit their running style. Unlike other exercises, running requires shoes that fit properly to your feet. If you don’t have shoes that fit adequately, you might be prone to injuries as well as undergo a problematic running experience. Many people go to a professional running shoe store; however, shoes can be expensive, and over time you might be spending too much money on running shoes. If you want to save money on running shoes, then you first need to know what kind of shoes you want to fit your running style. But what kind of running styles are there?
Here are some tips to choose the perfect running shoe for you:
Running types:
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Street running shoes
Street running shoes are perfect for the everyday runner who likes to run through their neighborhood. With their flexible and cushioned feel, they are designed to balance the feet on solid, flat surfaces. Also, due to the cushion support, street running shoes help in reducing the impact felt in the muscles and joints; therefore, they assist in decreasing fitness-related injuries. In fact, most people wear a version of this shoe and don’t even realize it.
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Off-road running shoes
Some people don’t like running through their neighborhood or along an empty street. Some people want to be challenged in their workout. For those people who run on uneven terrain and most likely through routes including rocks, roots, and mud there is a particular type of shoe for you. Off-road running shoes have improved since they were invented and now come with underfoot protection, firm grip, and offer maximum stability. These shoes allow runners to run on harsh terrain without the fear of becoming injured due to a fitness-related injury. Therefore, off-road running shoes are a must-have if you run on uneven or harsh territory.
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Cross-training shoes
Cross-training shoes are the preferred shoe of many gym members and CrossFit participants. Cross-training shoes are the ideal shoe if you practice balance exercises or would like your feet to have more contact with the ground. Unlike other shoes, cross-training shoes are known to have a less thick platform sole due to the nature of performing balancing exercises. Therefore, cross-training shoes may not be perfect for everyone since there is less cushion in them, however, to get the best out of a balance exercise cross-training shoes are favored over highly cushioned shoes.
Running styles:
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Pronation
One of the most common ways to run is pronation which occurs when the foot rotates inwards following the heel hitting the ground. You can check if you have pronation by checking the wear patterns on your current running shoe. If you see focused wear and tear on the ball and some on the heel, it’s safe to say you run with pronation. However, that’s not a bad thing, in fact, running with pronation can actually help you prevent fitness-related injuries. Since pronation helps to take in some of the impact felt by running there is less impact felt by the joints.
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Overpronation
Another common way to run is overpronation which is in plain terms a magnification on the foot’s inward rotatability. You can identify if you have overpronation by looking at your current running shoe. If you see wear and tear on the inside borders of your shoe, it’s likely that you have overpronation. Many people who have overpronation experience knee pain while running and are at high risk for injury due to their running style. In fact, people with overpronation usually buy running shoes that allow for maximum stability.
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Under-pronation
Under-pronation is hard to find in individuals; however, it’s a running style some people have. It’s most commonly defined as the outward rotating of the foot proceeding to poor impact reduction. You can see if you have under-pronation by checking your current running shoes if you have wear and tear on the outer border of your shoe than you probably have under-pronation. Since the running style doesn’t break up the impact felt on the joint, it’s crucial for individuals who run with under-pronation to buy shoes with cushion support or a one that provides great flexibility. These types of shoes will break up the impact felt on the joints, and therefore, you’re less likely to receive a fitness-related injury.
Kinds of running shoes:
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Neutral shoes
These shoes are perfect for people who run with a pronation style. In fact, these shoes are known to offer arch support as well as impact absorption for runners. With these shoes, runners can run at ease knowing there’s a reduced risk of injury and damage to joints. Most people who wear neutral shoes run on street surfaces; however, neutral shoes are not known for their versatility when it comes to different types of terrains. If you run on a solid, flat surface and you run with a pronation style then perhaps a neutral kind of shoe is for you.
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Support shoes
Support shoes are the preferred shoe of runners who display overpronation. Support shoes usually have a solidness to the midsole which can help runners overcome overpronation. These shoes aid runners by preventing injuries and by assisting runners with running better. Therefore, if you exhibit signs of overpronation, you might want to buy a version of a support shoe. However, support shoes are known to come in various categories for many running styles and running types. It’s essential that you buy a support shoe for overpronation if you have overpronation instead of a support shoe for off-road running.
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Motion control shoes
Motion control shoes are best known for treating overpronation; thus, they offer firm heels, and a design that helps a person with overpronation run better. In fact, most people who have used this shoe have seen an improvement in their running style in almost a months’ time, isn’t that amazing? Also, motion control shoes can be used on all terrains. Unlike other types of shoes, motion control shoes allow runners to be versatile when decided on a course to run.
