Running With The Right Shoes
Running is an athlete’s forte and fancy. For the common man, it is an activity to stay fit and healthy, keep up with the trend of peers or taken up as recommended by a physician. Whatever be the reason, it is for people of all ages.
Running is an aerobic exercise that has a broad spectrum of health benefits (viz) weight-loss, lung and heart strength, bone density, physical fitness, immunity, emotional balance and mental health. It releases endorphins and other feel-good hormones, which is why people who run regularly demonstrate better learning, understanding and job-performance faculties.
Now that we’ve given you all the possible reasons to include running in your exercise regime, let’s get to the good part – choosing the right running shoes.
It is common to see walkers use normal footwear just to fulfil the walking chore assigned to them. The wrong use of footwear not only defeats the purpose of walking but also instigates knee pain and muscle spasms. If that is the case with walking, running with the wrong shoes is undoubtedly risky business, as it can badly injure the ankle and feet.
Various factors come into play while choosing the right kind of running shoes. Here are five to kickstart the task.
Bare-Foot Feel
Isn’t it a pleasure to run like you have no shoes on? That’s the privilege of choosing light-weight shoes. They reduce pain, increase speed and are incredibly comfortable. However, light-weight shoes tend to wear out easily, so you may need to factor the expense part in.
Bring The Bounce Back
The force of the run is on your feet and the intensity can wear them out. Good running shoes are equipped with cushioning or shock absorbers that put the bounce back into every stride. Cushioning can be low – for people who are looking for an experience similar to their feet touching the ground, and high – for those who prefer a luxurious feel.
Insoles are removable underfoot cushions that allow you to decide which parts of your feet need padding.
Terrain Matters
Flat surface: Everyday running shoes are best for running on flat surfaces like the road or pavement and are preferably light-weight. Choose between low and high cushioning, depending on requirement for comfort.
Rocky Terrain: Trail shoes are recommended for an uneven running path. They are slightly heavier than everyday running shoes. The studs provide ample grip and release while the design helps in free movement through mud and mire.
The Glove-Fit Doesn’t Work
Your running shoes should not fit you like a glove. There should be a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the front-end of the shoe. This helps when your feet swell or you hit a hard obstacle in front.
Special Cases
The ankles/arch of some runners involuntarily turn excessively inward (over pronation) or excessively outward (under pronation) while running, making them susceptible to trip and fall. People with these conditions should use stability shoes, where the focus is more on stabilizing ankle movement and supporting the feet.
As the community of runners keeps expanding, brands have started investing in design, technology and innovation, churning out a variety of shoes to suit individual preference, enhance user experience, promote running and revolutionize aerobics.
