Running footwear is more than a wardrobe staple. They ensure the productivity of training and protect legs from injuries. So pay attention to selecting them. Distance, level of stress, type of surface of the treadmill… each parameter puts forward special requirements for the shape of the shoe, the sole relief, etc.
Women’s and men’s running shoes
It is important to understand: women’s sneakers differ from men’s, not only in colors and dimensional grid! Main distinctions between women’s and men’s footwear are gravity centers, body weight ratio, and musculoskeletal system structure. We can highlight the following points:
Men’s jogging footwear offers enhanced cushioning. The reason is clear: male athletes are, on average, heavier than women, and a more significant load is placed on their ankles. Also, men’s models have a broader block.
Women’s footwear lifts the heel higher than men’s. The proportions of the foot in athletes of different sexes also differ. Because women need a narrower stuff.
Other types of sports footwear
Marathon and half marathon running shoes
These are jogging footwear for professional athletes. The sole is light and thin, with elastic elements made of carbon or polyamide. The manufacturer fights for every gram since, during the competition, it can be decisive. As a result, marathon footwear weighs at most 170-250 g (almost two times less than training models).
Trail running shoes
Off-road model. Locks in and protects the foot as an athlete runs over bumps, icy paths, rocky surfaces, etc. Hardwearing, strong, heavy jogging footwear with stiff soles and pronounced relief. The level of depreciation is average. Weight can reach 400-500 g.
Training shoes for jogging
These ones are not suitable for competition. They are used by non-professional runners and athletes who run for a long time.
Orthopedic jogging footwear
Orthopedic footwear are necessary for overweight people, people with specific musculoskeletal system, or athletes after injuries. Suppose the runner’s weight exceeds 90 kg. This will reduce stress on the joints.
What to take into account?
When choosing running sneakers, pay attention to the size charts of brands. They can be very different, so don’t be lazy and google it. So, Salomon’s jogging footwear are “smaller”, and La Sportiva is “larger”.
Owners of wide feet should pay attention to the wide block and spacious nose. Fingers should not be pinched. Ideal if you can bend them. If a foot is squeezed, everything will end with blackened nails, swelling, and freezing fingers. The optimal margin in width is one and a half millimeters on each side.