How To Compare Running Shoes
Running shoes are specifically designed to offer comfort and enhance the performance of the runner while running. This post will give you tips on how to compare running shoes and what to look for, things to consider so you always get the best for your money.
A perfect pair of running shoes is instrumental in helping improve the running time, extend runner’s endurance and also prevent any injury.
Among all the available choices, you can check out the running shoes that offer the best support, excellent cushioning and is also well within your budget range. There are several types of running shoes designed depending on:
- Different environment
- Running Terrains
- Different weather
- Foot shape
- Different running style
Before making a choice, you need to consider all of this
Types Of Running Shoes
- Road Running Shoes: These running shoes are light and flexible complete with cushion and stability for running on hard surfaces like pavements and packed surfaces.
- Trail Running Shoes: These running shoes come with an additional tread just for the traction and stability required for running on uneven surfaces. They are good for off-road running on the uneven surfaces such as mud, rocks, and gravel.
- Cross-training Running Shoes: These running shoes allow more surface contact of the shoe bottom with the ground. This is done for an added balance. They are good for balance-based gyming and cross-fitness workouts.
- Barefoot Or Minimalist Running Shoes: With these running shoes you can hit the ground with the midfoot first and forgo the elevated cushioning of traditional trainers. These running shoes are good for those runners who pronate or have a preference for a more natural running style.
The natural side-to-side motion of the foot occurring while you walk or run is called foot pronation. The running shoes are designed to either correct or accommodate this pronation. There are three types of pronations:
- Overpronation
- Neutral pronation
- Underpronation or supination
How To Compare Running Shoes
There are several criteria on which you can compare important features of the running shoes. They are as follows:
Feet Support
Whether you are a jogger or a long-distance runner, your feet need support. Without proper support, you can suffer from an injury or patellar tendonitis. For that reason, adequate support and the proper cushioning system should be the most important criteria to consider when you compare running shoe.
Not every runner has the same type of feet or even the same running style. Your running shoe should complement your feet shape and style. If there are any pronation issues, a good pair will correct it for you.
Shoe Stability
You cannot imagine running for miles in an uncomfortable pair of running shoe. You need a running shoe that is stable and comfortable to avoid injury and discomfort.
Comfort and stability are two of the biggest factors needed to be considered while comparing running shoes.
One shoe fits all does not work here. Each pair of the foot is different from the other. What works for one pair of foot won’t work with the other at all.
There are running shoes available in the market that are designed to address the issues of pronations, wide or flat feet, and plantar fasciitis.
Check For The Best pronation Running Shoes Here
The under or overpronating feet will need directed support to complement or correct the pronation. While the feet with plantar fasciitis will need support as well as cushioning.
A running shoe pair that has a right fit is also important. The fit of the upper and the shock absorption play an important role in offering comfort to the feet while running or walking. Check an earlier post on our top picks on cheap running shoes here.
Shoe Breathability
Regardless of the weather or the type of terrain you run on, feet need breathing space inside the footwear. A well-ventilated pair of running shoe is comfortable to wear for longer periods.
Besides that, the breathability of a running shoe prevents the issues caused by moisture, bad smell, and accumulation of bacteria. The breathability of a running shoe is a big deal as it also impacts your performance.
Durability
The construction and the material used in the making of a running shoe also need to be considered when drawing a comparison between different running shoes.
You need to check how long they last after continuous use. How quickly you need to replace your running shoe should factor in your comparing of different running shoes.
Most of the running shoe manufacturers will explain that a running shoe will last about 300 to 500 miles. A lightweight running shoe can be worn out around 250 to 300 miles, while a more durable running shoe will last for 500 miles or more. After that, they will need to be replaced.
Running Shoe Cost
Most of the reputable running shoe brands pair will cost you around $100 at the minimum. There are running shoes available in the midrange between $150 and $200.
The expensive high end running shoes will be priced at $250 or more. Do keep in mind that a higher price tag of a running shoe does not mean that it is the best one out there.
If you can find all that you need in a running shoe at a much lesser price then all the better.
It does not necessarily have to be a branded one to be the better one. If you still wish to get a branded one then you can pick the last year’s version of the one you like. They will be available at a discounted price.
Click Here To Check Last Year`s Brand Name Shoes At Discount Price.
Conclusion On How To Compare Running Shoes
The best pair of running shoes that you may choose will depend on your habits, needs, and requirements. Take these needs into consideration and then try on several running shoes to find your perfect fit.
A good fit of running shoes can make all the difference to your running performance. Check more on cross-training shoe advice here.
Where To Purchase Running Shoes
Now if you`re wondering where to buy the right fitting running shoes, your sporting goods store will surely have what you need, If you shop online, check any of these stores Amazon,finishline.com, Zappos.com to pick and chose, online stores do have more choices than local stores.
