Shoes

Running shoes: how to choose the right one

In order for sports to bring pleasure and health benefits, it is necessary to purchase shoes in advance that correspond to:

Your type of foot;
the number and duration of training;
load intensity;
environmental conditions: hard surface or soft ground, high or low air temperatures;
Your taste - the aesthetic aspect is important, it sets the mood.

In this article, we will tell you how to choose the right shoes for running on asphalt, and what they should be, as well as what are the features of winter sports.

Features of specialized shoes

If for you cardio is only one episode among all the time in the gym, or classes are not held on an ongoing basis, but once a week, a month, then you should not carefully study each bend of the boot, it is enough to be comfortable when trying on. You need to show high requirements when buying if you:

run for more than half an hour without a break;
exercise 3-4 times a week;
develop a speed of more than 13 km / h;
you have a lot of weight, so there is a strong load on the foot;
undergo rehabilitation after an injury;
have diseases of the joints or bones, a defect in the structure of the legs.

Which running shoes are best for running?

There are two types - for competitions and for daily activities. The first are divided into:

Marathons. They are designed for experienced athletes who step from toe to heel, that is, they make an easy movement without undue stress on the joints. They are worn on the tracks at the stadium when it is necessary to show the best results, and not during long practice sessions. A feature is their lightweight appearance. They do not have any additional chips - foot support, heel lift, rigid fixation, depreciation. They, on the contrary, have a flat sole, very light weight. The skill of proper running compensates for the lack of upgrades, the professional does not need the auxiliary properties of sneakers.
Half marathons. They are also designed for experienced athletes who cannot dislocate their leg by mistake, so they do not need a rigid support. But their use involves longer distances, so the platform is a few millimeters wider, due to which the step is softened. Also, their design provides for a bevel from the toe to the heel of 5-10 mm, such an inclination allows the foot to be in a more comfortable position.

Training shoes are designed for long and frequent sessions, so they have more cushioning, rigid sidewalls, and a padded toe. It is convenient for an athlete to stay in them for 2-4 hours. They differ in the tread pattern, which is chosen depending on the surface. Of the main types of coatings, you can rank from the softest to the hardest, which will depend on which sneakers are suitable for running:

Path in the forest, field. It consists of trampled earth, grass, and therefore favorably affects the condition of the legs. If you do cardio training not professionally, but to keep your body in good shape, then this is the best option.
Rubberized (polyurethane) tracks. They can be found in stadiums. They are convenient because they can be used even after rain. Shoes do not slip on them, but do not rub too much. At the same time, during training there is no strong load on the joints, since there is sufficient depreciation.
Trainer in the gym. Habitual option for the townspeople. It differs in that the coating is absolutely straight - there are no bumps, as well as bends and turns, so there is no need for strong adhesion to the surface.
Asphalt. Previously, instructors strongly discouraged exercising on such a surface because of its hardness. Feet quickly tired, calluses appeared. But now there are many models that are designed specifically for such runs.
Concrete. The most durable material. For such activities, shoes with strong cushioning are needed.

First of all, the shoes differ in the tread pattern. The softer the soil, the more pronounced the lines should be. This ensures traction. You can make a comparison with the tires on the car - racing cars have almost "bald" tires.

Which sneakers are better to choose for running on asphalt: what you need to pay attention to

Please make sure of the following before purchasing:

The sole should not be very wide. Strong contact with the surface must be ensured.
The material for manufacturing contains rubber, which reduces the possibility of erasing the top layer. Due to the force of friction, an ordinary pair will quickly become unusable.
There is a small indentation in the toe area that provides flexibility to the foot.
In the middle, where the leg has a natural bend, an additional seal is placed. It protects against injury and also reduces the risk of developing flat feet.
If you are looking for a non-winter option, then sneakers should be made of lightweight mesh fabric. This will ensure adequate ventilation.
Soft cover. To avoid chafing during movement, manufacturers have come up with a technology for seamless connection of materials. Now the top of the product is attached to its base using a special polymer.
Elements for depreciation. Their location depends on the style of walking. Professionals step from the toe, while beginners direct the main load to the heel. It is in this area that the compaction is usually made. It can be made of different materials - a special gel, rubber or pillow with air. Also inserts are located on the sides.
Reinforced back to secure the foot. Additional stiffening ribs reduce the risk of injury, but affect the result. That is why marathon shoes do not have such designs. Their block is much more primitive, which allows you to show the skill of an athlete.
Frequent lacing. Attachment plays an important role - a stable position of the lower leg must be combined with sufficient freedom of movement.

How to choose the right shoes and clothes for running in winter

The danger of this type of training is harming the health of the legs, you can chill the joints. To prevent this from happening, you need to buy optimal shoes, as well as take care of socks. This piece of clothing deserves special attention - it is a mistake to use grandmother's woolen knitting or put on one pair for the second. It is enough to go to a specialized store where there are options with thermal insulation and ventilation. Such models retain heat, do not rub and do not make the skin sweat. They are seamless, so they fit perfectly on the foot.

Boots must have the following qualities:

Outsole with strong cushioning properties, but not freezing in the cold. Therefore, it is better not to choose models that contain rubber.
The tread of winter shoes has a pronounced tread. The pattern provides traction and minimizes slip.
Fur inner lining. Natural materials are much warmer and more hygienic. Synthetics can give off an unpleasant smell, and the runs themselves will be short, simply because you will freeze.
Special water-repellent fabric on the top of the last. You can’t take solid sneakers, because without ventilation your feet will sweat - there is a high risk of catching a cold. But the surface must be made of membranes that block the path of water. During autumn or spring training, it is also preferable to wear boots made of such materials.
High but movable cuff for lockdown and snow protection. At the same time, it is impossible for the lacing to tighten the foot and prevent movement.
Replaceable insoles. They are easy to dry after use.

Winter workout clothes

Her choice must also be approached carefully. The world-famous company Stayer offers:

Comfort. Innovative developments allow you to sew a product with a comfortable cut - during training, there is no feeling of stiffness of movements, puffiness.
Warm. This is ensured by the use of modern fabrics that do not allow moisture to pass through, protect from the wind, and also maintain a comfortable temperature even when exposed to frost for a long time. The design provides for special inserts, linings and elastic bands - all these elements protect against the penetration of cold air.
Wear resistance. The density of materials and their adaptation to environmental conditions ensures a long service life of clothing.
Style. The design of Stayer jackets is developed by the best fashion designers. The brand offers bright, but unobtrusive color schemes, intricate geometry of patterns.
Availability. Among down jackets of this level, "Stayer" offers favorable prices. The cost of products is lower than that of Fiber and other analogues. However, they do not compromise on quality.

You also need to take care of a scarf, hat, gloves and thermal underwear. It is better to give preference to warm and moisture-wicking clothes.

What running shoes provide the best cushioning for running?

Inserts are usually located in three places:

in the heel area to protect against stress on the joints when landing;
in the toe area for the greatest repulsion, springback;
at the site of pronation, i.e. where rotation occurs.

By type, they are distinguished:

active: the use of air, microporous or gel capsules.
passive: the presence of a midsole, an additional layer of porous fabric - polyurethane.

The second option is the most optimal if there are no excessive loads or structural features, diseases.

The first ones are suitable for active training, as well as for training in a forest or rough terrain.

How to choose the best running shoes

A few buying tips:

Decide where and how often you will exercise: at the stadium, on soft ground, on asphalt, in the gym; daily or once a week; for long distances or hundreds of meters.
The brand and the technologies they use, namely: the quality of materials, ventilation, cushions for cushioning, additional inserts.
Look at the outsole and tread pattern. It doesn't have to be completely smooth. At best, the coating will be rubberized. And the transition between the toe and the heel is no more than 1 cm.
The insole must be pulled out so that it can be changed or washed separately.
The top cover is made of fine, dense mesh.
Sneakers weigh in the limit of 400 grams. Winter - a little more.
Ease of fitting.

Take care of your comfort and health with every workout, then playing sports will give you pleasure and benefit.