The best running shoes. Top of the very best models.

Fizkult-hello, my dears! This Friday the topic of errands is on the agenda. After reading, you will learn all about the must-have footwear for runners: running shoes. In the first part of the article, we will talk about the technological component of running shoes using the example of a specific manufacturer and analyze the features they use that are designed to improve running and increase its comfort.

So, let's print out our henpecked theme, let's go!

Running shoes: technology

Our summer series of articles, in which, by the way, we have already covered the following topics: , , ready to embrace another colleague. Well, let's not deny him this pleasure...

Do you like to run as much as I don’t? :)

Of course, we couldn’t ignore the topic of running and the right shoes for it, because summer is the best time for this type of activity. Just imagine: early morning, you went out into the still sleeping city, the street is quiet and fresh. We stretched, warmed up and slowly set off on our running “trip”. If you are not a fan of city landscapes, but prefer more secluded and beautiful places (park, forest strip or beach area)- give me five, you and I are errand brothers.

Actually, let's go back to our sheep :)…

Of course, running requires appropriate footwear. We have already written a practical guide about. However, in the comments to the article, our dear readers, you, asked us not to beat around the bush, but to name the best running shoes. Well, we listened to your requests, and today we will consider specific models for purchase.

Note:
For better assimilation of the material, all further narration will be divided into subchapters.

How much do good running shoes cost?

Do you know what the final cost of sneakers consists of? For example, take the Adidas brand and any model for 100$ . The financial breakdown will be as follows:

As you can see, the main contribution to the final price comes not from production costs, but from the seller’s margin (and 1/2 the price is nothing). Sneakers themselves are not an expensive product. The markup of the store where they are sold is what often “makes” the price unaffordable (it’s like with milk: it is bought from farmers at 10-15 rubles per liter, and a chain of workers doing nothing brings the price to 50-80 rubles).

Conclusion: don’t be fooled by the place where you buy sneakers. (expensive boutique) - The more prestigious it is, the more of your funds goes to the retail chain.

The best running shoes - what are they?

Who can tell us what the best running shoes are? Of course, those who directly “work” in this area - i.e. runners. There are many running shoe brands on the market, but there are some clear favorites.

Here is the comparative data by brand provided by the most famous running portal:

The survey shows that the most popular sneakers among runners are Asics, followed by Adidas. I think this is a compelling argument to understand why professional (and not only) runners like this Japanese brand.

Running shoes: manufacturing technology from Asics

A healthy mind in a healthy body is the motto of the Japanese company Asics, which has already 1949 and to this day tries to produce the best product in its segment. The company pays close attention to new technologies that allow you to squeeze the maximum out of your body and achieve super results. For many years in a row, Asics sneakers have been awarded the title of “best running model” by the world’s most authoritative publication, Runner’s World.

Let's take a closer look at Asics' technological solutions and find out why this particular brand rules among runners of various levels (from beginners to professionals).

The main achievements in the work of specialists in creating the most productive sneakers were developments in the following areas (the main ones are given):

• shock absorption (ASICS GEL system) - a shock-absorbing system based on a semi-solid jelly substance ASICS GEL, enclosed in an elastic plastic capsule, which is placed in the midsole in areas where shock loads are applied;
• stability (DuoMax/space trace technology)- midsole design, which is the use of two or more materials with different stiffness to reduce the risk of overpronation (rolling the foot on the inside);
• landing (Biomorphic technology)- shoe upper technology, which consists of inserts made of a special material. These inserts are located both on the inside and outside of the shoe in places subject to the greatest deformation when walking and running. The technology is responsible for reducing the deformation of the shoe upper and the load on the foot;
• gender specificity in biomechanics e (Gender Specific Forefoot Cushioning)– cushioning system in the toe. The density of the material varies depending on what gender the sneakers are made for;
• outer sole (Ahar) - rubber material of increased wear resistance made of carbon rubber, used on the outsole areas, significantly extends the service life of the shoe;
• upper materials (Gore-Tex) – a mesh material with a breathable volumetric mesh with metal fibers. The upper does not allow water to pass through, allows air to pass through and retains a certain heat, thereby providing an ideal microclimate inside the sneaker.

As for attribute technologies, i.e. those responsible for the external components of sneakers (convenience, comfort, etc.), then the most interesting of them are the following:

• Loop Lacing System - a lacing system with loops that provides a better fit on the foot and equalizes the pressure of the laces in different places;
• Speed ​​Lacing System – fast lacing system;
• 3M Reflectives - reflective elements 3M, which ensure the visibility of your legs to others at night;
• lacepocket – a pocket for tucking laces on the tongue of a shoe;
• Removable Sockliner - removable insole.

This is only a tiny part of the technological solutions that Asics uses in its models. The full list is like this (clickable).

And here’s how all these technologies are “stuffed” into a sneaker:

What about children?

Surely, if someone in the family starts running, and usually the “first sign” is the wife, then the entire noble family will follow suit. Of course, adult models of sneakers are not suitable for a teenager. Mainly because his foot and the articular and ligamentous apparatus have not yet fully formed. Therefore, running has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account when buying running shoes for a teenager or child.

Asics engineers also took care of our children by developing special children's sneaker models. Here are their main features:

Actually, we considered the theory. But, as they say, you won’t be satisfied with it alone. Therefore, let's move on to the practical side of the issue.

The best running shoes: how to choose?

So, you have some money and a burning desire to buy the best running shoes. What to do next?

In general, it is believed that high-quality sneakers should be expensive, and if they are the best, then at least expensive x2. This is wrong. The cost of modern sneakers in the segment “designed for the majority” is on average 20-30 dollars. Of course, you can’t buy sneakers at their cost price, but with all the markups, quite decent models can be purchased for 80-120 $.

The basic rules of a thrifty buyer are:

• do not purchase new models year after year;
• do not buy sneakers in branded stores in large cities (even if you live there), but buy them in the outback (on the periphery/regions);
• keep an eye out for discounts in offline sports stores (out of season they can reach up to 50 %) ;
• keep an eye on seasonal promotions in major sports retail chains;
• buy models online in official online stores.

As for specifics, the following reminder will help you choose the right model (clickable).

Asics Guide. What to choose?

From the material above, we have already understood that the best running brand is the Japanese Asics, therefore, further we will find out which models are suitable for which cases.

Asics shoes, depending on the properties inherent in them, are usually divided into 4 categories:

1. depreciation;
2. structural cushioning/stability;
3. off-road;
4. collection 33 .

No. 1. Depreciation

All models in this category are designed to create the most comfortable conditions while running. (both in urban areas and in the hall). The model names contain the name “cloud”, which indicates the ease of running (as if on clouds). The gel content in the heel determines the degree of cushioning and support (the more gel the better). Model examples: ASICS Gel-Nimbus 14, ASICS Gel-CUMULUS 14 .

No. 2. Structural cushioning

The models are made using DuoMax technology, which means strengthening (double density) midsole and increase in transition (by 10-13 mm) from heel to toe. Model examples: ASICS GT- 2000 , ASICS GEL-KAYANO.

No. 3. Off-road

Models in this line use Trail Sensor technology (sensor system) - dividing the sole into segments (usually 2-4 grooves), which guarantees contact with the ground in any position of the foot when running. Model examples: Asics GEL-TRAIL-TAMBORA 4 , Asics Gel-FujiRunnegade 2 PlasmaGuard

No. 4. Collection 33

The number of joints on each leg is equal to 33 and hence the name of the collection. A feature of the models in this line is their minimalistic design and lightness. (the feeling of running barefoot). Model examples: 33 -FA, 33 -M2.

In addition to the specified division, the following reminder will help you decide on the desired Asics model (clickable).

The best running shoes of 2017 according to the Internet

Agree that the “best” of a particular model is best measured by user ratings, i.e. a rating system from ordinary people who like running, who bought a certain model for their errands, assessed its quality and decided to recommend it to others. So, This concept was implemented by a resource dedicated to running - runrepeat, which collects ratings for different models of sneakers and forms its top rating based on them.

For June 2017 it (the top ten) presents such a picture.

As you can see, the top ten is mainly represented by Adidas models, and these are all new models. As for Asics, among all their models, runners preferred the following: Gel Fortitude 7 , G.T. 1000 5 and Gel Hyper Speed 7 .

Best running shoes of all time

Sneaker technology does not stand still, and every year more and more new models are released onto the market, supposedly better than the previous ones. In fact, the new cannot always outperform the old in terms of quality, but at a price 100% cases - yes, it is an order of magnitude higher. Therefore, when choosing the best running shoes, it is most advisable to focus on models that have become timeless classics of the genre, those that have carried their running qualities through the years.

These sneakers include (year of manufacture is indicated in parentheses):

• reebook GL6000 ( 1986 ) ;
• nike air pegasus ( 1992 ) ;
• asics gel nimbus 16 (2014 ) ;
• adidas ultra boost ( 2015 ) ;
• asics gel-kayno 23 (2016 ) .

These models are considered by experts in the field of running to be classics of the genre in the category of the best running sneakers.

And the last thing we need to figure out is...

How to wear sneakers correctly?

It would seem that high-quality sneakers have been purchased, which means they are comfortable and long-lasting (in terms of shoe wear) we are guaranteed to run. However, as they say, it’s all in the little things, and failure to comply with them can ruin the whole beautiful running picture.

What are these little things? Here's what they are.

No. 1. Correct lacing

The lacing should ensure proper fixation of the foot in running shoes, as well as the sneakers not coming undone while running. Cotton laces are preferable, because... they hold the knot more tightly, and the chance of them untying is much lower than that of their synthetic counterpart.

Most running shoes have an extra pair of holes for laces. These holes are made specifically so that the runner can lace his shoes correctly. Correct, it means according to the following scheme:

• we lace the sneakers crosswise, leaving the top two pairs of holes;
• we pass the end of the right lace through the uppermost hole on the left, and then immediately through the remaining lower one on the same side - a loop is obtained;
• do the same with the other side, and then take the ends of the laces and thread them through the opposite loops;
• tighten, tie 1- y or 2 th node.

No. 2. Strict delimitation of physical activity

This means that running shoes should only be used for running—no casual hiking, no weight training, no outdoor recreation. They must have one working surface and the same conditions for their use. In other words, don't drag your running shoes.

No. 3. Drying

In this case, we do not mean reducing the percentage of fatty tissue in sneakers :), but removing moisture from them. After each running procedure, insert special drying pads made of silica gel adsorbent into sports (and not only) shoes. Such a small thing for 300 In the limit, it will extend the life of your shoes by several years.

Do not neglect this “small detail” under any circumstances, and then your shoes will serve you faithfully for a long time, and your feet will be grateful for the comfort and convenience provided.

Actually, that's all I would like to talk about. Let's summarize what has been said :).

Afterword

Today we looked at the “henpecked” topic - we found out what the best running shoes should be. What did you find out? That the price of the model should be in the corridor 3-5 etc., and the manufacturer is Asics or Adidas, which is best to buy in sports (or online) stores and “old” models. To prevent shoes from falling into the “waste of money” category, you should follow simple rules for their use. Well, have you understood everything?

PS. What sneakers are you running in now? Why did you buy it?

PPS: did the project help? Then leave a link to it in your social network status - plus 100 points towards karma guaranteed :)

With respect and gratitude, Dmitry Protasov.