|
 web
visitors |
Running Shoes in General
What makes running shoes special? Well they are made for
running. There's not much side to side motion for running, but a
light weight is preferable - thus shoes are made to take advantage of
these needs and preferences. Preventing injuries is a goal of
having the right running shoe.
Types of running shoes
- Cushion shoes (Neutral) - Most flexible and encourage
natural pronation. There is extra cushioning and extra shock
absorption. These shoes do not have stability or motion
control features. Good for people with a high arch and those
with a normal arch.
- Stability shoes - have light support features medially
and well-cushioned mid-soles to help guide mild-to-moderate
overpronation. Good for people with moderately flat arches and
normal arches.
- Motion Control shoes - have extra stability features on
the medial side to control severe overpronation. These shoes have
firm midsoles and flatter soles. Runners with severely flat
arches need the extra support and stability of these shoes.
What is Pronation?
- Pronation is the motion of the foot rolling slightly inwards.
It is the opposite of supination (under-pronate). Pronation is
a natural motion used to absorb shock and produce forward movement.
- Pronation is the motion that occurs as the foot
rolls from the outer edge to the inner edge.
- Stated another way, pronation of the foot is abduction followed
by eversion.
- The amount of pronation that one does can be found on your arch
type.
How does one determine arch type?
- High tech way: Go to a store such as Shoes That Fit (in
Modesto) or other shoe stores that offer computerized arch
measurements. You stand on this platform and the computer
gives you an answer. You may find that your feet are
different. If you live in Modesto, the address for Shoes that
Fit is: 2401 E Orangeburg Ave, #535, Modesto, CA.
Telephone number (209) 236-0400.
- Lower tech way: But also a good method, and used by the
Good Feet Store (Modesto has a new branch!). Located at 2100
Standiford Ave, Modesto, CA. Telephone number (209) 544-3734.
They perform a wet foot test. Basically they wet the bottom of
your feet with a non-messy ink and print it onto a piece of paper.
You can do this test at home by wetting the bottom of your feet and
stepping on a newspaper or towel - that's even lower tech, but it
may give you a rough idea.
Arches as an indicator of pronation:
- A high arch corresponds with Underpronation (Supination) - the
lateral side (out side) of your shoe would be worn down more.
- A normal arch corresponds with Neutral pronation
- A flat arch usually corresponds with overpronation - the medial
side of your shoe would be worn down more.
My arch / pronation type
- I have a flat arch thus I have over pronation problems. I
would be best suited to run with Motion Control running shoes or
Stability running shoes.
Each shoe company has it's "secret" technology
For Saucony, among other things, the most advertised "special" is the
Grid which acts a bit like a tennis racquet for the foot, mainly the
heel. It has Hytrel (TM) filaments in it.
Another advancement which I haven't tried yet is the ProGrid.
There are versions for the whole foot and not just the heel and it is
made of a different material called Respon-Tek (TM).
Read this for yourself at
http://www.saucony.com/Country_Selector.aspx
Saucony Shoes that I have tried or own
The descriptions of the shoes with the open circle bullet is from
Saucony.
- Saucony Grid Sinister (lightest neutral shoe, performance
shoe, training shoe). I know this
isn't the right shoe for me, but I wanted to try a neutral shoe.
It was so light weight, I couldn't resist buying this running shoe.
I haven't actually tried it yet. These are completely the
wrong running shoes for me - it's for high arched individuals.
But it's worth a try to experiment at least for a moment.
- The Grid Sinister is a lightweight training shoe, and is the
first style to incorporate
"fleXion plate", designed to naturally propel runners onto their
forefoot. We combined great fit with responsive cushioning, allowing
you to set about your current new personal best!
- Saucony 3D Grid Hurricane 7 (Stability plus shoe).
- The focus of the Hurricane 7 is to provide the best cushioned
stability shoe available, utilising Saucony's latest technologies
and materials. Innovations such as Impact Interface, SRC and Impulse
EVA combine to offer unrivalled comfort and control.
- Saucony 3D Grid Hurricane 6 (Stability plus shoe).
- The Hurricane has been Saucony's flagship shoe for many years.
It has taken many awards and has been featured in the Sunday Times,
Runners World, GQ, FHM!
- Saucony Grid Stabil 5 (Motion control shoe)
- Saucony's long-running motion control shoe, now with increased
flexibility and an improved, supportive upper resulting in a great
fitting, lightweight shoe which offers maximum pronation control.
-
Saucony Avail (Cushion Shoe) - got it from Shoe Pavillion,
Modesto as it was closing it's doors in late 2008. This
running shoe has been described as an entry level running sneaker.
- An unbeatable entry-level shoe in a sleek, contemporary design.
The Avail offers Grid cushioning, great grip from triangular lugs
and a compression moulded midsole, just like our top-end shoes.
- The shoe that I really want to try next is the Saucony Progrid
Hurricane X (10) (Stability Plus)
- I might also get the Saucony Progrid Guide (Light stability)
Who is Saucony
Saucony is a shoe company who has been making shoes since 1898, based
in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They belong to the
Stride Rite company.
You can find your
old Saucony
shoes by name
When to replace running shoes?
The generally accepted consensus is
runners will require a new pair of running shoes every 300-500 miles.
Keeping a log will help you figure out those miles. Happy running.
Reference web pages:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/lp2/shoe-guide.html
|
|
