HELP Running Shoes We've scrutinized and carefully selected the best technical running shoes to ensure we have a range of shoes to offer each customer. The four most important elements when selecting a running shoe are;
The Cushioning Unit Level of Arch Support Shape/Fit and material of the upper Price
We don't ignore the looks or cosmetics of a shoe, but we'd advise you consider the above points before the brand name or looks.
SELECTING YOUR SHOE If you have chance to visit us at the BioFit centre in Epworth then we will spend time analysing your gait including the angle and speed of pronation to find the shoe for you. If you are buying from us online then the advice we have for you below will be a great help - it has been to many others. Selecting the right shoe not only helps to minimize your risk of injury, but also helps to improve your running economy by making the transition between the phases in your running gait much smoother.
"I was new to running and had a BioFit assessment but felt my gait was changing after a few months as I got a better runner. I work offshore and so couldn't get back. The guys really know their stuff so I spoke to them on the phone and they found me the perfect change of shoes. I keep progressing and am so grateful" James, Leeds
Training shoes for running and training in day to day fall in to a category based on the extent of the cushioning unit and the level of arch support;
Shoe Category
Neutral/Cushioned shoes
These shoes are for runners with higher than normal arches. You can conduct a wet foot test to determine the height of your arch. If you have a high arch as in figure 1 it is likely you will need a neutral shoe. Some shoes in this category are firm and more stable than others and some heavier people may require a more stable neutral cushioned shoe. Heavier runners or those running high mileage, particularly on the road are often suited to a shoe with secondary or maximum cushioning - a shoe with energy absorbing material in the front of the shoe as well as in the heel. Essentially, this category of running footwear is quite flexible to cushion a more rigid foot type
Stability or Support shoes These selection of shoes cater for the largest group of runners. Many runners will have medium to flatter arch types (figure 2)and find the forces associated with the impact of running cause them to overpronate (roll excessively inwards). These shoes are more rigid, have slightly firmer cushioning units and a careful blend of cushioning and support for the more flexible arch.
Control shoes These shoes control the motion of the foot and are for those runners with flat arches (figure 3). The shoe is built on a straighter shape than those above, which in contrast are a semi-curved shape when you look at the sole of the shoe. Like the stability shoes these are rigid and often firmer than the neutral shoes.
Illustrations (X3) OF 3 FOOT TYPES
Trail shoes Trail shoes are particularly useful in the winter months when the ground is not normally so firm and can be slippery. These shoes often have a more protective and stronger upper to keep out the water from puddles and to protect against debris off road. The outsole will have a more aggressive outsole with soft rubber lugs in multiple directions to increase the traction. There may also be a plastic plate between the foam midsole and the outsole to protect the foot on uneven and rocky surfaces.
Racing shoes and Spikes These shoes are minimalist for racing from 5km to the marathon with lightweight cushioning units and uppers. The depth of the cushioning unit is narrower than a training shoe to keep down the weight and also to make the shoe more responsive. The mesh upper typically incorporates a more open design, again to reduce the weight . Racing shoes generally weigh between 150g and 275g (US9).
Size Choosing the category of shoe can often be easier than choosing the size - particularly if like many people you have one foot longer than the other. We have a wealth of experience at Metres to Miles in fitting shoes. A general rule is to select a running shoe half a size up from your normal day-to-day shoe. This will leave approximately the width of a thumbnail at the front, which is good for allowing your feet room to move and swell up when you are running. Sizes do vary according to the shape of the shoe and the brand. Look out for our shoes in wider fittings too. You can use our size charts as a reference to compare UK, EUR and US sizes (link).
Price There are bargains to be had - check out our shoes in the SALE section. But it's worth remembering it's not quite the bargain if the shoe isn't the size you were after. Shoes are generally priced according the level of cushioning. Maximum cushioned shoes would normally incorporate more cushioning in the front of the shoe than a moderate version and that's why they would normally be priced around £20 more.
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