March 2008
Find Your Perfect Running Shoes
Top trainers for every running style
Why do we need running shoes?
The simple answer to this is to avoid injury, so we are able to continue exercising and stay motivated to reach whatever fitness goals we set ourselves.
But it’s not as simple as buying the first pair you try on or the ones that look the coolest. There are hundreds of styles of running shoes out there, so what’s the difference?
Well, we’re ALL different, that’s why the leading manufactures produce many different styles to suit a multitude of running actions or gaits.
In general terms there are three main categories of running of shoes:
1. Cushioned shoes.
With approximately 2-3 times your bodyweight hitting the ground every time you land well cushioned shoes reduce the risk of impact related injuries. These shoes are designed for runners with a neutral action. This means that the ankle joint does not over rotate (over-pronation) on landing therefore no extra support is needed. These people will generally have high arches and more rigid feet.
Cushioned shoe guide >>
2. Structured Cushioning.
This is the category that most of us fit into. The natural motion of most people’s lower leg and ankle joint roll inward on impact to naturally cushion the landing, but if this inward rotation goes too far (over-pronation) the shoe can start to collapse on the medial side (inside). This over-pronation can lead to a myriad of bio-mechanical problems, injuries and excessive wear. These people would generally have low arches. People with this running style need running shoes that offer medial support as well as cushioning.
Structured cushioning shoe guide >>
3. Motion Control.
Runners that have very low or flat arches with a flexible ankle joint can experience excessive over-pronation (rolling inward). These runners require shoes with more medial support than offered by the Structured Cushioning category.
Motion control shoe guide >>
4. Lightweight / Racing.
In addition to the three main categories defined by running style there is a fourth shoe type – for runners who want a light shoe for their faster runs, interval sessions and races. These shoes are designed to be very light and not slow you down! However they generally have little cushioning or medial support so runners should ensure these are the right shoes for them before buying.
Lightweight / Racing shoe guide >>
Choosing the right pair for you – ask an expert
The next task is to ascertain what type of running shoe you need. Simply picking your favourite colour shoe or brand can lead to problems, maybe not initially but a hundred miles of running will take its toll and you wouldn’t want to pick up an injury by wearing the wrong running shoes. It’s best to get an expert to give you a running shoe consultation and fit you the best shoe so that when you hit the roads you know you’re in the right pair for you.
The ‘best of the best’ guides
If you do know what style of shoe you need then have a look at the Sweatshop guide for your category, showing the ‘best of the best’. The shoes in these guides have earned their place well after pounding the streets and local trails mile after mile by the Sweatshop testing team.
Cushioned shoe guide >>
Structured cushioning she guide >>
Motion control shoe guide >>
Lightweight / Racing shoe guide >>
‘Shelf life’ of running shoes
The final top tip is that all running shoes have a ‘shelf life’. You generally need to replace your running shoes before you can see your toes, as the cushioning and medial motion control will wear out and no longer support and protect you. Most running shoes should be replaced after 400-600 miles or roughly every 6 months. It is useful to note that simply wearing your running shoes around town or in the office can cause them lose their shock absorbency.
Make sure you ask about the shoes you are buying though as some racing shoes have a very low ‘shelf life’, some as low as 100 miles.
About Sweatshop
Sweatshop has been selling running shoes to runners for over 38 years and specialises in finding the perfect shoe for its customers. So if you’re not sure what you should be looking for visit any branch of Sweatshop for a one to one footwear consultation. Visit www.sweatshop.co.uk for the store finder.
Sweatshop even offers a 30 day guarantee to anyone fitted out instore. Meaning you can run in your shoes for 30 days and if you’re not 100% satisfied you can bring them back for a replacement pair – 100% peace of mind. See our category guides for more details.
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