| |
Choosing the Right Running Shoe
Running puts a lot of stress on the bones, muscles, and joints of the legs. People with different body types need different shoes to reduce these stresses and thereby prevent injury. Most experienced runners have learned by trial and error which shoes work best for them, but for beginners, choosing the right shoe might be the difference between a lifetime of fitness or a trip to the doctor
Read More -->
How to select the tennis raquet that is right for you
You don’t need much in the way of equipment for playing tennis, but you do need a tennis racquet. Tennis racquets come in a variety of shapes, lengths, weights, materials, sizes and stringing patterns. When choosing the racquet that is right for you, it is worth taking the time to carefully consider the many options.
Read More -->
It's Time to Get that Baseball Bat and Glove
The most important decision one must make before playing a sport is the selection of proper equipment. This decision can neither be taken lightly nor should it be done in a haphazard way. The proper equipment will not only improve performance but serves to protect the athlete from harms way.
Read More -->
What to Look for when buying Soccer Equipment
Is a soccer player only as good as his footwear? Well, no, not really. But proper soccer footwear does allow a player to be as good as he or she can be, and also helps prevent injuries. Soccer footwear is often referred to as soccer shoes, soccer boots (in England), or, most commonly in the United States, soccer cleats.
Read More -->
How do I buy the Soccer Ball thats Right for Me?
Neither Beckham nor Pele can play soccer without a soccer ball. And so when your child decides to suit up for soccer, he or she will need a ball, too. When selecting a soccer ball, there are 3 general factors to consider: size, color, and quality.
Read More -->
|
|
Choosing the Right Running Shoe |
Running puts a lot of stress on the bones, muscles, and joints of the legs. People with different body types need different shoes to reduce these stresses and thereby prevent injury. Most experienced runners have learned by trial and error which shoes work best for them, but for beginners, choosing the right shoe might be the difference between a lifetime of fitness or a trip to the doctor. As with all sports, runners must learn the difference between the so-called “good pain” and “bad pain.” If your feet, ankles, knees, or hips hurt while running, it is not time to think, “no pain no gain.” These are all indicators that your equipment (shoes) or technique needs improvement.
One simple way for beginners to choose an appropriate running shoe is to first determine what type of feet you have. This can be done by using the “wet test.” Stand barefoot in a small puddle of water (bathtub, etc.) and then step out onto a dry paper towel. After a minute, step off the paper towel and look at the imprint of your feet. There are three basic foot types that can be distinguished using this method. The “normal” foot leaves the imprint of the complete heel and forefoot connected by a curved band about half the width of the forefoot. Since the arch does not touch the paper towel, the space between the big toe and heel remains dry.
The other two main foot types are due to abnormal arch heights. In the “flat foot,” where the arch is low, the outline of the foot has a much broader band connecting the forefoot and the heel. In this case, much of the arch does touch the paper towel so there is no dry spot between the big toe and the heel. The last foot type is the “high arch.” In this case the arch is bigger and higher than normal so in the outline of the foot, the band connecting the forefoot and heel is very thin (less than half the width of the forefoot).
There are two terms we need to learn now, before we go on to selecting shoes. When the foot comes down while running, the heel strikes first. Then, as the forefoot comes down, it rolls in from the little toe to the big toe. This rolling inward is called “pronation.” The opposite of this is called “supination.” People with low arches tend to be over-pronators, and people with high arches tend to be under-pronators or supinators. Another way to see if you are an over-pronator or supinator is to look at the bottom of your current shoes. If they are more worn-out on the inside, you are likely over-pronating. If they are more worn on the outside, you’re probably under-pronating.
Runners with normal arches, who do not over or under pronate, will do well with stability shoes with a semi-curved sole, which offer a good mix of stability and cushioning. Over-pronators and runners with low arches do better with motion control shoes with a straight sole and more support than stability shoes. Under-pronators and runners with high arches do best with cushioned shoes with curved soles. Pronation of the foot acts as a shock absorber, so under-pronators benefit from the extra-cushioning these shoes provide.
You should always try on running shoes before buying them. When you know what shoe works for you, it may be cheaper and easier to order over the internet or from a catalogue, but until then try on every pair before you buy. Running shoes should be used for running only. Have a separate pair for walking, cross-training, etc. Most amateur runners can get a full year of running out of a pair or shoes. Higher mileage runners will need to replace them sooner. Do not wear the same shoes until they give you problems - replace them before something starts to hurt.
Lastly, ask some runners in your town where the best shoe store is. Most stores that specialize in running shoes have very knowledgeable staff. Ask them questions and get their opinions on various brands, styles, and sizes. As always, start slow and work your way up as you break in the new shoes. It takes some time for your body to get used to the new shoes and for the shoes to mold to your foot. Good luck and happy running!
Randy Marrinan, MD
Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Mount Sinai Medical Center
New York, New York
Helpful Websites:
http://www.ehow.com/how_174_choose-running-shoes.html
http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?UAN=481
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-52-167-0-1038,00.html |
|
|
