There are five main categories of running shoes that vary and fit with different running endeavors. First, there are spikes, designed for sprinting on tracks or cross-country courses. These lightweight shoes are known for their stiff plastic or metal spikes and minimal cushioning, offering superb traction for track workouts and actual racing events. Racing flats are tailored for road races and are available in a range of cushioning options, catering to different race distances. They are lighter and tend to be stiffer than training shoes, making them ideal for racing, although not for everyday training due to their minimal build. Lightweight trainers can add speed to a running routine and are good for sprints, tempo runs, and intervals because they are lightweight and flexible. Daily trainers are the workhorses of a running shoe collection. These shoes are generally moderately cushioned and built with durability in mind. They are the most comfortable choice for most types of runs, including easy runs, long runs, and recovery runs. Lastly, trail shoes are designed for off-road running, where rocks, roots, mud, and uneven surfaces can be encountered. These shoes vary widely, from lightly cushioned models resembling racing flats to bulkier options that resemble hiking boots. Their common features include enhanced tread, rock plates to protect against sharp objects, and reinforced uppers to withstand rugged terrains. If you are a runner and plan to run on different surfaces and under varied conditions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This type of doctor is able to discuss the types of running shoes to include in your assortment that can help to ensure your best comfort and performance.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Wendy L. Grossman, DPM from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
- Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
- Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
- Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
