Running Shoes Review
Running shoes are the most important equipment for jogging and running as they can help prevent injuries and improve the efficiency of the gait. Since jogging and running became very popular, shoe companies have invested a fortune on research and technology of shoe manufacturing. The running shoes that we see nowadays have evolved tremendously from the shoes that were used for running many years ago.
Jogging and running are among the simplest and cheapest forms of exercise but getting the cheapest shoes, like basic basketball shoes or any athletic shoes, is a sure way of getting yourself injured. What you need are shoes that are designed for running.
While current running shoes are much more complicated than their predecessors, they are made of the same basic components as follows:
- The outsole - It is the treaded layer on the undersurface of the shoe that provides traction. It is usually made of carbon rubber or blown rubber and is studded to enhance traction on softer surfaces.
- The midsole - It is the cushioning and stability layer between the upper and the outsole that is generally made of ethylene vinyl acetate and polyurethane. Heavier density materials may be used on the medial area for increased stability.
- The upper - It is the soft body of the shoe usually made of a combination of materials ranging from the lightweight mesh to heavier materials like leather.
Running shoes are also designed based on the type of runners who will be wearing them as follows:
- Cushioned shoes - This is the shoe type preferred by runners who require maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial support.
- Motion control shoes - A shoe type for runners who overpronate moderately to severely because it gives maximum rear foot control and extra support on the medial side of the foot.
- Performance training shoes - This is the shoe type for the fast, efficient runners who need light and well-balanced shoes for racing, speed work, and daily training.
Many reviews about running shoes deal on the advantages of each shoe design and how they fit different type of runners. Not much attention is given on the brands, and the corresponding prices, of shoes as a given brand is no guarantee that the shoes will perform as expected. The more popular brands of shoes are endorsed by well-known athletes but serious runners do not take them as a factor in deciding what running shoes to buy. Serious runners always stick to the kind of shoes that they have found to provide what they need in their runs, not a big name endorsement of a shoe brand.
Reviews of running shoes also reveal that based on runners' experiences, they replace their running shoes once they have logged more than 500 miles. After 500 miles, running shoes tend to loosen up a lot and lost their cushion as well. Running shoes therefore need to be replaced after around 6 months of regular use; otherwise the runner will be more prone to injuries.