Right shoes for you?

Are these the right shoes for you?

This page is here to guide you to choose the right pair of shoes, whether you sprint on a track, jog on the road, or even run off road. Hopefully we have shoes on our site that will be right for you. If you do require additional technical information then click on the manufacturers’ logo at the top of their respective pages to visit their own site.

What is foot strike?

Foot strike is the moment the foot comes in to contact with the ground, for distance runners it is normally the heel that initially makes contact, for sprinters it is normally the forefoot. At foot strike a runner generally experiences two to three times their own body weight.  Assuming their stride length is 2 meters long they will approximately take 804 strides for a 1 mile run, 4824 strides for a 6 mile run, 10,532 strides for a half marathon and 21,065 strides to complete a full marathon.
Now see the importance of choosing the right shoes!

What is your running gait?

Your running gait is your own style of running; it can be split in to three distinct phases;

1. Impact and support – This begins when the foot makes contact on the ground, this is when the foot begins to pronate. Pronation is your normal foot motion – from foot strike on the outside of the heel through to the inward roll to the ball of the foot.
2. Mid stance and propulsion – This begins after the foot reaches maximum pronation and the heel begins to lift off the ground. At this time the body is preparing to be lifted from the ground, it is important that the shoe possesses all the suitable support and traction to maximize your foots propulsion.
3. Recovery – This begins as the foot leaves the ground and follows through with leg rotation. The leg is now preparing itself for its next impact from foot strike.
   

Are you a pronator, supinator or neutral?

• Pronation is your normal foot motion from foot strike on the out side of your heel through the inward roll of the foot.
• Supination occurs as it rolls from the inner edge to the outer edge
• Neutral is when your foot hits the ground directly below the lower leg and does not roll

A very simple way of deciding which one you are is to look at your old shoes and see where the wear is on your heel. Is it on the inner edge (supernation). Is it on the outer edge (pronation), or is it in the middle (neutral).

Choosing the right shoe for your needs

Running shoes can be split in to various categories, stability/motion control, supportive cushioning/structured cushioning, cushioning, lyte, trail (off road), and track spikes.

1. Trail (off road) shoes – these shoes are designed for off road running ie, parks, fields, country lanes etc. They can be suitable for road running as they do have cushioning and stability built in to them, but with deeper sole treads and in some cases water proofed uppers they are made for off road terrains.
   Our examples:  Inov8 shoes (entire range).
   
   
2. Lyte – These shoes are designed for performance oriented runners who seek a light weight shoe for fast training and shorter distance road races.
   Our examples: Asics DS trainer.
   
   
3. Cushioning/Neutral  – These shoes are for runners who require very little support but they do need cushioning. Ideally runners who put in the miles but have less need for stability.
   Our examples: Saucony jazz X, Asics Imperium, New Balance 1061, Brooks Radius.
   
   
4. Stability/Motion Control – These shoes are suitable for runners who need additional support and will appreciate the combination of both cushioning and stability.
   Our examples: Asics kayano.
   
   
5. Supportive Cushioning/Structured cushioning – These shoes offer a balanced blend of cushioning and support, probably the most common of all the categories.
   Our examples: Asics 2120, Saucony Grid Trigon Guide, New Balance M857, Brooks Adrenalin.