The Running Shoes

I remember my first pair of running shoes. I had read in a magazine article that the way to prevent injury was to buy good running shoes, and that any good running shoe would cost between $90-$130. A light bulb went on. I could prevent injury and potentially be a better runner, all in a shoe? Off I went.

My first stop was a huge multi-sport center. I breezed past the canoes, golf clubs, treadmills, and in-line skates. Scanning the display wall of shoes, I looked for something expensive because I thought that meant it must be a better brand or a better shoe. I naturally picked the shoe I thought looked the best, with the best complimentary color scheme, something I could “match” with any one of my “running outfits.”

Then I looked around, huffed and puffed, and all but threatened to blow down the display wall if I couldn’t get some help. My help finally arrived. He came from the tents and camping equipment section.

Was it a hideous experience? No, not exactly hideous. Did I get help? Yes. The nice man went back to look for the shoe I picked out. Was there a problem here? I didn’t think so, but any knowledgeable running store employee would have told me otherwise. This whole scenario was a problem.

First of all, you don’t buy shoes because of the color or style! You don’t buy shoes because you think the more they cost, the better they must be! And finally, you don’t buy shoes because they’ll match your outfit!

Lucky for me, the mega multi-sport center didn’t have the half size I needed, and I didn’t buy those shoes. The man helping me generously recommended a local specialty running store so that I could have the shoes that day. I remember wondering if that meant the shoes would cost even more.

Answer? No. I found out within the hour they wouldn’t cost more at the specialty running store. They actually cost less.

At the running store, the clerk asked me all about my running experience. Where do I run? How often? What type of surface? How far? I thought he was just making conversation. I found out later he had been assessing my individual needs. He looked at my feet and my old running shoes. Then he started bringing out boxes and asking more questions.

“How do they feel? What do you like about these? What don’t you like?”

He asked me to run the length of the store. At first I was embarrassed. Why was he watching me run? It turns out everyone has a different running style, and this is an important assessment. You should expect this at any reputable running specialty store. By the time I left, I felt like I had the best possible pair of running shoes for my overpronating, flat, narrow feet.

I learned a lot about my feet and about running in general. I also learned something about these knowledgeable running store employees. These are the people who know the latest in shoe design and performance. They are typically runners like you and me. They work there because they love running and they love helping other runners run better. Running specialty stores can also serve as a center for your local running community. This is the place to find local running groups, information on training and upcoming races or fun runs.

I consider myself lucky that the super sports center didn’t have my shoe size. If you’re reading this, you should consider yourself lucky, too. I did all of the research for you. Now, hurry. Run, don’t walk, to your favorite running specialty store!

By: Natalie Rohwer

running shoes

Still procrastinating about joining the gym? Don’t have the money? Why not consider RUNNING?

I just turned 43, and have been running for years. I ran track in High school, but then stopped after graduation. When I wanted to get into shape again, I began with the stationery bike and Stairmaster. After finding them very boring, I decided to buy a pair of running shoes, lace them up and enjoy a breath of fresh air. I started on a track and counted my laps. It’s much easier to put on the appropriate apparel go outside and start running, than to drive to the gym. When your exercise routine is convenient and simple it’s easier to stick with it.

As long as you have your running shoes, you can run any place, any time. Going to the gym is going to a designated location. With running, there is no designated location. You can simply run anywhere!

Part of the exhilaration is not thinking about where you are running, just being in the moment. The moment can be a thought in your mind, or a smell that reminds you of playing outside when you were a child. It can be a scenic view, or the warmth of the bright sun. It could be the crispness of a fall day, or your footprints on the newly fallen snow.

There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you run in a different state than where you live. New surroundings, different climate and new smells. Some of my most memorable runs were: Running off of the cruise ship in Bermuda, seeing the commuters on their scooters, with the brightly painted houses in the background, Running on the narrow paved roads with old, quaint houses in Canada, Running in Atlanta during the Olympics and Running in California on Thanksgiving Day with only a t-shirt and shorts.

While running you can always discover a new path, boardwalk, beach, road, track, or park. My favorite and most useful running gifts are my I-Pod and my pedometer. Nothing beats the sense of accomplishment after clocking your distance on a pedometer and running further because of the inspirational songs you’ve listened to. Sometimes it’s preferable to run without accessories. You feel lighter and it’s peaceful to be lost in your own thoughts.

Running is a Gift. Running is a mindset. The next time you want to exercise, Open your Mind and Open your Gift.

By Janice Karp

running shoes

It won’t take long for a runner to realize the overwhelming importance of shoes. Poorly chosen footwear can cause injury under the wrong circumstances. So, what constitutes a good choice in footwear? Read on to discover the RIGHT way to select running shoes.

First, the proper fit. Too tight or loose can cause rubbing or otherwise cause pain. It isn’t sufficient just to put the shoe on, if possible move the foot through a range of motion and as much of a running gait as is practical. It is entirely possible to find shoes with subtle imperfections in the fit that aren’t immediately apparent.

Second, we should worry about your running technique. A proper motion for the foot rolls from heel to toe, and has a slight inward rotation as the ball of the foot touches the ground. There are shoes to compensate for a greater tendency to wear the inside, outside or other parts of the shoe tread. As well, there are shoes to compensate for greater or lesser than normal amounts of this standard foot motion, called pronation. The simplest way to determine this is to examine an old pair of running shoes and check the wear pattern. Excessive wear on the inside of the front part of the shoe indicates over pronation, such wear on the outside of the front of the shoe indicates supination.

Third is the priority of the shoe. Shoe designers tend to create shoes to emphasize stability, cushioning or motion control. If you don’t know which of these you actually need, stability is probably the place to start. However, cushioning should be a given. Each time your foot hits the ground, you are dealing with an impact of around three times your body weight, and you’ll do this fifteen hundred times a mile.

Brand is not unimportant, but there are so many and they change rapidly enough that it makes little sense to cover in an article this of this size. Instead, you should simply keep in mind brands you like and try their products first. There are many ways to achieve cushioning and stability, and you simply might be well suited to the one a given brand uses. Appearance matters not one bit, when considering a running shoe. If your priority is a given look, spending the money for a running shoe is a waste of funds, possibly much funds.

Finally, shoes can be optimized for a given type of running. This can be high performance competition shoes, shoes for running on pavement and shoes for running on broken surfaces or cross country.

Jeff Ray

running shoes

The Best Waterproof Running Shoes

Many runners, at all levels, will take considerable time to find the correct running shoes. They will invest time and money to get perfect fit, appearance and comfort but may leave one factor out that can make a difference. In one word, this factor is “waterproof.”

But failing to get waterproof running shoes is more a function of the buyer not taking time to find the shoe, rather than being no shoes available. The best of waterproof shoes can keep the runner’s feet warm and dry, even in very wet weather. Professional runners will find this extra benefit worth almost any extra cost, since these runners live because they run. Dry, comfortable feet may be just the edge the pro needs to win. While most triathlon performers have probably already settled on top triathlon shoes that works for them, triathlon shoes may need to be waterproof as well (not for the swimming part) but because these great athletes can sometimes run in less than ideal conditions.

Best Options

When an individual begins looking for good running apparel and equipment, most remember that the shoes are the most critical part of the entire picture. It may be good to keep weather/wet conditions in mind when shopping for the right running shoe.

Among the better options for waterproof running shoes is Gear Zone, which also offers cleaning supplies and waterproofing systems, climbing gear and much, much more. Many runners and outdoor enthusiasts find that buying a great pair of shoes from a company leads them to other products that company offers. This alone may save the individual a lot of time and money.

Judging by sales and street buzz, The North Face Women’s great running shoe “Hedgehog Xcr, is one of the best shoes around. This model is designed for women, is completely waterproof and has a breathing membrane to keep the foot comfortable. Those interested in the details of leading-edge technology may want to look into this shoe even further.

Another option for the serious runner is Merrell Chameleon and its shoe aimed at versatility and speed. The attention to detail from the designer and manufacturer is amazing, with built-in protective bumpers, mesh upper for letting the foot breath and so on.

Plan before you buy and include “waterproof” in the thought process. It will payoff with comfort and better performance. And that is what every runner is interested in, amateur and professional alike.

By Adam Peters
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running shoes

From running barefoot to running in shoes that cost a small fortune…. running sure has come a long way. Today there is such a wide range of shoes available, it takes mental gymnastics to decide which shoe would be right for you!

It was in the last century that we saw so many changes in running shoes. In the beginning of the century, running shoes were simple rubber-soled plimsolls. Today they are air- cushioned, sometimes filled with gel capsules. So they look good, feel good and add up to better performance.

The first running shoes, also called “keds”, were a result of the invention of vulcanized rubber. For the first time, people could wear shoes that they could actually play a sport in. They were light, comfortable and didn’t make a sound when you walked. That’s how they got the name “sneakers”.

Over 100 years ago, J.W. Foster and Sons of England (now known as Reebok) were the first to introduce shoes specially meant for running with spikes in them. Its owner, Joseph William Foster wanted to make a shoe that would encourage the sport of running. In 1925, a German named Adolph Dassler made shoes with hand-forged spikes. It was so specialized, there were specific models for specific distances. The material was hi-tech and light. These shoes were worn by the leading runner of the time, Jesse Owens. Adolph Dassler’s company later split into Adidas and Puma, both leading sports shoe manufacturers today.

Research in running shoes forged ahead and the need for speed and comfort produced even better footwear. Three types of running styles were found. In the neutral style, the heels hit the ground, while the foot goes in a straight line as it moves forward. In the Pronation style, the heel hits the ground, while the foot moves to the inside as it goes forward. The Supernation style was a little different where the heel hits the ground and the outside of the foot moves forward. Shoes were made to fit these varied styles and athletes now had the option of having shoes custom-made.

One of the most recent inventions is the cushioning system. It was found that foam, silicon, and air gel absorb shock. An even better product is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); a substance that has millions of tiny air bubbles that cushion and absorb shock. Some of these inventions were offshoots of the space research done to make clothing and footwear for astronauts!

To find the perfect shoe, your biomechanical needs should be studied. A ‘wet test’, is taken – that is, the shape of your foot on a dry floor or piece of paper. This would reveal whether your feet are flat, normal or highly arched. Based on a few more tests, the right shoes are found. This process has benefited athletes by helping in achieving better speeds, causing fewer foot injuries and longer career spans.

By Alison Cole

running shoes