How to choose your running shoes: 3 top tips to keep in mind

Did you know that each running shoe is designed to meet different needs? You probably knew that. What becomes more complicated is knowing what specific features your shoe needs to fit what you need in order to choose the right running shoes.

That’s why, with this article we want to make things easier for you. With the help of Toni Bravo, technical specialist at Deporvillage, we’ll tell you the 3 keys things to take into account to choose the ideal running shoes. 

1. Cushioning

First and foremost, cushioning. This is the aid incorporated in the shoe to help it compress as a result of the runner’s footfall and then expand, using the energy to launch the next stride. Our running comfort and efficiency will depend on it. 

Whilst considering cushioning, we can divide the shoes into 3 main groups: 

Shoes with maximum cushioning

These shoes are normally designed for people who weigh more than 80 kilos, for athletes who train more than 4/5 days a week or people who suffer from some kind of joint or muscle injury and need maximum comfort. On the downside, they are a little heavier than the others, so your running pace will be a little slower.

Take a look at these shoes with maximum cushioning.

Mid-cushioned shoes

These shoes are designed for people who weigh less than 70 kilos, for people who are new to running and for athletes who are looking for a slightly faster training shoe without compromising cushioning. 

If this is your profile, these shoes with medium cushioning may interest you.

Racing and competition shoes

These shoes are the lightest of all, they are specific shoes to compete or for quick workouts. They are designed for athletes who are very used to running, who look for maximum efficiency in their strides, who look at the weight to the gram and for an exclusive use in races. 

Be careful with these shoes, especially if you are not used to running. It is a type of shoe with very little cushioning to lighten the weight, therefore, it is important to keep in mind that they are not shoes for daily training because they can cause injury.

Is it your case? Then these competition shoes will not leave you indifferent.  

zapatillas de running

2. The drop

The drop is the second factor to take into account. But do you know what it is? This is the difference in height between the heel and the front or metatarsal of the shoe. In this way, we can find shoes with a 12mm drop up to shoes with a 0mm drop.

Shoes with a high drop

A type of shoe for those who are just starting out in the world of running. It is advisable in these cases to choose a drop no lower than 6mm. This way, your heel will be protected from impact and you will avoid injury.

Shoes with a lot of drop like these can be your ideal ally.

Low or zero drop shoes

If, on the other hand, you have a good running technique and you run on your metatarsus, you can evolve and look for shoes with a lower drop. 

Also, if you are used to running and want to improve your running technique, it is advisable to gradually lower your drop to avoid injuries.

Take a look at these zero drop shoes.

3. The type of footfall

Whether you’re a runner, or not, you might have heard on several occasions comments like “I’m a pronator”, “I’m a supinator”, “I’m neutral”, but do you know what it all means?  This term refers to the type of footfall we have, and these are the differences between them.

Pronator

This is the person who, because of the way they run or walk, goes into the stride with the inside of the foot, thus causing the shoe to deform and, consequently, doesn’t benefit from the entire support part of the main body of the shoe. This can lead to injury.

Supinator

Unlike the previous one, a supinator is the person who does the opposite. Your stride tends to lean more towards the outside of the foot. In these cases, the shoes get worn down a lot on the outside of the foot.

Neutral footfall.

Finally, the neutral footfall is that of the person who supports the foot with the centre of the sole, thus causing regular wear of the shoe.

How do I know what type of footfall I have?

The easiest way is to take your normal trainers that you usually wear and look at the wear and tear on the sole. 

If you see that the shoes are worn mostly on the inside of the foot from the heel to the tip of the big toe, your stride indicates that you need a pronator shoes. 

pronador

If, on the other hand, you detect that the shoe is excessively worn on the outside, you can confirm that you are a supinator. So, you will need running shoes with stability control for supinators. 

supinador

In the event that you detect a uniform wear throughout the sole, you can be sure that a neutral shoe is the right one for your stride type. 

It is also very important to bear in mind that, if you wear insoles, you should always choose a neutral shoe, as the insole itself corrects your footprint.

4. Conclusions

Choosing the right running shoe for our needs can be a complicated task if we don’t know what we need. Until now. Cushioning, drop and type of footfall. Here are the keys to choosing the right running shoes for you. Three top tips that will guarantee success with every stride, taking your running experience to the next level.

Want more? Don’t miss this and other tips on our Youtube channel.

And for all running products, go to Deporvillage.

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How to choose your running shoes: 3 top tips to keep in mind
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How to choose your running shoes: 3 top tips to keep in mind Did you know that each running shoe is designed to meet different needs? You probably knew that. What becomes more complicated is knowing what specific features your shoe need …
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DeporVillage
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DeporVillage
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How to choose your running shoes: 3 top tips to keep in mind

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