01/06/10
The Mine Field that is Running Shoes
You’re due for a new pair of running shoes. ‘Where do I start?’ you may ask yourself.
Well let’s start off by dismantling one of The Big Myths: The most expensive pair of running shoes is not necessarily the best pair of running shoes for you.
Well let’s start off by dismantling one of The Big Myths: The most expensive pair of running shoes is not necessarily the best pair of running shoes for you.
Category: Training
Posted by: editor
That’s right.
In 2002 a study showed that 65% of all the people running or playing a sport that involves rapid movement were using the wrong type of shoes. Of that total, 85% have an injury as a direct result of their shoes. Those are pretty scary stats when you think about it.
Running had a surge in numbers in the late 70s and early 80s. Ever since then, we as consumers have pushed running shoe manufacturers to create shoes that are lighter and more cushioned, without losing their comfort and support.
Well that’s not the case and they don’t last as long. The rule of thumb for the lifetime of a pair of running shoes is anything between 350 and 500 miles. Yes, this is influenced by you – your weight, how much you run, your running style, the terrain you run on etc - but for the average person that’s between 10 and 12 months.
Each manufacturer has had their fair share of ups and downs over the past 25 years – some more than others and some are still on the downward curve. Let me explain. Every year the manufacturers launch their shoes for the coming year. While some of the features on individual models have improved, others have gone backwards. The shoe that you use now may be great this year but chances are that it won’t be as great next year.
Running shoes are not like cars. Buy the most expensive expecting that you think you are getting the best. Not so with running shoes. Each shoe is designed with a specific gait in mind, a specific foot type and a specific foot shape. For example, an Asics 2150 shoe is narrower through the arch section than a Saucony Omni. A few years ago these models where compared as equals in terms of the support they gave. That is sadly no longer the case.
So what do you do?
There is only one way to get the right shoe and that is to consult a retailer that does video gait analysis BUT ... one that understands anatomy along with biomechanics.
A shoe needs to be chosen for you based on foot motion, shape, size, body weight, terrain etc. This information can be obtained from a video analysis if they know what to look for. This is where you let the expert tell you which shoe you should be using, rather than you telling the expert - be sure to let them know if it is too uncomfortable of course.
Just because your friend, a shoe review or a pro is using a particular shoe doesn’t mean that it will work for you. Choosing the wrong shoe is an expensive mistake. It means injuries which mean physio fees, new shoes, missed races without refunds for paid entry fees and possibly even flights and hotel bookings.
So if you’re not sure if your shoe is right for you, head to your local specialist with an awesome reputation and get your 2010 season off to a great start.
Jono Rumbelo, Certified ironguides Method Coach – South Africa
http://www.ironguides.net
* * * Your best is our business.™ * * *
In 2002 a study showed that 65% of all the people running or playing a sport that involves rapid movement were using the wrong type of shoes. Of that total, 85% have an injury as a direct result of their shoes. Those are pretty scary stats when you think about it.
Running had a surge in numbers in the late 70s and early 80s. Ever since then, we as consumers have pushed running shoe manufacturers to create shoes that are lighter and more cushioned, without losing their comfort and support.
Well that’s not the case and they don’t last as long. The rule of thumb for the lifetime of a pair of running shoes is anything between 350 and 500 miles. Yes, this is influenced by you – your weight, how much you run, your running style, the terrain you run on etc - but for the average person that’s between 10 and 12 months.
Each manufacturer has had their fair share of ups and downs over the past 25 years – some more than others and some are still on the downward curve. Let me explain. Every year the manufacturers launch their shoes for the coming year. While some of the features on individual models have improved, others have gone backwards. The shoe that you use now may be great this year but chances are that it won’t be as great next year.
Running shoes are not like cars. Buy the most expensive expecting that you think you are getting the best. Not so with running shoes. Each shoe is designed with a specific gait in mind, a specific foot type and a specific foot shape. For example, an Asics 2150 shoe is narrower through the arch section than a Saucony Omni. A few years ago these models where compared as equals in terms of the support they gave. That is sadly no longer the case.
So what do you do?
There is only one way to get the right shoe and that is to consult a retailer that does video gait analysis BUT ... one that understands anatomy along with biomechanics.
A shoe needs to be chosen for you based on foot motion, shape, size, body weight, terrain etc. This information can be obtained from a video analysis if they know what to look for. This is where you let the expert tell you which shoe you should be using, rather than you telling the expert - be sure to let them know if it is too uncomfortable of course.
Just because your friend, a shoe review or a pro is using a particular shoe doesn’t mean that it will work for you. Choosing the wrong shoe is an expensive mistake. It means injuries which mean physio fees, new shoes, missed races without refunds for paid entry fees and possibly even flights and hotel bookings.
So if you’re not sure if your shoe is right for you, head to your local specialist with an awesome reputation and get your 2010 season off to a great start.
Jono Rumbelo, Certified ironguides Method Coach – South Africa
http://www.ironguides.net
* * * Your best is our business.™ * * *