Categories of Running Shoes
Running shoes are classified into various categorizes. They are as follows
Racing Shoes and Spikes
Racing shoes are usually thin, lightweight and mainly focus on improving your speed. The weight of this shoe is somewhat (8 ounces) lesser than usual shoes. When you run on road/trail, it gives excellent traction. If your races are longer than 5 miles, you can use regular trainers, because trainers have good cushioning, high support and durability.
Racing spikes are used in competitive track events. You can use them at practice to feel comfortable in main race meets. Racing spikes are not allowed on most of the tracks, but when allowed, prefer spikes as they give great grip/traction to play your game effectively.
Cushioned Running Shoes
Your feet may pronate excessively. So what? Have no difficulties while running, cushioned running shoe is peculiarly designed for you to experience spongy feel and better shock absorption. Cushioning Running shoe is engineered with gel system of cushioning at heel and mis sole for maximum energy return. Now, you will not exhaust after running few miles.
Stability Running Shoes
If the curvature of your feet tends to be medium, a running shoe constructed out of semi-curved last suit well. Stability Running shoe will be a best match for you, as it is often made of denser EVA at mid sole with cushioning properties and it also absorbs shock stopping the inward roll of your feet. Stability shoes are perfect for you when you involve in marathon or cross country running. Look for thick heel counter and dense medial post in your stability running shoe; now click on the shoe for pressure free gait.
Trail Running Shoes
Trail shoes are excellent in providing both traction and protection from the elements on rough trails. The hardness of rubber in the outer sole differs to ensure this. In some shoes, presence of forefoot protection guard protects feet from hurting intrusion of hard rocks and roots. Shoes are not only suitable for trail running but also works fairly well on roads.
Lightweight Shoes
Lightweight shoes are suitable for both on- and off-road running (distances from 5k to marathon). These shoes are designed in a way to provide massive levels of grip even ideal for Mountain Running on hard pack trails. Some shoes are formulated strategically to use on steep wet terrain. You can wear them in athletics as well as an everyday use. They reduce harmful impact force of your stride and promote support and motion stability.
Motion Control Shoes
The key role of motion control shoes is to protect the feet that have excessive motion. Combination of thermoplastic supports and various levels of densities of mid-sole foam offer effective cushioning and stability. Mild, Moderate and Maximum control shoes are the three types that are available to point up the level of the stabilization.
Mild control shoes
The Shoes designed for the runners whose foot is slightly Over-Pronated. Normally, PU insole combines with EVA foam to offer well-cushioned ride and problem-free feet. Its stability and cushioning aspects continues for many miles. The other merits are soft feel; wiggle room and reduced tendency to roll.
Moderate control shoes
Moderate shoes are perfect to suit the biomechanical needs of runners. Reasonable cushioning and transition from heel strike to toe-off is attainable. In some shoes, mid-foot saddle has interchanged overlays for improved gait cycle and support. It provides stability for the over-pronated feet and it never fails for a long time.
Maximum control shoes
These shoes are engineered for extreme over-pronators to enhance multi-directional stability. This is improved by enlarging the base portion of the shoes. The advancements in design as well as quality of materials have resulted in an optimal stability.
Neutral Shoes
Neutral shoes feature numerous sheets of cushioning foams and proprietary cushioning systems for attenuating the harmful shocks and impact forces. The cushioning system is made of polymer/ a bladder full of liquid or gas to do this. Some runners like a responsive feel while others like a cushiony feel. Hence, these shoes are classified into firm and soft shoes based on their likes.
Firm
Firm shoes fit uniquely for runners possess low-arched feet and neutral biomechanics. They play an effective role in aiding natural stride, cushioning and foot protection. Runners can take advantage of road/ barefoot feel and exceptional transition from heel portion to toe.
Shoes are soft in nature, and so, have no worries on spacious cushioning and injury-free ride. The cloud-like comfort easily handles everyday activities. They fit snugly without inhibiting toe wiggle. It offers multi-directional traction on hilly areas, grass, and asphalt road.
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