Welcome to the Guide dedicated to how to choose your new running shoes: if you are on this page you certainly want to know more about running shoes because you are approaching this discipline (it is never too late to start running!) Or because you are already an expert runner but you want Receive precise and punctual technical advice. Well, then get comfortable and follow ours Guide to running shoes that will make you safer in choosing your next racing shoe.
When to change them?
First of all, how often do you have to change running shoes? The answer is not univocal, in the sense that It depends on many factors, primarily the type of shoe, secondly the weight of the runner, thirdly the frequency of use. In general, however, it is recommended to change running shoes every 600-800 kilometers. However, it is necessary to check that they are intact in all their parts and do not present sagging in the tread and in mesh. It is clear that heavier runners they will have to change the shoes before light runners, as well as Who makes many kilometers per week will change them more often than those who practice running occasionally. Having said that, let's go back to our guide on running shoes. The guide is divided into the following chapters. We briefly summarize them here:
- Type of running shoes on the market
- Runner weight
- Foot support
- Surface on which you run
- Frequency of outings
We will analyze them one by one to clarify your ideas. And in conclusion, we will give you some advice to put into practice when you materially try the shoe.
Ready? You run!
The types of running shoes on the market
If you have already taken a tour of the cards of Sportit.com or looked at the names of the various running shoes, you will be noticed that they are always reported Dicitures as "A2", "A3", "A4". What a meaning have these acronym? Simply, they give a quick and precise indication on the type of shoe we have in front. They describe themselves as follows:
A1 - Superlets shoes
A1 running shoes are dedicated to Expert, fast and light runners. They weigh little, generally less than 250 grams, and we can say that they are "race" shoes or for tough workouts, where the rhythm is very high. Are not indicated for amateur use and occasional.
A2 running shoes, compared to A1, are heavier (generally up to 300 grams), and provide the runner More cushioning and protection. These shoes are also dedicated to regular runners, who engage in fast or races where the rhythm is good but not exaggerated. We can say that, for amateur use, they are indicated only for very experienced runners who train frequently.
With A3 running shoes we approach the concept of Comfort and protection, because they are shoes with Great shock absorbing power. They are running shoes highly appreciated at an amateur level. They are heavier (over 300 grams) but obviously guarantee more protection.
A4 stable shoes are The most suitable shoes for the heaviest athletes, because they provide protection, cushioning e reduce the risk of accidents on the joints of those who use them. If you just started running, these are the right shoes for you. As well If you suffer from excessive pronation problems (Read a few lines below to understand what it means) and use corrective plantar to improve posture.
A5 shoes are Specifications for Trail Running, that is, the race on disconnected land, the so -called "off -road". They are shoes with the harder sole, specifies to have strong grip also on wet soils, on mud and rocks. Reading, in some cases waterproof thanks to particular membranes, are dedicated to those who do not run on the street but Wild, in nature. Then, there are very specific shoes, for competitive and "professional" uses. These are the A0, also called minimal or natural, which favor the natural movement of the foot, as if this were "naked", and the A8, the nails, dedicated to those who practice track run disciplines.
How much weighs?
When you are about to buy a new shoe to run, you must first know how much weighs. The runners are divided into three categories: light (weight up to 65 kilos for men and 45 for women), medium (weight between 65 and 80 kilos for men and between 45 and 65 for the woman), e heavy (Over 85 kg for men, and 65 for the woman). The heavier you are, the more the shoe you choose must be cushioned and protective. Following what we have written above on running shoes based on the various "acronyms", you will therefore know that If you weigh more than 85 kilos, you will surely have to choose a4 stable, or of the A3 amortized if you were a regular runner. On the other hand, the lighter you are, the more you can "risk" with a lighter and less protective shoe.
Pronator or Superor: how do you support your foot?
There position of the foot When running is an element that many do not take into consideration. But it is wrong, because it affects a lot on the choice of the shoe. The categories, in this case, are 3:- Neutral support
- Supine
- Hyperpronator support
To better understand the concept, let's help us with the image below, which refers to the numbering of the small list above.
The question could be born spontaneously: How do I understand what my posture is while I run? You can help you from an expert friend, who observes you while running, or by a specialized seller like those of Sportit.com, who will be able to check your type of support, observing yourself as you run on a treadmill.
More empirically, too The way shoes are consumed with which you walk it can be indicative ...
Depending on the type of foot support, therefore, we will have to opt for different shoes, always choosing them among the categories indicated above. It is very important to remember that to correct hyper -repronline or hyperspyupination defects, there are appropriate sole To be inserted in the shoes, which really make the difference!
Another aspect also includes the theme of the support of the foot: run peak or heel? Or rather, when do you place the foot, do you put the tip first or first the heel? In the first case you can choose lighter and faster shoes, in the second case better more cushioning and protective products.
Where do you run?
Maybe it's a slightly obvious aspect, but it is good to remember it. SortAnd run only on the road, 90 percent of the shoes on the market can do for you. But if you run on the dirt road, or in the mountains and steep soils, you need a scarpa with a hardest sole, with the tessellated tread and much more solid. As well as, perhaps, waterproof. In this case, for example, you need a trail running A5 shoe.
We recommend that you read the product cards in depth of the shoes before proceeding with the purchase, and to check, through the images, also the type of sole design. If we know, in fact, that we run on mixed paths, we will have to choose shoes that can also have grip on grass, mud, and slippery soils, as well as on the road.
How many times run per week?
The amount of weekly outputs and i kilometers traveled They contribute widely in the choice of the right shoe. If you run occasionally, the shoe has a precise task: to protect you from trauma caused by the extraordinary load applied to the joints. Keep in mind that when you run, on your feet Download your weight 3 times. That's why, in this case, it is better to orient yourself on Running A3 or A4 shoes, which provide more cushioning and protection. If instead You are an assiduous runner, that is, run at least 3 times a week, for a total of 20-25 kilometers, you can afford lighter and performing shoes, Obviously, always taking into account the other aspects that we have already treated, that is, weight, running environment and type of support.
What is the "drop" in running shoes?
Once we have seen the main elements in the choice of running shoes, we are now talking about an element that is always reported in the product cards but which for beginners is often a mystery: the drop. To simplify the concept, the drop is The difference in millimeters between the heel and the tip of the shoe. The drop, therefore, as you can understand well, has influence on the landing position on the ground, and therefore, depending on the type of runner you are, or you want to become, needed shoes with different drops. The drops of running shoes can be cataloged according to 4 ranges:- From 0 to 4 mm: are the most extreme shoes, ideal for those with a correct posture, very close to the natural race.
- From 4 to 6 mm: ideal for those who already run with support on the forefoot
- 8mm: the shoes that are a middle ground for those who are going from a race with support on the heel to a more oriented race on the forefoot
- From 10 to 12 mm: shoes with classic support, oriented towards the heel. The Drop 10-12 is ideal for those who are approaching running.
The plant is also important
Not all the shoes are the same, just as all the feet are. It is not uncommon, in fact, that very comfortable shoes for one runner are uncomfortable for another. Here comes into play the foot. When we buy a running shoe, it is important to also consider What materially is our foot, so choose shoes that are neither too wide, nor too tight (they would hurt, in this case). There is no precise rule because a lot here enters The feeling of comfort of each individual runner is at stake, however we can say that, during the test, an empirical rule consists in Try to widen your fingers: If these touch the upper, the shoe is right. If they don't touch it, it's too wide. If they can't expand in the least, it is better to choose a wider plan shoe.
Wear, what do you feel?
We almost arrived at the end. We think, with this guide, to have given you some precise indication to choose your next running shoes.
We know we have not answered an important question: How do I choose the right number?
Each shoe has, as we have seen, A different fit, so the 42 of a brand is not said that he likes exactly like the 42 of another. The important thing is to try the shoe.
In principle, between the tip of the foot and the tip of the shoe there must be a maximum of 1-1.5 cm And the sole of the foot must fit correctly.
In the Sportit sales points You have the possibility of Try all types of shoe by reviving available and also test them on a treadmill, with the help of an expert that can direct you in the purchase.
But also purchasing online You can take advantage of the Free return service: If you buy a Running shoe on Sportit and this is too tight or too wide, don't worry. We change your shoe for free, and above all very quickly!
Now You are really ready to run. Wear your new shoes, set the heart rate monitor and leave for your next training!
