Photo by Isaac Wendland on Unsplash
Whether you are an old hand at running, or whether you have just embarked on your first couch to 5k training, the one factor that remains universal is the need for a pair of shoes that are up for the job! A spring in your step, a light-wearing structure and comfort that remains over long distances are all what the doctor ordered for a great pair of running shoes!
Many people rely on running to keep their stress levels in check, stay fit, and sometimes just provide that little bit of feel-good after a long day. But what should one be spending on a pair of running shoes at what level, and how much is too much – or too little? The short answer is that, regardless of the brand or price tag, buying the right pair of shoes for YOUR BODY will be the pair that lasts the longest and gives you the best value for money. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive pair of Asics shoes for sale in the store – although it might be! – it’s about making choices based on your anatomy.
Be the gait keeper
As soon as you have your gait professionally analyzed, you will have a better understanding of whether your feet tend to roll inwards or outwards. Knowing how your anatomy reacts to its surrounding landscape is vital in making up your mind about what kind of shoe to buy. Any of the Asics stores in Australia will be able to assist with this if you are unsure! Your pronation style, or to be more specific, the way your foot rolls back to front and side to side when in motion. This is affected by how high or low your arches are, and how the rest of your body moves. Knowing how your body moves helps a lot in determining this. Many Asics sales consultants are also trained to help with gait analysis, so you are not on your own!
Having your gait analyzed will tell you if you need a shoe with built-in stability to counter overpronation (rolling inwards) or a cushioned shoe to prevent underpronations, where the foot moves along its outside edge.
A bit of space in the front of the shoe will help you to accommodate the natural swelling of your foot over the course of a day, and will create the greatest comfort for you as the wearer. A great rule of thumb is to always prioritise comfort over what the shoe actually looks like. After all, if it’s uncomfortable, you likely won’t really wear it much, anyway!
Shoes can ride?
Well, not exactly. The ride of a shoe refers to how it feels while the runner is in motion. The overall build of the shoe will impact this, and different designs for different purposes will affect how your gait transitions and how your foot lands on the ground.
What does it weigh?
A heavy shoe can be uncomfortable, as it takes a lot more energy from the wearer to constantly lift a heavy weight on their feet than it would have if the shoes were lighter. Ask anyone who has ever had to run a marathon in heavy shoes! Speed running shoes are much lighter, and makes it a lot easier to move.
What is it made of, and how is it put together?
The construction of any given shoe makes a huge difference to the experience of wearing it, and will ultimately be the factor that dictates whether or not you should purchase that particular pair. Employees across Asics stores in AU shoes should be constructed in a way that is solid and durable, but lightweight and comfortable with adequate support.
What is the deal with the midsole?
The midsole of a shoe, and in particular the height of the midsole plays a huge role in not only determining the function or purpose of a shoe, but also how effective it will be at performing this intended function. A slightly lower midsole will give you a better feel for the ground and how it responds to your footfall, and make a huge difference to your energy transfer.
Midsoles made from solyte, a custom-made material, are highly recommended, as this provides a durable surface that is also lightweight. Because it weighs so little, the ride of the shoe will be greatly improved, by minimizing your impact on the ground and mitigating the impact on your joints and muscles.
