Running Shoe Buyer's Guide
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IN ASSOCIATION WITH RUNNING SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE 1 Adidas guide cover.indd 1 24/11/2017 15:35 WELCOME AND CONTENTS SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE HEN I started to run around 40 years ago, the selection of running shoes available was rather limited. The models on sale were also GREATER Wvery much ‘variations on a theme’. Nowadays there is a dazzling array of brands and models available, each one suitable for a particular surface and type of running gait. In this guide, I aim to explain the differences in various models and how to go about finding the best shoe for your feet and running style. However, just as with running, reading EVERY about it will only get you so far. So, armed with the knowledge from within these pages, visit your local running specialist, try the shoes and see for yourself. Paul Freary Product Reviewer, Athletics Weekly RUN @runningshoeguru 4 CHOOSE YOUR SHOES 18 SPEEDFACTORY How to find the right footwear for you The shape of things to come in 6 ULTRABOOST ALL-TERRAIN footwear technology The latest adidas shoe, fit for any surface 20 CITY RUN New 10k events for London 8 TRAIL SHOES The best off-road options 22 LYNSEY SHARP The two-time Olympian on part two of her 10 SUPPORT SHOES career, big changes and her favourite kit Take control of your running 26 SHOE EVOLUTION How running footwear has developed 12 NEUTRAL SHOES over the decades Finding the right balance 30 RECORD RUNS 14 RACING SHOES How the marathon world record has The models to help up your speed progressed in recent years ULTRABOOST ALL TERRAIN SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE 3 2 Adidas guide - All-terrain ad.indd 1 24/11/2017 15:19 3 Adidas guide - Welcome/contents.indd 3 24/11/2017 16:41 SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE CHOOSING YOUR SHOES A neutral shoe usually has cushioning of a single Racing shoes are super light FINDING THE RIGHT density throughout with a minimalist design SHOE FOR YOU Where to start? period of weeks and give your body Running is a dynamic movement and time to make adjustments. one in which all of the body’s weight hits Perhaps the best way to choose the ground, on a single foot, with a far your new shoes would be to visit a greater impact than standing still. specialist running store which offers a The way in which your foot moves video analysis service. forward during its contact with the Here, the staff will be ground is dictated by the foot’s flexibility able to film you and not necessarily its shape. This running in various explains why the often quoted ‘wet foot shoe types and test’ can be misleading. explain the difference What’s your type? and the effect each has on How can you tell exactly how your your running gait. This gives MANUFACTURERS classify shoes into These shoes are designed to foot moves as you are running? you a great opportunity various types, designed to complement reduce the amount the foot pronates The easiest method would be to get a to look at yourself running your foot type and running gait. or rolls inwards. friend to run behind you and observe and examine, as well as feel, the The support comes in the form of the way in which your foot lands and difference at first hand. Neutral or cushioned shoes a firmer density of cushioning material rolls forward, checking for any sideways Designed for runners with a neutral foot on the medial (inside edge, under the motion. Or, run on a treadmill and get strike, these shoes provide cushioning, arch of the foot) of the shoe. You can someone to film you. usually of a similar density throughout often identify a more supportive model If your foot rolls inwards, a the width and length of the shoe. by feeling the firmer medial side of the supportive or control shoe will reduce The cushioning material used shoe. this roll and, if the shoe is keeping to the can vary, with new materials and outer lateral edge of the foot, a more technologies being introduced all Racers flexible or neutral model should help. the time that provide higher shock Primarily designed to be as light Of course, you should consider absorbing qualities or more energy as possible. Often with just a little other factors when buying new shoes. return. cushioning material between your Trail shoes offer deeper studs for Are your current shoes suitable, do foot and the road, the shoes are extra grip when running off-road you have any injuries and what do you Support or control shoes stripped down to reduce weight. need from new shoes? more cushioning in a marathon shoe This category can be confusing, with Consider the distance of race you You should always remember that, than if your usual distance is 5k. manufacturers having several terms most often compete at when choosing when changing from one shoe type for the amount of ‘support’ or ‘control’ a a shoe; you’ll most likely want a little to another, there will be an adaptation Trail shoes shoe provides. period to adjust to the dynamics of the As a rule of thumb with trail shoes, new shoe. Break new shoes in over a the more grip the shoe has, the less The darker, highlighted section cushioning. After all, when running of the cushioning provides the Terms to look out for: Under-pronation of the heel then rolls inwards until it on the soft, muddy ground that support under the arch In a more rigid foot, as it hits the is in a relatively straight line with the necessitates deep studs, cushioning of the foot Pronation ground on the outer side of the heel, lower leg. won’t be an issue. When the foot strikes the ground it rolls the foot stays on the outer edge as it Consider the trails you most often inwards, through the space created rolls forward. Over-pronation run on, the distance you cover and the by the arch, to absorb the impact After landing on the outside edge of amount of cushioning required. and shock. The flexibility of the foot will Neutral the heel, and due to the higher degree If you tend to stay on gravel dictate the amount it rolls. The foot lands on the outside edge of flexibility in the foot, it rolls inwards. footpaths you may not need as much grip as your fell running friend. 4 SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE 5 4-5 Adidas guide - Choose your shoes.indd 2 24/11/2017 15:52 4-5 Adidas guide - Choose your shoes.indd 3 24/11/2017 15:52 SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE ULTRABOOST ALL-TERRAIN adidas – Ultraboost All-Terrain £169.99 adidas.co.uk THE latest addition to the Ultraboost cushioning and energy return athletes family lets you make the most of the have become used to from the autumnal weather. material, but it’s here in a trail running Updating the extremely popular model that its additional benefits Ultraboost shoe with design features become apparent. to withstand the most unpredictable The unique Boost material is conditions, the latest model can take unaffected by variation in temperature you anywhere whilst offering premium and moisture levels, making it a perfect levels of comfort and protection. choice for seasonal running in a wide A new splash resistant Primeknit range of conditions. upper adds warmth and comfort to the The midsole stores and returns shoe, meaning that even the rain can’t energy step after step to provide a stop you enjoying your run. responsive feel. The flexibility of the The knitted, stretch construction shoe is such that it’s adaptive to the provides high levels of comfort and surface and provides a consistent gives a sock-like fit from the moment and competent level of feel with every you pull the shoes on. The higher, single stride. bootie style gives the impression of a Traction shouldn’t be overlooked seamless junction between your foot in a trail shoe and here a Continental and the shoe, as well as helping to rubber outsole provides class- keep loose debris at bay on the trails. leading levels of grip on any surface it The gender specific upper sees encounters. a unique adaptive arch construction Regardless of the conditions, the mould to the contours of the foot. In shoe provides a reassuringly high level the ladies’ model this provides of grip to keep you moving forward. The additional support to the naturally lower lugged outsole pattern is consistent volume of the midfoot for a consistent across the entire outsole, meaning locked-down fit. impact is distributed evenly and The Boost smoothly to provide midsole in traction on the the shoe roads just as well offers the as it does on the same high trails. levels of 6 SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE 7 6-7 Adidas guide - All-terrain.indd 2 24/11/2017 16:02 6-7 Adidas guide - All-terrain.indd 3 24/11/2017 16:02 SHOE BUYER’S GUIDE TRAIL SHOES adidas – Kanadia 7 construction. You can now venture across any terrain with the added confidence of keeping your feet dry and Trail GTX £79.95 warm. With this widening your choice of possible running HIT THE TRAILS adidas.co.uk routes, the Traxion outsole delivers optimal grip and traction to keep you on track. fitting, upper that many customers have been asking for. The FOR many athletes, the first specific trail shoe they ever Hoka – Speedgoat 2 £114.99 The lightweight midsole is low profile, so offers a upper uses plusher fabrics and has a slightly softer feel to its used was the Kanadia.