All athletes want to win the activities they take part in. For this to happen, it is important that they equip themselves with the right kind of things like jersey, shoes, etc. Especially for runners, it is very essential that they wear the right kind of footwear so that they can run comfortably.

Best Running Trainers

A grave mistake that beginners often make is to buy an inexpensive pair of shoes which would cost them half the price in a stock clearance sale. And some time later, they end up throwing it away after two or three times of running. Is it not a better idea to purchase the best quality running trainers and last it for longer time, even if it pinches your pocket a bit too much?

Certain factors need to be kept in mind while choosing a good running shoe for yourself; such that they make your running experience good and do not give you pain or injure your foot. Choice of running trainers also depends on the “type of feet” you have and the running styles you develop.

Let us understand what “pronation” refers to in the context of running trainers for men and women. Pronation is the way the foot rolls from the heel to the toe through the foot strike. It is of three types- neutral, overpronation and underpronation.

When you transfer weight from your heel to your toe, and the foot rolls in a medial direction, your body absorbs shock naturally. This is called the neutral pronation and athletes with such pronation should go for “stability running shoes”.

Some of the best running trainers for men are

• Mizuno Wave Creation- It is a durable, well-cushioned shoe with a great ventilation system. A popular choice among male neutral pronating runners.

• Nike Air Zoom Vomero+ 4- This shoe has an amazing shock absorbing system and hence maximizes your performance on ground with their comfort factor.

Neutral pronating women runners can choose from the following trainers

• Asics Nimbus Women’s Running Shoes- Its light weight, shock absorption factor and the ComforDry insole that keeps the feet dry and healthy makes it an excellent choice for women runners.

• Saucony ProGrid Triumph Women’s Running Shoes- This shoe’s Ortholite insole takes care of the feet by allowing ventilation, anti-odour and anti-microbial technology, and absorption of moisture. Also light weighted and extra-cushioned; they serve a good choice for women runners.

When transferring weight from the heel to the toe, if the foot rolls too far in the medial direction, it is called overpronation. Athletes who overpronate do not efficiently absorb shock and hence, their running trainers wear down mainly from the medial side (or inside) of the shoe towards the toe area. Hence, for them, “motion control running shoes” would be the best option.

Some of the best motion running trainers for men are

• Asics Gel Foundation Men’s Running Shoes- This shoe provides good motion control, excellent cushioning and high comfort to overpronaters with generally flat feet.
• Brooks Addiction Men’s Running Shoes- This shoe is equipped with some great cushioning and hence stabilizes the feet of the wearer quite well. Both moderate and severe overpronaters can wear such shoes.

Overpronating women can select their running trainers from a wide assortment of shoes like

• Saucony Grid Stabil- It is a great combination of support, cushion and stability, along with an open mesh that allows the feet to breathe and not get overheated.
• Asics Gel-3010- Women who have low arches and are in the lookout for stable shoes for training, can consider buying this shoe. Its base is broad and provides quality support and responsiveness.

When an individual transfers weight from his heel towards his toe, but the foot does not roll far enough in the medial direction, it becomes a case of underpronation. Like the overpronaters, they too fail to absorb efficiently the shock experienced. Underpronating athletes have a tendency to wear down their running trainers in the lateral side (or outside) of the shoe towards the heel area. As such, “cushioned running shoes” would be best suited for them.

There are a number of Underpronating men’s running trainers available in the market. These are as follows

• New Balance 730- Male runners with high arches can safely choose these shoes if they are looking for a stable trainer with light weight, comfort and good cushions in the heel area.
• Saucony Grid Shadow- Its rear foot grid centers the heel on impact and hence provides great cushioning and good stability for runners. Since it is durable, soft, smooth and has a wide base, it is a good choice for men runners who want superior features in the shoes they wear.

Even for women, there are many running trainers that would suit their requirements. These are listed below

• Nike Air Max Women’s Running Shoes- It has a stable base and is equipped with good cushioning. It prevents the feet from being overheated by allowing them to breathe through its mesh system.
• Mizuno Wave Rider Women’s Running Shoes- Small to medium sized runners can check this shoe out if they want something that is light weighted on their feet. It has a rubber forefoot sole that lends durability and flexibility to it.

Having known what type of foot you have, it is also important to know what shape of the shoe will suit your feet the best. Overpronating runners would benefit if they choose running trainers with a straight shape. A curved shaped shoe would be best for underpronators. Finally, neutral pronators must go for a shoe with a semi-curved shape.

While buying the “right shoes” for your feet, you must not forget considering the following things:

Make sure there is sufficient room between the longest toe and the top of the shoe by pressing your thumb between the two.

The foot should not be tight but it should neither let your foot slide around inside.

Once you arrive at the correct shoe that does not cause you discomfort while wearing, walk or jog in them for some time so that you can experience how they will feel on your feet when in action.