The runner’s shoes

The anatomy

Each individual has their own anatomical characteristics. The size or shape are key elements when choosing a shoe. In a generic way, women tend to have a narrower foot while men have it wider and, therefore, it would not be appropriate to use a boy's shoe for a girl and vice versa. Regarding the size, it is important to know the number that is used regularly, and take into consideration that the sports shoe should never touch the toe with the finger, but there must be a residual space of a horizontal finger.

The weight

It is perhaps an anatomical factor that is not taken into consideration at the beginning but that is important. Depending on this physical characteristic, more or less damping will be needed, for example. With that, runner's shoe reduces impact forces that is received with each stride on the joints involved in the movement of the race, minimizing possible negative consequences.

The type of tread

In addition to the anatomical shape of the foot, the way it rests on the ground at the moment of the footprint is different in each runner. These are classified into tread runners and depending on this, the sports shoe will have to be chosen.

The surface

When running it is important that there is a correct adaptation to the surface on which it is walked. This mainly translates into the sole that each shoe will wear. You do not have the same needs if you run on the mountain as on asphalt and this is known by the manufacturers who "dress" each shoe with specific soles and materials.

The runner's shoes

The shoe industry, like many others, evolves at breakneck speed and lighter shoes are constantly appearing, using newer materials and that seem to run on their own. The aesthetics and the "properties" of each of them can make us opt for one or the other, but we must not lose focus and think that the essential thing is to meet our needs, yes, without clinging to them for very well that they go to us since they all have expiration dates. The materials from which they are made wear out and around 500-700 km of use they stop offering us that “protection” and, therefore, it would be convenient to change them.

Sports Medicine Specialist