What Are The Best Running Trainers?
Running shoes are essential for runners looking to improve their performance.
They provide support, cushioning, and stability, and they also allow you to focus on other aspects of training.
If you want to run faster or longer, you need to invest in a good quality pair of running trainers.
There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a trainer, from price to size, durability, and comfort.
But which brand of running trainer is best? What should you look out for when you are buying running trainers?
Keep reading to find out more about how to choose the best running trainers for you.
Why Is It So Important To Wear The Right Running Trainers?
Running is a high-impact sport that uses a lot of muscles all over your body, including your feet.
If your feet don't have the right level of support then it is easy to sustain an injury.
If you are running in poor quality trainers then your performance will be hindered and you won't be able to reach your full potential as a runner.
Wearing the right running trainers will improve your foot posture which will, in turn, put your ankles, knees, hips, core, back, and neck into the correct alignment.
This will help you to run faster and further without hurting yourself.
Running trainers can seem expensive, but it is worth spending a bit of money and getting a pair that will elevate your running training to the next level.
What Is Running Gait?
There are several different types of running gait.
This refers to your form as your run and which part of your foot hits the ground first.
Over pronation is when your foot rolls inwards as you run, so you tend to strike the ground with the inside of the ball of your foot.
Under pronation is when you tend to land heel first on the ground.
Neutral pronation is when you strike the ground with the middle of your foot.
Many professional running coaches advise neutral pronation gives you the best results in terms of speed and overall form, but there are successful athletes that over and under pronate so it depends on the individual.
Certain running trainers are designed to give support and cushioning the right areas for under, over, and neutral pronation.
It can make a big difference to your performance if you choose trainers that are suited to your running gait.
You can have your running gait tested at a sports store.
Alternatively, you can look at the soles of your old running shoes and see which parts of the sole are most worn out, as this will indicate the part of your foot that you land on with the most force.
What Features Should Running Trainers Have?
There are certain things that you should look out for when you are choosing a pair of running trainers.
Flexibility
Running shoes need to have a good amount of flexibility so they can move with your foot.
Running is a dynamic sport that uses lots of different muscles in your feet- you need your feet to have free movement or you will hit the ground on the wrong part of your foot and could risk sustaining an injury.
Cushioning And Support
Running is a high-impact exercise.
A good pair of running trainers will have enough cushioning and support to absorb the shock as your feet hit the ground, easing the pressure on your joints.
This keeps you running for longer and prevents you from sustaining an injury.
The support can also help to keep your ankles in the right position as you run, to maintain good foot posture, and support the various muscles in your feet.
Weight
The more cushioning the shoe has, the heavier it will be.
Shorter distance runners tend to require less cushioning and favor lightweight shoes, as speed is the priority.
Long-distance runners need to preserve their muscles and joints so they can keep running for longer, which means they need more cushioning.
Their shoes tend to be a little heavier.
Durability
A good pair of running trainers won't be cheap, so you want to make sure that they will last you.
They should be well built and made from materials that will stand up to heavy usage.
That being said, you will still need to replace your running shoes periodically as they will wear down over time.
Comfort
One of the most important features of running trainers is that they need to be comfortable.
Everyone's feet are slightly different shapes which means that a pair of shoes that are comfortable for you might not be comfortable for someone else.
Make sure you choose running trainers that suit your feet and feel comfortable to you.
Price
The price is an important factor to consider.
Running trainers aren't cheap, but you don't need to buy a top budget pair to get a good quality product.
Keep an eye out for trainers that are going into the sale.
Fit For Purpose
There are different kinds of running, so make sure that you buy a pair of running trainers that are right for the job.
If you are a trail runner, you need trainers with a good grip and a very durable sole.
If you are a roadrunner, then trail shoes will slow you down as you will need something more lightweight.
Which Brands Of Running Shoes Are Best?
There are lots of different brands that make excellent running shoes. Here are some of the best ones:
Nike
Adidas
Asics
Karrimor
New Balance
Under Armour
Saucony
Brooks
Skechers
Reebok
Each brand has multiple different models to choose from that are designed for various types of running, road surfaces, weather conditions, and running gaits.
Make sure you do some research on which ones will be best suited to your needs.
You should also take into account that each brand has slightly different sizing.
Summary
There are lots of different factors to consider when deciding which running shoes are the best and which ones will suit your needs.