I Have the Questions--Do you have the answers?Feb 10 '03 (Updated Mar 03 '03) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line VISIT The Athlete's Foot and experience F.I.T. PRINT!!!
I currently manage at The Athlete's Foot and go through the following to evaluate each and every customer that desires to know about choosing the right shoe. Several stores have implemented the use of the F.I.T. PRINT which analyzes arch type, weight-bearing, and gait cycle. Try answering these questions to determine your needs. DETERMINING MID-SOLES--SINGLE/DUAL-DENSITY Shoes are made with up to 4 basic components: 1--Outer-sole 2--Mid-sole 3--Uppers 4--Inner-sole The mid-sole provides the bulk of a shoes cushioning while the outer-sole and inner-sole may supplement the mid-sole's cushioning. Midsoles may be made of single or double density. Most Double density shoes can be distinguished by two contrasting colors in the mid-sole, particularly with gray on the medial or middle side of the shoe. This gray material is denser or firmer than the white (EVA) material and does not compress as easy. This benefits the over-pronator or runner who rolls-in. In Asics for example, they call it DUOMAX. If you have high arches or roll out, you should avoid the shoe with a medial post (or gray material on on the middle side of the shoe). On the other hand, the NB 991 has a dual density midsole throughout the rearfoot and is recommended for both arch types!! What is your arch type? Determining your arch type will help in determining what mid-sole you should be using. FLAT--no defined arch during weight-bearing NORMAL--defined arch, weight-bearing throughout heel, mid-foot, and forefoot HIGH--weight-bearing is isolated on heel and forefoot, very little weight carried through mid-foot You can determine your arch type simply by applying vaseline to the botom of your feet or stepping on a wet towel onto a paper bag laid on a flat firm surface. What is your tendency--to roll in or out? Rolling in or over-pronating is prevalent among flat arches Rolling out or under-pronating is common among high arches A worn outer heel does not indicate rolling out! The heel-strike is the initial contact point of the gait cycle. If you look closely at each manufacturer's running shoe you'll most likely see a heel cleft with a stronger compound of rubber reinforcing that area. Asics calls it AHAR for "Asics high-abrasive rubber, NB calls it "N-durance", and Nike uses "BRS 1000"! You want to look for wear over the forefoot area and note if it's toward the outer, middle, or inner portion of the sole. DETERMINING CUSHIONING What type of surface(s) do you run on? Pavement, treadmill, trail? Pavement--concrete surfaces, such as sidewalks, are harder on the body than asphalt, than compacted sand, than grass, than loose sand, than cushioned deck treadmills. What type of shoes have you been using? Helps in determining fit preference. Nike tends to run short and narrow, Adidas runs wide in the forefoot and narrow in the heel, etc. How often do you purchase a new pair? If you purchase a pair within these time frames the following may be occurring: 0-3 months--You're either a high mileage/heavy runner, you wear your shoes for activities other than running, or you wear a low profile trainer 4-6 months--You're within the general rule of thumb for when you should replace your shoes 7-12 mos. --You're a low mileage runner, you have alternate pairs of running shoes, you practice a bad habit! How many miles are you running? 5-10 miles/week (1-2 mi/day) 10-15 miles/week (2-3 mi/day) 20-25 miles/week (4-5 mi/day) Do you have any problems after your runs? Arch pain? Try an insole/arch supports to help manage plantar fasciitis Heel pain? Plantar fasciitis may have developed into a heel/bone spur Knee Pain? Cushioning worn down or not enough Back pain? Cushioning worn down or not enough Shin splints? Worn shoes, just starting a program, increasing intensity of runs--frequency, distance, time, terrain, etc. One common factor in deciding the right shoe for a runner is FIT. Shoes, even within the same vendor (Asics, New Balance, Nike, Adidas) are made to fit, feel,support, and cushion differently. It is upsetting to hear a runner say they hate Reeboks or can't stand Saucony. Within Asics alone there are 3 readily reviewed motion control/stability shoes and 3 cushioned shoes that all have varying features for stability and cushioning and they all feel different!! The same for New Balance. Manufacturers usually stamp the name of their preferred cushioning near the rear- and/or fore-foot; this indicates added cushion in those areas. For example, Nike uses "AIR", Asics uses "GEL", New Balance uses "ABZORB", and Brooks uses "HYDROFLOW". MAX cushioned shoes are for high mileage/heavy runners and are no less than $100 regular retail. Heel and Forefoot cushioned shoes start around $75. Heel-cushioned or entry-level shoes begin around $40 up to $65. Cushioned aftermarket insoles can replace the removable liners that come with the shoe.They extend the life of a shoe, provide more arch support, and may reduce impact forces.  |
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