27 Jan The Right Kind Of Footwear Can Significantly Reduce Running Injuries
Numerous benefits can come from running, including weight loss, an increase in lung capacity, and a drop in blood pressure. Runners do not require significant equipment, but they do need a good pair of running shoes. If you are a runner, you can benefit in several different ways by wearing the right kind of shoes. One of the primary considerations is that it can help reduce running injuries. Let’s take a look at how wearing the right running shoes can help.
- Cushioning the Foot Midsole – One of the most notable benefits of using running shoes is that they provide good midsole cushioning. The midsole is the spot between the heel and the ball of your foot. The cushioning that good running shoes offer can help reduce a certain amount of stress placed on the ankles, toes, and heel during a run. This also helps to make the activity safe and comfortable. The right kind of cushioning can help alleviate back, hip, and knee pain as it improves overall body mechanics.
- Supports the Arches – If you have flat feet, you must use the right kind of arch support. This is especially true if you participate in a regular exercise routine or are an avid runner. Shoes with support for the arches provide stability from the appropriate kind of support for the feet.
- Helps Prevent Injuries – There are many ways in which running shoes can help to prevent specific types of injuries. The kind of arch support described above, and midsole cushioning can help prevent injuries such as stress fractures, joint pain, and tendonitis that come from overuse. Good quality running shoes also provide outsole protection that helps reduce injury to the feet.
- Improves Athletic Performance – Using the right types of running shoes can help improve athletic performance when compared to those who do not. This is because they offer better running capacity and greater comfort. Comparative runners can significantly benefit from wearing the right types of shoes.
Even if you are not competing, you can improve athletic performance by choosing appropriate shoes for running. When it comes to buying running shoes, you should focus on function and not fashion. Do not be tempted to purchase the latest brands or follow popular trends blindly.
Pick the Right Running Shoes
Regardless of what your running gait is like, a pair of good quality running shoes will provide support, flexibility, and durability. This would also depend on where your shoes fit within the five primary groups of – cushioned, lightweight, stability trail, and motion control. Let’s take a detailed look at these and the types of running shoes that fall within these parameters:
1. Cushioned Shoes
Cushioning is a crucial aspect for runners that underpronate. Either if your feet do not roll outward too much or invert sufficiently, cushioned shoes are a good option for you. The rolling motion helps the feet absorb shocks of every step, which would otherwise move through your joints and towards your spine. Shoes with the right amount of cushioning are designed to reduce this shock as they are in-sync with the feet’s natural process.
2. Lightweight Shoes
These shoes are far lighter and more flexible than standard ones. They have a good amount of flexible cushioning, and their minimalist design makes you feel like you aren’t wearing any shoes at all. These shoes generally have mesh uppers and padding that protects your feet. They will help to decrease pain and fatigue after a run and are incredibly comfortable too.
3. Stability Shoes
These shoes provide durability, medial support, and excellent cushioning. They are a compromise between cushioned shoes and motion control ones. Stability shoes help stop the excess motion of the feet and ankle and ensure that the movement isn’t restricted. As their name suggests, they lend stability to the feet, which ultimately translates into improved performance and comfort.
4. Trail Running Shoes
These shoes have a very different and unique set of features that are specifically designed to help you run on different types of terrain, including fell, soft pack, hardpack, or a combination. They have some interesting features like lugged rubber outsoles, midfoot wraps, and tex liners. Trail running shoes also have more durable uppers and are harder wearing than standard shoes, which means your feet get the maximum amount of support and comfort while you are running in rugged terrain.
5. Motion Control Shoes
If you overpronate, Motion Control running shoes are perfect for you. They are specifically designed to control or reduce excessive rolling action of the feet and help correct your gait cycle. They also provide good shock absorbance and are generally the most rigid types of shoes.
If you are running, you need to be very careful with the types of shoes you use and make sure that you take good care of your feet. If you have noticed any problems with your feet, contact a reputed podiatrist immediately immediately. For any more information on our podiatry services at Sydney Sports Podiatry, feel free to contact us at either one of our locations today.
Thanks for reading,
Sydney Sports Podiatry
1300 474 306