Choose running shoes - running shoes

The choice of running shoe requires an accurate knowledge of the models and all the categories currently on the market. The choice has the greatest impact:

1. Possible foot support problems; there are in particular:

• Pronatory Subjects (Hyperpronators): with the heel on the ground the medial arch is close to the ground (the shoes wear out more in the inner side)
• Supinator Subjects (Ipopronatori): with the heel on the ground the medial arch is lifted from the ground (the shoes wear out more in the external side)

2. Posture

3. Weight

4. Distance traveled

5. Travel speed

6. Type of Use (race or training, track or asphalt, dirt ...)

To respond to all these variables, there are different types of running shoes, divided into macro-categories for easier identification. Regardless of the brand, two shoes belonging to the same category therefore have similar characteristics, which make them suitable for a particular user. Obviously, within the same category there are still differences between the various models and a shoe can therefore be more or less indicated based on individual factors such as the morphology and the support of the foot.

Let's see in detail these categories of running shoes:

A0 = minimalist

A1 = superlight

A2 = intermediate

A3 = maximum cushioning (neutral)

A4 = stable

A5 = trial running

A0 = minimalist

Suitability for use: buying a pair of minimalists it is essential to choose "the shoe you like"! That is: the athlete must not forget that this category of shoes is designed for quick, light and very fast exercises ... but above all ... from the point of view of osteo-muscle-joint, we are NOT all the same! For this reason the A0 must first of all be GRADITA, therefore chosen on the basis of the sensations that it can confer to the runner (hence the term shoe that you like )

Morphological adaptation: it is the winning weapon in this category. The minimalist running shoe focuses on the comfort of the shoe to effectively reproduce the feeling of "walking barefoot" or with the minimum necessary support.

Biomechanical adequacy: this is a very interesting parameter; we remind that the A0s are based more on the kinetics of the foot and NOT on the stress induced by the bottom stroke.

A1 = superlight

Suitability for use: to use these shoes it is necessary: ​​to be "light on the foot", run fast and on regular surfaces, have flawless osteoarticular structures and, possibly, boast a "young age"! We recall that the age registry (and in this case also that of training) does not allow to sufficiently compensate for the frequent anomalies related to the race.

Morphological adaptation: they are light and essential footwear; it is good to look for models that "brush" and above all that do not create any discomfort. To do this it is necessary to look for and find the model that has a correct internal volume (subjective).

Biomechanical adequacy: it is not allowed to make mistakes in the choice. The A1 is so simple that it is essential to look for it with the specific support characteristics of your running technique.

A2 = Intermediate

Suitability for use: the intermediate ones are a somewhat "ambiguous" category; evaluating the weight, the layout and the design technology, the A2 could represent a potential "competition" shoe or even, for the luckiest (and trained), even a shoe suitable for the bottom.

Morphological adaptation: the variety of choice is wide and the relative proposals for men / women allow everyone to find the ideal model; also in this case, in addition to the measurement, it is essential to evaluate the entire volume of the foot.

Biomechanical adequacy: for the intermediate ones there are already technologies that can compensate for the major support defects: tip or heel, and in pronation or supination.

A3 = Maximum amortization

Suitability for use: the maximum cushioning models are good for everyone and represent one of the most worn footwear categories in the young public (even if not always properly connected!) In everyday life. Choosing an A3 does not cause difficulties due to the lack of products on the market, on the contrary! To choose correctly it is necessary to "reason with objectivity" about one's own performances and characteristics, both in competition and training.

Morphological adaptation: also from this point of view, the variety of the market should not make the choice too difficult ... the important thing is to remember to prefer, ultimately, the comfort of the foot. Lacing, plant, neck and arch should be evaluated with more care than the design and the color.

Biomechanical adequacy: the A3s are not useful for resolving problems of support and are intended for subjects with a regular run that require great damping power.

A4 = Stable

Suitability for use: the A4 models are comfortable but to be avoided except by necessity; use stable shoes in the absence of specific problems can create problems for the subjects from the non-fit ankle.

Morphological adaptation: the same considerations made for the A3 category with which they share cushioning qualities, comfort and overall weight are valid.

Biomechanical adequacy: it is the characteristic that makes them special. The A4 models must be chosen on the basis of specific needs and not "simple sensations"; it is the case of particular forms of plantar support that have nothing to do with the simple wear of the tread.

Table with general parameters (indicative) for the choice of running shoe in the race

Men	Less than 60 kg	Between 60 and 80 kg	Above 80 kg
Women	Less than 50 kg	Between 50 and 60 kg	Above 60 kg
Below 4'30 '' per kilometer	Minimalist and super light	Superlight and intermediate	intermediate
Between 4'30 '' and 5'30 '' per kilometer	intermediate	intermediate	Maximum amortization
Above 5'30 per kilometer	intermediate	Maximum amortization	Maximum amortization

In conclusion ... and to give an example ...

Regardless of the rhythm, in background training, an athlete weighing between 50 kg and 75 kg with neutral support will have to choose a maximum cushion cushion A3, while in the race (eventually) he will be able to orientate towards intermediate or superlight. Over 75 kg, especially if the race speed is rather mild, it is assumed that the weight on the foot (which is multiplied by x3) determines an almost total support of the plant on the supporting surface; in this case, it would be desirable to use a stable shoe A4 .