Introduction
Choosing running shoes might not seem daunting at first, but choosing the wrong running shoes for men can instantly be felt. It is said that running shoes are an extension of the runner’s feet. Choosing the best running shoes for men instantly creates a feeling of goodness in the feet.
While shopping for running shoes for men, it is paramount you understand the nitty-gritty of running shoes for men and what to check while you buy running shoes for men online. How cushioning and stability features and incorporated in running shoes and how they can affect performance while you take the running shoes out for a run.
Before we look at how the features in a running shoe for men affect performance, we have to understand what pronation is and the different types of pronation found on the feet of runners and athletes.
Pronation: What is it?
Pronation is the movement of the foot and is responsible for shock distribution and traction. The way the feet rolls while you walk or run helps in finding the perfect running shoes for men.
- Runners with a supinated foot are under pronators that need cushioning in the insoles for injury prevention and cushioning.
- People with neutral pronation can wear regular running shoes without any special considerations.
- Overpronators need running shoes that provide support and cushioning for the feet. The features of running shoes for men ensure that your feet are supported and cushioned the right way.
How To Determine Your Pronation Type
For Supinators
For runners with underpronation or supination, the outer side of the running shoe has the most wear and tear visible. For supinators, choose running shoes for men that have extra cushioning and padding on the outer side of the running shoe for the best stability and comfort while you run.
For neutral pronators
There is no tilt visible for running shoes made for neutral pronators. The sole of the running shoe would have an S-shaped pattern on it.
For over-pronating runners
Extra cushioning and padding is added to the inside of the heel and on the bottom side of the foot. This ensures that the inward pronation of the feet is supported and cushioned.
What Are The Various Running Shoes For Pronators?
Stability Running Shoes For Men
Stability running shoes for men are designed for runners who overpronate while they run. Running shoes come with features like medial post, wedding, or heel counters to equalise the shock created in the running shoes. Features like sole flares, sidewalks, and lateral bevels help improve the cushioning and stability in running shoes for men.
To allow better stabilisation for the feet running shoes are equipped with a denser foam in the insole to slow the inward pronation of the feet during a stride.
Neutral Running Shoes
Neutral running shoes for men provide the best cushioning and support while you run with them. The cushioning provided in the neutral running shoes ensures that your runs are safe and enjoyable. The features in the neutral running shoes ensure that your performance improves with every run you take.
Cushioned Running Shoe
These shoes are designed for under pronating runners or supinators. Supinators are prone to injuries due to the incorrect shock absorption in running shoes. Cushioned running shoes are made with features like midsole cushioning for added shock absorption properties. They are lightweight and flexible to allow the even distribution of shock along the shoe.
How To Determine The Extend Of Pronation
Understanding the body’s biomechanics involves understanding the pronation type of your foot and taking measures to avoid injuries in the future. There are multiple tests that you can do by yourself to determine the type of pronation and the extent of it. These tests can then be used to analyse your foot movement and take corrective measures while purchasing specialised equipment for your feet and pronation type.
Different tests for the type of pronation in an athlete are
The wear test
Take a pair of running shoes used extensively and look at the bottom of the running shoe. Notice where the maximum amount of wear is. The position of the wear determines the type of pronation in the athlete.
- If the running shoe for men has an excessive amount of wear visible on the ball of the feet and along the inner edges of the running shoe, you have an overpronating foot.
- If maximum wear is seen on the outer side of the running shoe, chances are that you are a supinator.
- Neutral runners have maximum wear through the centre portion of the running shoe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pronation for runners is the inwards or outwards movement of the foot while moving. This inward movement is caused due to the impact of hitting the surface of the ground. Pronation, if not corrected, can cause severe injuries in the future.
Including a firm and supportive insole for your running shoes is a proven method against pronation. This also improves the efficiency of your runs and is a relief against common ailments like arch collapses, pain in the lower body, and plantar fasciitis.
The various exercises proven to provide relief for pronators are
Squats
Jump squats
Lunges
Calf raises
Skipping
Glute brides
Deadlifts
Clamshell
Bottomline
Even though pronation is an involuntary movement of the foot, the long-term implications of pronating feet left uncorrected can cause injuries and unwanted pains that can remove the joys of running. A healthy body is the breeding ground for a healthy mind, so you should take immense care of any niggles or minor pains right from when they start bugging your running journey. Running shoes for men are without doubt one of the best investments towards better health that you can make, but ensure that they are perfect for your feet and the type of pronation your feet has.
Apart from this, if you want to know about Must-Have Shoes for Walking & Standing then please visit our Lifestyle category
