Choosing a Running Shoe

Ready to embark on your next active adventure but don’t know what kind of shoe you’ll need? 

There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to running shoes but it is important to purchase based on preferences best suited for an individual's needs. As online shopping provides convenience, consider buying shoes in store to guarantee satisfaction. Testing out different running shoes in person allows for comfort and feel to be compared side by side. Most online retailers do offer trial periods that allow you to put the shoe you are considering buying to the test. However, waiting for shoes to travel by mail also means you might go through a few pairs before you find the best fit. 

Elements of the Running Shoe

Upper: This part of the shoe covers the top of your foot to ensure a secure fit with stability.

Fabric is usually mesh or knit for flexibility and providing a sock-like feel.

Overlay: Provides a structure for the upper and usually made from reflective materials for easy visibility. Some brands are even leaving out overlays in their designs to reduce weight. 

Tongue: Protects the top of your foot from the laces and can come in two variations. Gusseted tongue connects the upper of the shoe with the laces pulling the sides close together to keep debris out and to secure the shoe onto your foot. A burrito tongue is easier to take on and off with one side of the tongue connected to the shoe.

Heel Counter: Can be plastic or fabric located internally or externally on the shoe and provides side-to-side support. 

Toe Box: Should be wide enough for toes to spread to limit friction and blistering.   

Footbridge: Located between the heel and forefoot, this part of the shoe stability is to prevent buckling. 

Beveled heel: Can appear rounded or angled to reduce impact to the heel. 

Rock plate: Usually made for trail shoes, these plastic protective pieces serve as defense on rocky, rooted, or uneven terrain. 

Decoupled heel: Bottom of shoe heel is split for shock absorption.

Medial post: This firm piece of foam is in the midsole under the heel made from dense material to distribute force as you run to cut the stress on the ankles. 

Guide rails: These are located on the sides of the midsole to assist the ankle and knee rotations to move together.