Athletes of all levels strive to improve their performance. The world of competitive sports is filled with multiple ways to gain an edge. Some of them include pushing your endurance limit, adopting a holistic approach to fitness, and focusing on a single goal.
On top of all of that, there are plenty of ways to use specialized equipment. One of these methods is choosing the right running shoes.
In this post, we will look closely into how running shoes help with performance.
So How Can Running Shoes Help With Performance?
The basic function of running shoes (protecting the soles of our feet and providing support to our joints) is accomplished while adding features that allow us to move quickly and flexibly, to minimize energy loss, as well as to give us extra protection where injuries are most likely to occur.
There are a lot of options out there for cushion levels in these shoes, as well as variations in the height of the arch, which will support your foot. Additionally, running shoes can feature a variety of heel heights, which can affect your stride, and well-positioned padding to reduce pronation (the tendency of a foot to roll inward due to landing on the outside of the foot).
Depending on your individual body form and preferences, you must consider all of these factors when running. It will take trial and error, as well as experience wearing different shoes (both good and bad) for you to find the best one for you. If you are seriously interested in running, you must experiment with shoe options before you will find the perfect one.
Traction
Running shoes are designed so that you can move faster while wearing them. They can achieve this through a variety of means. A main difference between running shoes and regular sports shoes is that running shoes have deeper outsoles for downhills or slippery trails.
Make sure your running shoes are designed for the trails you run on when shopping for them. Having more traction in your running shoes will definitely help prevent slips and falls.
Of course, not all shoes that are suitable for trails are suitable for the road either. Always look for the right shoe depending upon the terrain you’re running on if you want to achieve maximum performance and safety.
They Weigh Less Than Other Sports Shoes
Your running performance may be affected even by the tiniest additional weight to your shoe. As a result, running shoes tend to be lighter than normal sports shoes. Shoes designed for running are built to be lightweight.
A lightweight shoe is formed by considering the comfort and the weight proportions of the various materials. This would improve a runner’s running performance because they can swing their legs better.
They Let Your Feet Breathe
Your feet will be able to breathe well in the best running shoes. As a result of all the running and friction in an ordinary sports shoe, you will sweat. It is possible to get blisters on your feet despite wearing socks when you wear shoes without breathability. You’ll tear your skin from having clammy, damp skin plus friction.
Shoes can breathe in a lot of different ways. Some ways are to have mesh, knit, and perforations on the shoe. Running shoes also come with room for your toes and reduced friction on the insole.
Less Injury
Runners’ feet and ankles can both be protected by a good running shoe. Good running shoes stabilize the foot and protect the skin. Runners should also be able to return energy more quickly when they hit the ground by reducing impact force.
The soles of running shoes protect our feet, as well as supporting our joints. Additionally, they enhance our ability to move easily and flexibly. In areas where injuries are common, it can reduce energy loss and increase protection.
Frequently Asked Questions On Running Shoes Helping With Performance
The most common material used in running shoes is nylon mesh, polyurethane (PU), or breathable polyester knit. Material is easily formed into a smooth curve by the last of the shoes (a last forms the shape of shoes and is where the shoe is ‘built out’ from).
Because of this, they can be stretched, are lightweight, and allow the legs to swing freely. Due to the fact that the feet are disproportionately exaggerated while running, nylon mesh and other materials are ideal for running shoes.
Yes you do. You can’t make yourself faster just by wearing shoes. However, knowing how your body works and choosing the right running shoes for you can make a significant difference in your running performance.
You might be able to run faster if you find the right balance between the quality of your running shoes and your body. This is true because each runner has his or her own running form, body type, and preferred type of shoes. Finding the right balance comes down to feelings and personality.
The majority of running-related injuries are caused by repetitive movements. Your body is always in the same position when you run in the same shoes every day. Fatigue and injury may result from your muscles and joints being stressed in the same way each time you run. You can relieve repetitive stress by rotating your running shoes.
Final Words From TheUltimatePrimate
You can set your body up in subtly different ways by trying shoes with different heel-toe drops, which can make you stronger and less likely to get injured. Changing your running position by only 2 mm is enough to provide variety.
Choosing the right shoes is just one part of preventing injury. You can keep yourself healthy after a run by warming up properly, strengthening your core and foot, stretching, and foam-rolling afterward.
So yes, running shoes can bring you huge advantages when it comes to performance. Just bear in mind that you will need the right shoe for your body type and foot, and that rotating shoes is a great way to prevent injury and improve overall performance.
If you have any particular concerns about your feet and injuries while running, it is always best to seek advice from a physician first.
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.