Selecting the Right Pair of Sneakers
Whether I am going for long run, visiting my local track for a speed workout, or waiting at the starting line for the race to begin, as a runner I am always thinking about sneakers.
Yesterday morning, needing to go for a long run, I went into my closet to find my pair of Air Structure Triax and realized it was time for a new pair of sneakers - these had logged over 400 miles. I began to think about the importance of selecting the right pair of sneakers for individual runners in training. That afternoon, I visited Niketown and talked to Bruno Garcia, a NIKE EKIN (an expert of all NIKE products). Since Bruno specializes in running, he gave me an informative lesson about the differences among certain styles of sneakers and the reasons to wear them.
With the Nike+ Human Race just around the corner, I thought it would be helpful to share Bruno's knowledge with you so you too can select your next pair of running sneakers correctly.
There are three styles of training sneakers available - Neutral, Stability, and Lightweight - each having a significant purpose based on an individual's need. Here is a quick breakdown of these three styles:
Neutral - These sneakers have a maximum midsole (foam) cushioning, yet do not have any medial or rear-foot stability devices. This style is best used by runners who do not have abnormal rear-foot motion. Some NIKE examples include Air Pegasus and Air Zoom Vomero III.
Stability - These sneakers are the most common type of training shoe. Stability shoes have a two-density (firmer) midsole and a stable base of support to reduce overpronation (excess movement toward the middle of the foot that can make runners less efficient). Some NIKE examples include Air Zoom Structure Triax and Air Equalon.
Lightweight - These shoes are "shaved off" versions of both neutral and stability shoes. They are typically more flexible in the midsole. This style of shoe is ideal for runners who are looking for a lighter feel while training. Some NIKE examples include Air Zoom Skylon and Air Zoom Elite.
As you can see, picking a pair of sneakers is not as simple as selecting your favorite color or pattern. Luckily for me, a running footwear expert like Bruno was there to assist me. Before leaving the store, I thought to ask how often someone needs to purchase a new pair of sneakers (based on the amount of miles logged) and found out that it is standard to change sneakers after every 400 - 500 miles, though this may vary from runner to runner. The most important thing to do is listen to your body. For example, if you are experiencing a slight discomfort just below the knee cap, this probably comes from the midsole foam not being able to support the amount of cushioning you need and it is time for a new pair of sneakers. Typically, for most runners, the average life span of a pair of sneakers is 6 months.
I left Niketown with a new pair of Air Structure Triax, ready to continue training for the big race on 8.31.2008. Now, thanks to Bruno's expertise, you too can be out there training with a pair of sneakers that best fits your needs.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the above mentioned footwear, please visit Niketown, located at 6 East 57th Street, NY, NY 10010 (212) 891-6453 or go on-line to http://www.nike.com/.
Yesterday morning, needing to go for a long run, I went into my closet to find my pair of Air Structure Triax and realized it was time for a new pair of sneakers - these had logged over 400 miles. I began to think about the importance of selecting the right pair of sneakers for individual runners in training. That afternoon, I visited Niketown and talked to Bruno Garcia, a NIKE EKIN (an expert of all NIKE products). Since Bruno specializes in running, he gave me an informative lesson about the differences among certain styles of sneakers and the reasons to wear them.
With the Nike+ Human Race just around the corner, I thought it would be helpful to share Bruno's knowledge with you so you too can select your next pair of running sneakers correctly.
There are three styles of training sneakers available - Neutral, Stability, and Lightweight - each having a significant purpose based on an individual's need. Here is a quick breakdown of these three styles:
Neutral - These sneakers have a maximum midsole (foam) cushioning, yet do not have any medial or rear-foot stability devices. This style is best used by runners who do not have abnormal rear-foot motion. Some NIKE examples include Air Pegasus and Air Zoom Vomero III.
Stability - These sneakers are the most common type of training shoe. Stability shoes have a two-density (firmer) midsole and a stable base of support to reduce overpronation (excess movement toward the middle of the foot that can make runners less efficient). Some NIKE examples include Air Zoom Structure Triax and Air Equalon.
Lightweight - These shoes are "shaved off" versions of both neutral and stability shoes. They are typically more flexible in the midsole. This style of shoe is ideal for runners who are looking for a lighter feel while training. Some NIKE examples include Air Zoom Skylon and Air Zoom Elite.
As you can see, picking a pair of sneakers is not as simple as selecting your favorite color or pattern. Luckily for me, a running footwear expert like Bruno was there to assist me. Before leaving the store, I thought to ask how often someone needs to purchase a new pair of sneakers (based on the amount of miles logged) and found out that it is standard to change sneakers after every 400 - 500 miles, though this may vary from runner to runner. The most important thing to do is listen to your body. For example, if you are experiencing a slight discomfort just below the knee cap, this probably comes from the midsole foam not being able to support the amount of cushioning you need and it is time for a new pair of sneakers. Typically, for most runners, the average life span of a pair of sneakers is 6 months.
I left Niketown with a new pair of Air Structure Triax, ready to continue training for the big race on 8.31.2008. Now, thanks to Bruno's expertise, you too can be out there training with a pair of sneakers that best fits your needs.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the above mentioned footwear, please visit Niketown, located at 6 East 57th Street, NY, NY 10010 (212) 891-6453 or go on-line to http://www.nike.com/.
