The Best Men's Running Shoe

To consider one shoe the be all and end all of running shoes isn't a wise move. Everyone is different, as are their feet, and not all shoes are created the same for every foot. Many styles exist, as is evident in the flashy ad campaigns in various magazines. Which shoe is best suited to a particular foot type is a better way to consider the best running shoe.

Time Frame

Many people at one time may have been a neutral shoe, but due to weight gain they see their arches drop. As the U.S. population grows heavier and heavier (obesogenic), podiatrists will suggest shoe inserts. These can be very expensive and fast work for the podiatrist but they may not be best for you. Finding that comfortable shoe that cradles your foot through the heel to toe transition is vital. Brands like New Balance and Brooks make shoes specifically for overpronators. They tend to be bigger, bulkier shoes with a more solid conformity to the bottom of the shoes. This is an indicator of a shoe that offers more support.

Types

A foot that needs no special support is considered neutral. These are the sexier shoes, the ones with the flash that shoe makers put out in front to draw shoe buyers in. There's nothing wrong with the flash, but don't make it the reason to buy a running shoe. All running shoes are made differently. A tighter toe box is more evident in Nikes. A wider toe box is found in Brooks. If you don't need support, find a shoe that is comfortable. The impulse to lean towards fancy heel contraptions on shoes should be reigned in. Wearing a cool looking shoe may spur you on to get out there and run, but a shoe not best suited to your foot will only cause aches and pains and lead to buying new shoes to replace them. The neutral shoe is the standard in running shoes. Try out many; refrain from buying shoes just because they look cool, and even seek out a running store that will let you try shoes on a treadmill.

Misconceptions

Most runners don't get shoes that breathe properly. There are countless pores on the bottom of each foot and they need to be allowed to air out. A leather shoes doesn't offer that. A shoe composed of an upper that is primarily all mesh is a great option. Companies like Mizuno excel at making very breathable shoes. The more breathable the shoe, the less swelling occurs in the feet while running. The inside of shoe gets pretty hot while running. Let air circulate over and around the surface of the foot to keep the welling down. If not, a foot expands and can start to push against the interior of the shoes. This can inevitably lead to blisters.

Considerations

They're just laces right? No. Not at all. Laces and lacing systems are crucial to how a foot is help down in the shoe. In recent years, laces have also become more flexible and flatter which prevents excessive pressure on the top of the foot. A lot of blood flows over the top of the foot and that blood ends up being impaired to move into the foot with a poorly constructed lacing system. Also, a very important thing to remember is never overtighten your shoe. A gentle tug is all it takes. Numb toes can be the result of laces that are tightened too much.

Features

The tongue of a shoe is always overlooked. Most of some thin attachments sewn in at the base of the lacing system. A cheap tongue feels cheap. A tongue that doesn't have that little piece of cloth in the center of it to hold it place is a tongue to pass on. Putting the laces through that little piece of cloth keeps the tongue in place as it was designed for. The tongue should fit almost seamlessly over the top of the foot and not move around. If it does it may lead to a buildup of pressure against isolated parts of the foot. This is something else that can impair blood flow in running shoes. Ultimately when it comes to a running shoe tongue, make sure it's comfortable. See how the laces adjust over the tongue when you cinch them up and if it feels nice you're in good shape. If a tongue feels too bulky or even too short, meaning a tongue that doesn't go up the ankle enough, pass on such a shoe.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention