Today, runners and walkers have multiple options. The good running brands will create evolutions and remain consistent, but some do manage to mess things up on occasion. So how do we make a choice when we don’t know what we need? The first step is to find a specialty running store that can service and find — not just footwear — but a solution to your needs.
Most running and walking stores will provide a gait analysis. This involves looking at the various arch types; high/rigid, medium and low. Then a visual or video gait analysis will determine how the foot transfers the runner’s load (body) through the gait cycle from landing zone, mid-foot support and finally through propulsion or toe off. If the foot rolls to the outside this is called supination. The foot can also remain neutral, but most runners have some degree of what we refer to as pronation, the rolling in of the foot.
Now here’s the trick — really understanding the transition of this analysis into the correct running shoe. Everyone is different and there is a broad spectrum in each of the categories of supination, neutral and pronation. Running brands create varying levels to support the spectrum in three product classifications — neutral cushioning, stability and control — to support these categories. In terms of running products sold, stability represents 45% of the market, neutral cushioning 30% and control 13%. Trail and other classifications make up the balance.
Let’s use stability as the best example of the transition, simply because it is the largest. It’s important not to look at all running shoes as the same in each classification. Each runner will have a number of variables that determine which menu of shoes will be brought out.
Women tend to over pronate more than men, simply because their body structure is different. The pelvis width and tilt and femoral length vs. that of men tend to cause women to over pronate more. Other variables include height, weight, running mileage, orthotic use and foot width. Dependent on rear and mid-to-late stage pronation, these variables will determine which three or four shoes will be brought out for the runner or walker to choose. In stability, there are several options for rear stage pronation versus several different options for mild to over pronation. Often stores will bring out the same shoes for all degrees of pronation and that can create problems for the runner.
So next time when you are looking at purchasing a pair of running shoes, remember you are not just purchasing footwear, you’re purchasing a solution.
John Rogers is the owner of Maine Running Company on Forest Ave. in Portland. Send questions or comments to him at jr@runwalkcompany.com or check out the store’s website at www.mainerunning.com.