1.The height difference or the ‘’drop’’
The drop it’s the difference of height between the front and back of the shoe:
An average drop is around 12 mm
The drop has an influence on the way the runner approaches the ground, in other words, the way that he sets his foot on the ground (heel, front of the foot, toes). With a minimalistic shoe, (with a small or without a drop), an excellent technique is highly important to avoid injuries, for example land in the front of the foot rather than the heel.
2.The intermediate sole
Absorbs the shocks and ensures stability.
Composed of EVA or Polyurethane (PU)
Material |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
EVA |
Light Flexible |
Less durable Takes longer to go back to its original volume |
PU |
Durable Flexible |
Heavier Less rebound effect Harder |
3.Trail running
This shoe generally offers an excellent grip to run in paths where the field is uneven and sometimes slippery. The right shoe is essential to avoid injuries.
The front of the shoe is most of the time given an extra protection to protect the toes against obstacles. Some shoes offer a waterproof membrane. But by doing so, take out some breathability.
4.The maximalist (Hoka One One)
Maximum absorption by the sole to reduce the shocks felt on the body and increase the comfort by reducing the fatigue on the feet and legs.
Since they have such good absorption they are suggested for :
- People that are recovering from an injury
- People with a heavy weight
- Anyone that wants to run
Advantages for all ( Stats given by Hooka One One):
25% of body chocs are reduced
3.3% Energy gain
15% The effort for the tibial muscle is reduced (Muscles that is most likely to get injuries amongst runners)
5.How to choose our shoe
The type of shoe and the necessary support must be chosen in regards of the mechanic of the runner, the way of running, how one puts the foot on the ground. Normally runners who need an specific support know it.
a. The types of runners ( General associations)
Démarche |
Representation |
Description |
Arc of the foot |
Necessary support *See next table |
Neutral |
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Alignment of the leg and knee when one walks. There is a ‘’natural’’ pronation distributing the weight of the heel towards the outside of the foot and in front of the foot towards the big toe. |
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Without support (neutral )or Stability (support 1) |
Hyper Pronunciation |
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The ankle and leg roll inside while aligning the knee and the waist. |
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Stability (support 1) or control (support 2) |
Supination |
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The foot rolls towards the exterior going away from the arch and towards the little toe. Very few people do supination. |
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Stability (support 1) or control (support 2) |
b. The companies and technology
Technologies |
Neutral |
Stability (support 1) |
Control (support 2) |
Trail |
|
Brooks |
|
Glycerin Ghost Launch Cascadia Neuro |
Adrenaline Ravenna Transcend Cadence |
Beast/Ariel Addiction |
Cascadia Adrenaline ASR |
Mizuno |
Wave : Disperses the energy of the impact, supports the arc, optimizes the stride.
|
Hitogami Sayonara Rider Prophecy |
Catalyst Inspire |
Hayate Kazan |
|
Saucony |
|
Troiumph Ride Zealot |
Hurricane Guide |
Nomad Xodus Peregrine |
|
Zoot |
|
Solana Del Mar Diego |
Laguna |
||
Hoka One One |
|
Clifton Challenger Speedgoat |
Bondi |
Conquest Mafate |
Mafate Speedgoat Challenger |