Running Shoes

Running shoes are extremely important to those who compete in running events, but running shoes are also important to those who simply run regularly as exercise. For young runners who compete in sporting events in high school or college, good running shoes are a must. For these young people, running shoes which support and protect their feet are a necessity. Running is a high impact sport in terms of both the feet and the rest of the body, and running shoes must reduce the impact and possible negative effects on young athletes.

There is a great variety of running shoes available to serious runners and those who simply run as a form of exercise. Running shoes have improved in terms of materials and manufacturing techniques over recent decades and there are many choices of running shoes to fit every type of foot and every level of use.

In general, the running show is made up of five elements, or parts. The outsole, or bottom sole of the running shoe is treaded for traction, usually made of carbon rubber. The sole may have various tread designs depending upon the running shoe manufacturer, but all designs of running shoe soles relate primarily to traction.

The mid-sole of the running shoe is considered by most, including podiatrists, to be the most important part of the shoe, as it cushions and stabilizes the running shoe, connecting the bottom sole with the upper portion of the running shoe. This portion of the running shoe is usually made of ethylene vinyl acetate or polyurethane, for durability and cushioning effect.

The upper part of the running shoe wraps around and over the top of the foot, and may be of leather or synthetic material. The tongue of the running shoe is padded to protect the upper foot. The heel counter, another part of the running shoe is a firm, inflexible cup which wraps firmly around and steadies the heel of the runner. The post footbridge in the running shoe is a firm sectionn of the midsole which increases stability on the arch side of the foot.

Obviously running shoes are scientifically designed and manufactured to protect the runner and assist in developing speed and endurance. There are many brands of running shoes available to runners, of almost uniform quality. As runners have many choices in running shoes, it behooves each runner to shop, try on and even experiment with various types and different manufacturers to determine which shoe best fits their feet, their running needs and their body type in order to be certain of a running shoe which will serve them best. To any runner, their running shoes are essential to good performance and foot and body protection

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