CHOOSING YOUR RUNNING SHOES
Gear
THE
DROP
THE DROP
Measured in millimeters, the drop is the difference between heel and toe height. A high drop shoe (10+mm) pushes the runner more onto their toes vs a low drop shoe (0-4mm) offers a more 'barefoot' like feel.
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LEVEL OF
SUPPORT
LEVEL OF SUPPORT
Shoes often vary from neutral to high levels of support, both in the arch and ankle. Depending on your strength and form, you may find that you need a little more help from the shoe staying stable.
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THE
OUTSOLE
THE OUTSOLE
The outsole is the rubber part of the shoe that actually touches the ground (aka the tred). Running on smooth roads? Then find a smooth, low lug outsole. Running aggressive trails? Longer lugs from Vibram may be needed.
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THE
MIDSOLE
THE MIDSOLE
The cushion between the outsole & your foot. Options here usually range between responsive (tight, fast, less cushion) and soft (max cushion for comfort). Shorter race = responsive, longer = more cushion (usually).
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THE
UPPER
THE UPPER
This is the part of the shoe that goes around the top of your foot. It gives the shoe most of it's styling - but also it's ability to ventilate your foot. Go for cool, light, and ventilated (but most importantly, comfortable).