Running shoes - why are there so many different types

Running shoes - why are there so many different types

There are many different types of shoes for many different sports. In fact there are types of sports shoes in any one category. There are running shoes that offer support, others that offer cushioning and some that offer both.

The reason there are so many different running shoes is that we are not all the same. Each of us runs differently. Some will run perfect in that their weight is evenly distributed when their foot hits the ground propelling them forward, their sports shoes being evenly worn. Others will run and their weight will be biased to the outside of the foot causing excessive wear and tear to joints in the foot and wearing out the outside of their Trainers before the  rest of the shoe. There are others that when they run their weight is transferred to the inside of their foot causing their running shoes to wear out on the opposite side.

There are people with flat feet, others with high arches and some with normal arches. All the above need sports shoes that protect them from the elements, terrain, going over on their ankle and keeping them on their feet. For people that don’t run in a manner considered normal, that cause excessive wear and tear to their bodies need sports shoes that help to compensate for their abnormality, that helps them distribute their weight more evenly. Their running shoes might wear out just as fast as before but their joints will have had the benefit of an easier ride.

If you wear out your running shoes on the outside part you need a pair of cushioned sports shoes. If you do the opposite and wear out the inside of your running shoes first you need a pair of support or motion control running shoes and if your Trainers wear out evenly you should buy a pair of stability sports shoes.