The training shoe is the one that offers more protection to the runner, since it contains more stabilizing and cushioning elements, although this will also translate into greater weight and lower performance.
Podiatric specialists indicate that a shoe with a lot of use, such as a training shoe, provides us with a lot of information. Elements such as wear of the sole, deformity of the upper, the impression of the footprint on the insole of the shoe, etc. are used to choose the next shoe. Due to use, the shoe has an obvious wear, alteration and deformity, which is why a shoe has a useful life of approximately 1,200 kilometers.
Some technical considerations that we must take into account when choosing a training shoe are:
- Midsole height: should be greater than 15 mm, as this thickness helps to improve cushioning and control movement.
- Density less than 35º Shore A.
- Check the inserts in the midsole, according to the athlete’s pronation pattern.
- The upper material will be adjustable to the foot, the fastening system should be laces, since, in addition to facilitating the adjustment to the volume of the foot, it is more stable.
- It should allow the shoe to be adapted to the personalized plantar support: most shoes come equipped with standard insoles that can be replaced by personalized plantar supports.
On the other hand, some physical characteristics of the elements of the training shoe should also be taken into account:
- Outsole: usually smooth or lugged polyurethane.
- Midsole: usually made of EVA. (ethylene vinyl acetate) bidensity, and sometimes the manufacturer includes some type of Gel, Air and various inlays.
- Upper material: Synthetic and breathable to favor the expulsion of sweat.
- Tongue: to protect the extensor tendons of the toes, it is recommended that it be padded, lined and high.
- Wraparound heel counter.
- Braided laces: to prevent untying during running.
- Sized eyelets: allow a better fit, some shoes have double row of eyelets.
- Cushioning and shock absorbing insole.