Running Shoes Brands

Brands Of Running Shoes

Running shoes are probably the most important piece of gear a runner will ever need. A good shoe can make the running experience enjoyable while shoes that are not built right or appropriate for the activity, can make the running experience painful. What brand of running shoe a runner wears is almost a matter of opinion but that does not make all brands equal. Nearly a third of all runners will choose Asics over any other brand. Coming in a close second is New Balance. Surprising, Nike could not even cover the foot of a fifth of runners. Adidas is almost level with Saucony with how many runners prefer their brand.

Many other brands of shoes exist that carry running shoes. In addition to the ones previously mentioned there is Avia, Entonic, Brooks, Spira, Reebok, Fila, Mizuno, Puma, Pearl Izumi, and Ryka. Each brand of running shoe also has subcategories. These subcategories are racing flats, spikes, lightweight trainer, cushion toed, cushioned heel, cushioned heel and toe, neutral, stability, mild stability, motion control and trail.

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No matter what brand of shoe you buy, there are some very important qualities to look for. The outsole is the treaded lay on the bottom of the shoe that is usually made of carbon rubber or another similar material. Its purpose is to resist wear and to provide traction while running. It may have a waffle design to increase the traction while on less hard surfaces. The midsole is probably the most important part of the running shoe as it provides the cushioning and stability layer between the upper and outer sole. It is commonly made of ethylene vinyl acetate or polyurethane. Sometime it is made of a mixture of both. The upper sole is the part of the shoe that goes over the top of the foot. It should be made of a material that is lighter and breathable so that the foot does not get to hot while running. The tongue of the upper sole should be padded to keep the laces from causing pressure on the foot. The back of the upper sole is often padded as well to keep the shoe from rubbing against the achilles tendon while running. The heel counter is a firm cup to control the motion of the foot. The post, also known as the footbridge, is a firm material in the midsole to increase stability on the inner side of the shoe.