Running shoes
RUNNING SHOES - ADVANTAGES THROUGH BEST QUALITY
A normal shoe is not an option. Today's top running shoes are designed to give you the best possible support while running and to protect you from overstraining or even injury:
Cushioning where it's needed: running shoes protect your feet, knees and tendons through targeted cushioning. Your running style is important. If you only touch down with your forefoot, you need more intensive cushioning. If, on the other hand, you roll over your heel, less is enough.
Protect your joints: To protect your knees, ankles and tendons, adjust your cushioning to your preferred surface. Harder running tracks on asphalt require more intensive cushioning than gravel or forest floors. However, the running shoe cushioning should not be too soft. This can also have a negative effect on your joints. When making your choice, also consider your body weight and your running style.
WHAT TYPES OF RUNNING SHOES ARE THERE?
A trail or nature path presents you with different challenges than the road. Beginners need more support than experienced runners. That's why there is a running shoe for every situation:
- Neutral shoes: The perfect middle ground. The cushioning is pleasant, but not too intense. The foot receives guidance, but not too much. The weight also settles in the middle and the drop is not too steep. Neutral running shoes are therefore suitable for your training on asphalt, especially if you roll naturally.
- Supported running shoes: Supported running shoes combine intensive cushioning with a stiff upper that gives the foot significant support. All of this counteracts overpronation, where the knees and feet buckle inwards when you step on them. The drop is medium, rather strong.
- Trail running shoes: Soft, uneven ground meets roots, tree trunks, possibly larger stones. Trail running shoes therefore provide intensive support for the foot and also have a sole with studs that grip even on mud. The material is usually breathable, sometimes waterproof, while the cushioning is moderately intensive.
- Competition shoes: Running shoes for competition are lighter than training models. They save on cushioning and support, guiding the foot only minimally. The thin upper material saves weight on the one hand, while ensuring effective ventilation on the other.
- Natural running shoes: The barefoot running feeling is gaining more and more followers. Instead of a leading upper and thick cushioning, Natural Running shoes shine with minimal weight and maximum flexibility. The sole protects against stones, not against impacts. The musculoskeletal system takes care of that. Therefore, natural running shoes are only suitable for experienced, well-trained runners.
HOW ARE RUNNING SHOES CONSTRUCTED?
Every running shoe is made up of several elements. Each component fulfills its own task:
- The outsole protects against uneven ground and stones. It also provides grip through special rubber compounds and sole patterns.
- The midsole provides cushioning. It is made of elastic materials and contains special technologies such as Boost, Gel or Zoom Air.
- The upper material protects against the elements and is supposed to be breathable, light and robust at the same time. There are also water-repellent versions and models that keep the foot warm even in cold weather.
- The insole allows you to adjust the running shoe even more precisely. The insole is removable and allows for changes in fit, footbed and additional cushioning.
- The lacing should not pinch, but still hold your foot firmly in place. For trail running, there are also versions that don't get caught in small branches.
RUNNING SHOES: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SPREN?
Guided by the midsole and footbed, most running shoes drop slightly to intensely from back to front: the spren. In other words, the drop describes the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. In principle, a low offset favours a natural running style. Natural running models therefore sometimes rely on a completely flat progression from the heel to the forefoot. A more intensive - i.e. thicker - cushioning at the back, on the other hand, is intended to relieve the heel of heel runners.
BUYING RUNNING SHOES: WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR?
The most important thing when buying new running shoes: size and fit should be right. Of course, running shoes should not be too tight. You should also avoid chafing. Since the feet can swell a little, especially on longer runs, and should not hit the front when rolling, you should normally go about half a size up compared to street shoes. A thumb's breadth of space in front of the toes is considered optimal. The last should be wide enough to give your foot enough room. The ankles, on the other hand, are free. Also note that running shoes vary in size depending on the brand and model.
HOW MANY PAIRS OF RUNNING SHOES SHOULD I OWN?
It makes sense to own several pairs of running shoes: If you own at least two different pairs of running shoes, you prevent your foot from being permanently loaded one-sidedly during training. The muscles receive different stimulation. This also prolongs the life of the shoes. Just like your body, jogging shoes need a certain regeneration time to develop their full cushioning qualities again. 48 hours is considered sufficient. As a rule, you should change your running shoes after 800 to 1,000 kilometres. By then, the cushioning and materials have largely worn out. If sports shoes remain unused, the materials and cushioning will still age. Depending on storage conditions, running shoes can "wear out" by up to 200 km per year.
THE BEST RUNNING SHOES FOR EVERY SEASON
High temperatures. Slippery. Cold. You want to run at all times and therefore cannot rely on one pair of running shoes. There are suitable versions for every weather condition:
Running shoes for winter
Support is especially important in the cold season. Therefore, use running shoes with particularly non-slip rubber compounds, possibly an intensive sole pattern or even spikes. They should also be water-repellent, and on particularly cold days wear shoes with a Gore membrane. Reflectors for running sessions in the dark also increase safety.
Running shoes for summer
Thinner material saves weight and increases breathability. The right combination for summer. The upper should also transport moisture effectively to the outside.
Running shoes for the transitional season
Conditions change more often between dry and wet. So you need outsoles that offer grip even in wet conditions, as well as somewhat thicker material that can also be water-repellent.
RUNNING SHOES: TEST WINNERS & STANDARD MODELS
Every year, many shoe models are tested and compared in the running scene, and the Keller Sport Pros also test new running shoe innovations. As different and individual as feet can be - so diverse is the range of shoe models: With Eliud Kipchoge's marathon sprint of under 2 hours, the Nike Alphafly NEXT% also entered the stage. A running shoe revolution and revolution. After all, the predecessor of the Vaporfly series is already one of the most famous in the entire industry, just like Nikes Pegasus. adidas Running counters with its Ultraboost, among others, whose revolutionary damping makes running on asphalt faster and more comfortable. The ASICS Kayano series has been around for generations.
CUSHIONING MATERIALS FOR RUNNING SHOES
Not all cushioning is the same. Each of the major sports shoe manufacturers has developed its own technologies with special advantages:
- adidas BOOST: Small capsules that contract when you step on them to return energy to your foot immediately, above all intensely. That's adidas Boost. The cushioning from Herzogenaurach also promises high running comfort.
- ASICS GEL: Silicone for long-lasting cushioning and stability. ASICS GEL technology is one of the most famous in the running shoe industry. It cushions, stabilises the rolling foot and also adapts to the shape of your foot.
- Nike Zoom Air: Through an interplay of intensely stretched fibres and compressed air, Nike creates control, agility and responsiveness. Zoom Air absorbs your impact, then returns to its original shape shortly afterwards. This combines protection and dynamics and protects joints, muscles and tendons.
- Mizuno Wave: Waves replace a flat shape. With its Wave technology, Mizuno sets itself apart from the competition by extending the impact force to the entire sole instead of absorbing it selectively. The cushioning is complemented by increased stability and dynamics.
RUNNING SHOES ONLINE AT KELLER SPORTS
You choose the type of running shoe, your preferred sports brand, and Keller Sports will supply you with the desired shoe model. In the Keller Sports running store you will find both men's running shoes and women's running shoes. Nike is represented as well as ASICS and adidas. You can also order running shoes from ON, PUMA, Saucony, New Balance or Mizuno online and regularly benefit from the attractive offers in our running shoe sale.