A pair of good running shoes can make all the difference to your running performance - and health too.
But choosing a pair of running shoes that fits you most is obviously no easy task as a Consumer Council test has attested.
No effort was spared in the test combining components from scientific laboratory assessment to expert evaluation by experienced runners and orthopaedic specialists.
Consumers serious about their running shoes will do well to refer to the report in this (September) issue of CHOICE.
The test comprised 13 pairs of running shoes in the categories of stability (5 pairs), neutral/cushioning (6 pairs), no claim (2 pairs) priced from $400 to $1,100.
First, performance test, the shoe samples were tested on performance with the aid of 20 experienced runners running a distance of 5 km in each model sample. After each run, they evaluated the properties of the shoes in respect of:
- Running characteristics i.e. shock absorption, push-off behaviour, grip of sole and slipping resistance.
- Comfort and fit i.e. correct fit, presence of uncomfortable pressure points, blisters, etc.
- Degree of liking i.e. least or best liked.
Second, biomechanics test, in a biomechanical laboratory, sensors were placed in appropriate locations on the samples to measure the biomechanical data collected in terms of: pronation control, shock absorption, and pressure distribution in forefoot and heel.
Third, expert assessment by an orthopaedic specialist, an orthopaedic shoe-maker and a sports doctor evaluating on: the general fit of the shoes, lacing, toe box (free movement of toes), heel guidance, sole flexibility, behaviour of shoe during push-off and torsion.
Fourth, endurance and durability, damage was found on the heel lining and insole of many samples in the abrasion resistance test.
2 models were also found with tear development in the outsole in the flex resistance test.
The samples were rated overall on a 5-point scale based on: running performance (25%), biomechanics (35%), expert assessment (20%) and endurance and durability (20%). 1 sample scored 4½ points, followed by 8 samples 4 points, and 4 samples 3½ points.
More tips on choice of running shoes:
- A wrong choice could cause discomfort and fatigue, or even painful foot and joint problems.
- Try a few pairs and go for the ones that feel best on your feet. Shoes that fit your feet should feel immediately comfortable and require no wearing in.
- The shape of your foot determines the shoe category for you. To find out the shape of your foot, wet in water and make foot prints on a piece of paper. There are 3 foot types, namely, neutral, over pronation and underpronation.
- Neutral: The foot will strike the ground on its outside edge and roll inwards to disperse the impact over a great area.
- Over-pronation: The feet roll inwards too much and for too long. A likely sign of overpronation is excessive wear on the inside edge of the soles of the shoes.
- Underpronation (supination): The feet don't roll inward enough and less shock is dispersed. There is excessive wear on the outside edge of the soles of the shoes.
- It is important to understand the foot type in order to choose the right pair of running shoes.
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