Whether you're hiking or heading to the gym, we ask the experts what you should take into account when you're choosing your next pair of trainers
Wearing the wrong shoes will run you into some problems such as pain and injuries. And with different types of running available––from city runs, hiking or going to the gym––you want to make sure you're in the know on how to choose the right shoes.
To avoid a recipe for disaster, we asked two experts, Panda Li, physiotherapist and founder of PhysioMotion and Douglas Horne, a podiatrist at Sportsperformance Physiotherapy for advice.
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Different Types And Features of Shoes
"All sports shoes are not created equal," says Horne. They may "on first look seem the same but in many ways, they are quite different as they are designed to tackle different activities."
"Jogging or running shoes are designed for a unidirectional activity running forward, usually on a fairly stable surface." Trail running shoes, on the other hand, share similar features with running shoes but "the main difference is a stiffer midsole and a more rugged outsole with bigger lugs for better grip on the ground."
Hiking shoes "are built for stability and protection as well as grip. These shoes are usually stiffer and a little heavier than trail running shoes with a cushioned midsoles to reduce fatigue, a supportive upper and often hard toe protector." It's also important to have a grippy sole and "lacing options which hold the foot snugly and comfortably."
And gym shoes have "more emphasis on dynamic exercise and cross-training." Their features include " a lightweight cushioned shoe with a wide, flat outsole with a very stable heel cup."
Li summarises the common features that running shoes should have such as lightweight and comfortable, allow the feet to move well to attenuate shock, flexible soles to allow easy manoeuvrability of the joints of feet and ankles.
When it comes to knowing which shoe is right for you, Horne says the best way to find out is to see a podiatrist. From there, you can get advice on your foot shape, foot type, and other issues you have to prevent injuries from your chosen activity. If that's not possible, you can still do your own research by visiting trusted websites and using apps like Shoe Buddy, or visiting a local shop that specialises in running and hiking.
"Ideally, your shoe should simply allow your feet to move well, provide some impact shock absorption while not inhibiting gait and not causing discomfort during or after your running," says Li. But she also adds that "we should rely on appropriate biomechanics of our feet and optimal movement patterns in our whole body to attenuate shock as the best method to reduce impact—not rely solely on shoes."