How to choose the best running shoes.
When you buy running shoes, have you ever felt confused about how to pick them? There are actually multiple correct ways to choose running shoes rather than just one, and everyone should use their own criteria to pick the perfect pair. Here is a guide for how to choose shoes by considering both your preferred running feel and your running style.
The running comfort you prefer
1) One way to choose shoes is based on the sensation they offer when running
2) There are two types of running comfort: “floating” and “propulsive”
Recent research shows that it is beginning to be thought that it’s good to choose shoes from the perspective of comfort. According to this research, all runners have their own preferred running comfort, and wearing shoes that fit their preferred will lead to improved performance and the prevention of physical issues and injuries. In this sense, picking shoes based on your running comfort is one of the best ways to choose shoes. We believe that there are two main types of running comfort. One is what we call the sense of “floating,” where you prefer a soft, cushioned feeling. Wave Sky, Wave Horizon, and some other Mizuno shoes offer them. The other is what we call “propulsive,” which gives you the sense of rolling forward from heel to toe. Mizuno’s Wave Rider and Wave Inspire will give you that sense of experience.
Floating shoes list
Propulsive shoes list
Your running style
1) One way to choose shoes is based on your running style (pronation)
2) Check your pronation by looking at the degree of uneven wear and tear on your sole
Once you get used to running shoes chosen based on the running feel they offer, you should choose your next pair by also considering your running style (pronation). “Pronation” refers to the natural motion of the foot arch to collapse inwards when the foot lands on the ground to cushion the impact of landing when running.
Moderate inward pronation is called “neutral pronation” and is considered the ideal landing position. However, excessive inward “overpronation” places heavy stress on the entire leg, including the leg muscles and knee joints, and often leads to pain and injury. If you are concerned about overpronation, one fix is to choose shoes that function to support the foot based on pronation.
If you want to judge your pronation for yourself, turn over your shoes and check the soles for uneven wear and tear. If you have overpronation, the inner part of the soles will probably show signs of wear.
Mizuno’s Wave Sky and Wave Horizon, as well as Wave Rider and Wave Inspire, are shoes for the same running ability level. However, our Wave Horizon and Wave Inspire shoes offer more support for overpronation.
It’s a good idea to check your pronation and choose shoes that offer great support based on your pronation result.
Running comfort and running style
1) One way to choose shoes is based on both running comfort and running style
2) Your running comfort and running style will change day by day
There are many ways to choose the right shoes for you. Try considering both running comfort and running style when choosing your shoes. As you continue running, your comfort and running style will change. Choose the shoes that suit you best at the time by checking websites on the Internet and thinking for yourself (or consulting with staff at a specialty store if you want to get a more in-depth understanding).
*Effects and impressions vary from person to person.