Running season is truly upon us, and for those gearing up for a big marathon in 2017, now is the best (and only) time to update your gear. This is to allow you a few weeks or more to settle into it so that come race day, you aren’t fumbling around to adjust to it. A good pair of shoes is the basic and most essential part of your run. Some make you go faster, but mostly shoes keep you comfortable, which is crucial when you are pushing your body.
So, here’s a list of some shoes that reduce the chances of injury and absorb the strain of training. Take a look.
TRAINING SHOES
PUMA IGNITE 500
The Ignite is the new proprietary sole construct by Puma. As good as they are for their short distance shoes like the Ignite Speed 100 (think Usain Bolt), these are very reliable trainers for long distance running. The shoe is stable and grippy and has ample toe room. It could even be a great shoe for your first marathon. I have used a lot of Puma gear, and as much as I didn’t like their earlier shoes, this current pair shows a distinct ground-up rethink for
the entire series.
GEL-BASED
ASICS
ASICS leads the pack for gel-based cushioning (as opposed to foam-based). From Nimbus to Kayano, no runner is unfamiliar with their sub-families. It is also currently the only brand to offer extensive 3D foot-mapping and gait analysis, which can help you identify the best fit for your feet.
RACE DAY SHOES
ADIDAS ADIOS BOOST
There are few run-flats I can think of that compare to the performance of this model. The version 2.0 was criticised for having a constricting toe box, but the third and latest upgrade takes care of that. It was adjudged the most successful upgrade of the year, but I still miss the grippy lugs that were present in the previous version.
CUSHION MAXIMUM
HOKA ONE ONE
These are maximalist shoes i.e. maximum cushioning with a minimal heel-to-toe drop. Most running shoes have a drop of about 8-12mm, maybe even more, but these Hokas are different in that they provide cushioning aplenty, but with a toe drop of no more 4-9mm, which means that it is easier to do a mid-foot strike. Also, they are super-light, in spite of all the cushioning.
