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Choosing the right running shoes is fundamental to a woman’s training regime and performance. For female runners or joggers, selecting a high-performing pair of trainers is an excellent investment. This is because incorrect footwear can significantly increase the risk of foot or ankle injury. Other common physical damages caused by poor footwear include tight hips, low back pain and calf tightness.
So if you want to reduce your running injury risk, choosing the right trainers is important. Read on to learn how to prevent injury with the right type of running trainers.
Types of Running Shoes
- Motion-control trainers: These are designed for those with severe overpronation or flat feet. The rigid arch support of the footwear helps reduce the foot’s movement thanks to the heavy weight of these shoes.
- Cushioned trainers: Cushioned footwear is made for a neutral foot, i.e. those with moderate pronation. The shoes offer a mix of foam midsoles and arch support.
- Stability trainers: Those with flat feet or oversupination (turning the foot inward) can find better stability with this type of running footwear. You can significantly minimise your risk of injury by choosing a comfortable pair of stability trainers.
The primary difference in most running trainers is the foam midsole. To help with forward motion, manufacturers focus on the front of the shoe by enhancing the cushy foam. In addition, the fabric uppers contain extra strips of overlays in order to keep the foot stable.
Importance of Choosing the Right Pair of Jogging Shoes
Proper running footwear is a crucial part of helping women runners avoid potential injuries or foot discomfort. When it comes to picking the right trainer, you should think about stability, cushioning, support and of course, comfort. Here are some reasons why the right trainers can help women runners:
Improves Performance
The athletic trainers you choose must be the right fit to enhance your performance. Not only will you run faster in a race, but your cardiovascular health can also benefit. This is because as you increase the running distance and speed, you will burn more calories and help your heart pump faster.
Better Breathability
When running a marathon, your feet tend to get hot faster. To counteract this, some manufacturers use breathable materials in order for the heat to escape better. When buying a pair of trainers, make sure you pick one that comes with this feature, otherwise, you will suffer during a race, especially on a warm day!
Toe Box Protection
To prevent impact from debris, rocks or uneven surfaces, the shoe must offer toe box protection. This feature will help prevent injury from toe bruising.
Provides Support
A good pair of athletic trainers consists of a supportive frame to help stabilise the ankle and foot. The support feature is especially important during strenuous activities like running a race. In addition, the footwear can help prevent excessive inward and outward rolling of your foot (overpronation and supination). If the trainers lack support, it can lead to injuries like plantar fasciitis.
Impacts Posture
Women runners’ posture and alignment should not be compromised during a running session. A good pair of athletic shoes will not only support the feet, but it will also maintain gait mechanics. This means the footwear can help you reduce strain on your other body parts, such as lower back, hips and knees.
Comfort
Comfort has to be the most important aspect of any footwear, especially the athletic ones. Lack of comfort can adversely affect the performance of the runner and their activity enjoyment. If the footwear is too loose or tight, it can cause foot fatigue, toe blisters or general discomfort. Good cushioning in the underfoot and upper sole can help prevent such issues.
In Closing
Whether you’re a female athlete training for a marathon or running for fun, choosing the right trainers can be the foundation for preventing injuries. What’s more, those long jogs can be much more enjoyable when you’re wearing appropriate footwear. The running trainers women pick must not only be the right fit from the start but should also help prevent injuries, regardless of whether they need extra gait support or good underfoot cushioning.
