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How to distinguish between regular and running shoes? Sports shoes or how sneakers differ from sneakers

Many aspiring runners are wondering how to choose the right running shoe to improve their technique? We will try to answer this question in as much detail as possible.

Let's try to listen to expert advice on how to choose running shoes. What do they say about this? Why is it so important to pay attention to the right shoes?

How are running shoes different from regular shoes?

As you know, shoes for sports are different from the usual. For example, a gym football boot must have perfect grip. They are additionally equipped with spikes for playing on the grass. Weightlifting shoes must have a small heel and a rigid sole.

The main differences between running shoes are:

  • light weight;
  • the presence of shock absorption in the heel or toe to absorb and dissipate shock overloads; in high-quality sneakers, a special gel, plastic waves or a foamed polyurethane air cushion are most often used for these purposes; the location of the shock-absorbing devices depends not only on the structure of a particular foot, but also on the chosen running technique;
  • high flexibility of the forefoot;
  • the presence of inserts made of durable rubber or plastic to increase the resistance of the outsole to abrasion;
  • asymmetric lacing to regulate the tightness of the fit;
  • the presence of an instep support on the insole to reduce compression on the spine; Moreover, such insoles must be removable so that, if necessary, they can be replaced with orthopedic ones.

Advice! Quality running models aren't cheap. Therefore, if you only use running as a warm-up before your main workout, you do not need to buy special sneakers. It is enough to choose any light and comfortable shoes that fit perfectly on the foot.

Shoes depending on the type of coverage

To choose the “right” running shoe, you need to be guided by the type of surface. Depending on its type, sports sneakers are divided into three groups:

  • trail running on rough terrain (for example, in a forest or park): more rigid and dense; should have a more "aggressive" tread for perfect grip on the ground;
  • treadmill shoes: have a thinner sole and a more flexible upper;
  • designed for training on dense hard surfaces (for example, asphalt): similar to treadmill models, but should have ideal shock absorbers to compensate for impacts.


Advice! Novice athletes very often ask the question: "How to choose sneakers for running on asphalt"? However, running on hard paved paths is not the best solution for poor feet. If you decide to go in for sports, it is better to choose specialized treadmills made of rubber and have sufficient shock absorption for these purposes, or to exercise in a forest or park and run on relatively soft, springy soil.

Sneakers for women

Few people know that a woman's foot has a different shape and proportion. This means that no matter how you like unisex sneakers, for sports you should only select special women's shoes that have:

  • extra height in the heel area; such shoes significantly reduce the risk of damage to the Achilles (heel) tendon;
  • narrower block;
  • softer cushioning.

An exception to the above rules is “marathon” shoes designed for competition. It focuses on lightening the weight of the sneaker. However, they are not intended for continuous training.


Advice! When choosing shoes for running, be sure to consider your own weight. The less trained your muscles and the more body weight, the more cushioning the shoe should have. To protect the joints from premature wear and to partially relieve the load from the ligaments and tendons, people with increased body weight should also choose models with thicker protectors.

Stability and Neutral categories. Flat feet

Without going into terminology, let's try to explain what Stability and Neutral shoes are. The fact is that some people involuntarily turn their feet outward when walking or running. This type of gait is sometimes called "ballet". Special footwear is also needed for people who walk or run a little clubfoot (this does not mean foot defects, in which special shoes are needed to order, namely, gait features).

Thus, depending on the type of foot setting, manufacturers offer several types of running shoes with a special cut:

  • with Neutral marking: with special shock absorbers located on the sides of the foot, for people who put their feet slightly to the side (clubfoot);
  • footwear for people with ballet feet; are labeled Stability.

You should not be shy and examine your feet in the store for clubfoot, flat feet or "ballet" gait. In ordinary life, these small defects are not striking for anyone. When choosing comfortable and safe footwear for sports, the specifics of the foot position can be of decisive importance. Moreover, people with an ideal gait are not so common - for example, more than 20% of the population suffer from flat feet alone.

Advice!In the presence of transverse or longitudinal flat feet, special orthopedic insoles (instep supports) should be inserted into running shoes, designed to reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system and reduce the risk of injury.

Choosing shoes for the season

If the summer season ends and autumn comes, it's time to change your sports shoes. Lightweight and breathable summer models, unfortunately, get wet too quickly, and it is undesirable to use them for the autumn-spring period.


Even if the garments are made of fabric, they do not necessarily have to get wet. For example, sneakers made using the Gore-tex membrane technology. (marked g-tx), have excellent ventilation properties and are almost completely waterproof.

For the autumn-spring period, you can also purchase high-quality fabric sneakers with a special water-repellent impregnation. Of course, you shouldn't climb into deep puddles or run in the snow in them, but in wet wet weather they will become reliable protection for your feet.

Winter products should be made of denser materials that can retain heat. Taking into account warm socks, they should be taken 0.5 sizes larger than usual. The tread of such shoes should be more stable and better adhesion to the surface than in summer shoes.

Advice!How to choose sneakers for running in winter? When shopping for winter sneakers, be sure to bring the socks in which you plan to exercise. This will help you determine the correct size.


Training and marathon sneakers

Running shoes, depending on the purpose, are divided into:

  • usual training;
  • designed only for competitions, including marathon ones, have a thinner sole and weight, but the foot in them is much less protected from physical influences.

Advice! Despite the fact that sneakers designed for competition are very light and comfortable, they should never be used for training. After all, the degree of protection of the feet in them is minimized.

Sneakers by Nike

This shoe earned the title of best running shoe for a reason. Its distinctive feature is the "waffle" sole, due to which not only their weight decreases, but also increases the push force when running. It was this patented invention that brought this manufacturer to the fore.




Since most of us step from heel to toe when walking or running, Nike's outsole is quite firm, but the toe is softer and more elastic. A foam air cushion is used as a shock absorber.

Advice! How to Choose Nike Running Shoes? "Real" sneakers from this company have a sole made of the most complex composite material. Another characteristic detail of these shoes is a small, neat tag stitched to the inside of the tongue.

Asics Sneakers

The Japanese company Asix, which has its own research institute for the study of running shoes, also deserves utmost attention. The upper of such shoes is quite dense and perfectly protects the feet from dust and moisture. The Japanese use a special gel block as a shock absorber.


You can choose from two types of Asics running shoes:

Advice! When choosing Asix shoes, you should definitely pay attention to its weight. Fake sneakers use heavier, cheaper materials.


Pay attention to the outsole too. In most cases, it is made using the Trusstic technology from cast elements in the middle part. Natural rubber or cheap plastic is naturally not used by the Japanese in this case.

Reebok Products

These sneakers are not only among the most aesthetically pleasing, but also lightweight, so they are the best fit for sports. The upper is constructed with Reebok NanoWeb technology and has a ventilated mesh. It reliably holds the foot in any bend of the foot and significantly reduces the risk of injury.




The Reebok outsole is designed for high speed and excellent traction. For a comfortable run, the manufacturer has created products with the most flexible and soft sole.

Advice!When choosing Reebok products, you should pay attention to the quality of the seams - they are perfect for a real manufacturer. Fake copies often have traces of glue, burrs and a strong pronounced smell of chemistry. The authenticity of the goods can also be judged by the packaging: it must be made of the same quality as the shoes themselves.

Adidas sneakers

These products are made on a thin but very durable and flexible sole using the QuickStrike technology. Americans offer two main types of running shoes:

  • Climacool Ride: breathable, ventilated foot and intense heat and moisture removal with breathable mesh upper, special perforated insole and ventilation inserts in the sole;



Advice! If you do not have the opportunity to purchase Adidas in a specialized store of this company, be sure to look at the manufacturer's official website. Compare the color you choose in the store with those offered on the website. It is possible that Adidas simply does not produce such colors. Please also note that the Adidas logo should be embossed and not in the form of a sticker. The same tips can be used when choosing shoes from other brands.

At the end of the article, we will try to briefly describe the main points that you should also pay attention to when choosing running shoes:

  • Even new sneakers don't have to sit back to back - you should be able to wiggle your toes a little.
  • Don't listen to salespeople trying to convince you that sneakers will stretch over time and "wrap" the leg as needed. There is no need to wear good shoes on purpose.

  • In order not to make a mistake in the size, never go to a fitting in the evening with your legs swollen after a long day at work.
  • To accurately select the size of your running shoe, it is best to take a dedicated foot test using the iStep scanner. Moreover, such a scanner is able not only to perfectly accurately determine your size, but also the type of arched arch of your foot, the force of pressure of individual areas and other parameters. Sports shoe retailers also test selected shoes on treadmills.

Today sports shoes serve not only for training, they have long become everyday, work, walking and tourist. The most popular were and remain two types of footwear for sports: sneakers and trainers. At the same time, it is rather difficult to call them rivals - they have different purposes, which determines their visual difference and different structure.

Sneakers are older than sneakers - they first appeared in 1916, while sneakers were invented almost 20 years later. Even the fact that the latter were originally invented for tennis did not prevent them from taking a place not only in the closet of athletes, but also becoming everyday shoes for every person.

What is the fundamental difference between sneakers and sneakers

The difference in these two types of sports shoes is visible to the naked eye. The main design features of sneakers:

  • outsole: solid, made of vulcanized rubber;
  • upper material: the classic version is fabric, but modern models are made of natural and synthetic leather or suede and nubuck;
  • shape and material of the toe: the toe part is straight, its toe is made of the same rubber as the sole;
  • height: the traditional cut assumes a height of the sneaker that covers the shin (by the bone), but now low models are also produced.

These characteristics make the sneakers indispensable for everyday wear, in addition, the fabric models are easy to wash.

Although sneakers are the younger brothers of sneakers, on the contrary, they have more features:

  • sole: two-layer - the first consists of polymeric materials, sometimes with the addition of rubber, the second is made of carbon synthetic rubber, a mixture of it with natural or rubber;
  • upper material: in modern models, various options for fabrics and materials are used - from simple textiles to artificial and natural leather or suede;
  • shape and material of the toe: the toe part is lifted up, made of the same material as the sneakers;
  • height: traditionally, sneakers cover the foot, but not ankle-deep, now high models of these shoes are also popular.

In addition to the main features, in sneakers it is worth paying attention to the design and material of the sole. Its contoured surface improves traction, which makes it comfortable during intense workouts. Also, the design of the sole can include a shock absorber, an air or gel cushion, which reduces stress on the joints and provides shock absorption when walking, running, jumping. All this makes sneakers indispensable for athletes, basketball players, tennis players and other athletes. At the same time, it is important that for each sports discipline its own special sneakers are developed.

Shoes for walking and sports should be different

The main difference between sneakers and sneakers is the design. The sneakers cannot be used for track and field training, as their cut and structural details do not provide reliable fixation and cushioning of the foot, which can cause injuries. If you are a fan of cycling or skateboarding, then in this case, sneakers will fit perfectly.

When it comes to what is the best choice for running, there can only be one answer - sneakers. At the same time, when choosing running shoes, you need to take into account such features of the anatomy of the foot as pronation, as well as the material of the sneakers, depending on the season.

Whatever sport you do, quality sports shoes are the key to a good workout and well-being. In the MEGASPORT store you can get acquainted with a wide range of original sports shoes from leading manufacturers. Take care of the health of your feet - buy quality sneakers for them.

Today we want to devote a separate article to all running amateurs, of whom we hope there are quite a few among our readers. Since they are far from always suitable for running, although they were originally created for this purpose, we decided to introduce our audience to the main differences, thanks to which everyone can distinguish running shoes from ordinary sneakers designed for sports or for everyday wear.

Main insignia

So, what exactly are the characteristics of a running shoe among the vast selection of athletic shoes? Let's list the main features:

1) Depreciation. As a rule, it is realized by adding an additional cushioning layer of the sole or special inserts to the heel and sometimes to the toe zone.

2) Elasticity. The upper and outsole must be extremely flexible in the forefoot.

3) Resistance to abrasion. The outsole of the running shoe has special inserts made of wear-resistant material. Such inserts are placed in places where the main load during running falls - the outer part of the toe and the heel zone.

4) Breathable material. Running shoes are made only from lightweight and breathable materials, so materials such as natural or synthetic leather are completely excluded.

5) Stiff heel. The entire construction of a running shoe should be soft, except for the heel zone, which should serve as a leg restraint.

6) Lacing. The location of the asymmetrical lacing falls more on the inside of the foot.

7) Removable insoles. Runners love to swap insoles for orthopedic counterparts, so manufacturers began to make them removable for ease of use.

8) Weight. should not exceed a weight of more than 400 grams.

It is by these signs that it will be easy to recognize running shoes from a huge variety of shoes, the choice of which is amazing in every sports store. However, it is worth remembering that these are only outward signs of difference, because each athlete must individually select running shoes for himself, paying attention to the many nuances of choice. This is a topic for the next, which will reveal the secrets of customizing running shoes for every runner or athlete. Stay in touch!

When creating shoes, manufacturers optimize them for a specific purpose. Running shoes will be different from training shoes, and volleyball shoes will not be like tennis ones. The shoe is designed for the type of load, thanks to which speed characteristics and efficiency are increased, and the risk of injury becomes less. Here are the most popular types of sneakers.

Volleyball shoes

The outsole of these sneakers will be flat, thick, but elastic. These characteristics improve traction, feet do not slip, and players can move quickly around the court.

The boot of volleyball shoes can be high or low, an overstated one gives stability, and a low one promotes intense movement around the court. Volleyball players often use joint braces, which they call cups. High shaft or joint braces provide a secure fit to protect against the most common volleyball injuries - ankle sprains and twists.

Trail Running Shoes

Trails are divided into difficult and high-speed routes, shoes for high-speed ones must be very light, so they are not heavier with protection, for technically difficult ones, on the contrary, with a high degree of protection and stability. In the wild, sneakers have to deal with water, mud, stones, so they will be heavier than shoes designed for the gym.

The outsole on trail running shoes will be grooved, with inlays to protect against rock breakdown, and sometimes even rubber studs on it for overcoming sections of the track with packed snow. These are not the spikes found on football boots, they are made from a different material. The cuff will be reinforced with good ankle support, reinforcement is added for the same reason as for volleyball players.

Running shoes

The most important criterion when choosing running shoes is their fit, they should fit very tightly to the foot, then it will be comfortable to run.

Running shoes shouldn't be crushing or wobbling, don't count on you to carry them, they should be comfortable already in the store.

Before buying, you should run through the store, this is the only way to understand whether this model is right for you or not.

The upper of the sneaker will be made of mesh, it is made of high-tech polymers, the mesh is very durable, but at the same time it has the property of stretching, thanks to this, the fit to the foot is ensured. On the sole of running shoes, there should be a guide line that separates the foot and distributes pressure on the foot, due to this, the load on the joints and on the spine is evened out, and it becomes easier to run. The back of the sneaker is made from a dense material, the strong arch supports the heel, when the heel does not wobble, it is more difficult to tuck in. The outsole in running shoes is equipped with shock absorption, it takes the shock load on itself, that is, it protects the knees and spine.

Tennis shoes

On the court, the athlete moves not only forward, but also to the sides, so tennis shoes must withstand heavy loads at any point. The entire perimeter of tennis sneakers is reinforced, especially the lateral sides, they serve as a support for the foot during sharp jerks to the sides.

Trainer Sneakers

Versatile footwear for almost all gym workouts, from tap and other aerobics to kickboxing or gym work. The sole of such sneakers will be thin and flat, this is done to increase contact with the surface of the hall, that is, for additional stability. For aerobics, sneakers with an additional zone for absorbing the shock load in the area of ​​the ball of the foot are suitable, this is the part where the maximum loads fall.

Weightlifting shoes

Designed for strength training from crossfit to weightlifting, they have a very stiff outsole. In the construction of barbells, each element is aimed at increasing stability, it is necessary to work with large weights. The sole is equipped with a small heel so that the athlete can maintain balance when the bar is located behind him.

The choice of shoes should be in accordance with the expected loads, but if you have problems with your feet, then it is better not to make the decision alone. Before choosing shoes for training, you need to consult an orthopedist, perhaps you have contraindications to the use of certain models.

Other materials

Today, sports shoes are widespread in all styles and images - from casual to business. However, whatever one may say, the main use of sports shoes is an active lifestyle. The most common sports shoes are sneakers and sneakers, which are fraught with a long history.

History of origin

In 1892, an American company released shoes with a rubber sole and a fabric upper, and over time, this design became popular not only in America.

Sneakers as an iconic element of fashion history

For the first time they started talking about sneakers in the 30s of the 19th century. Then, these shoes were meant for beach walks and were called Sand shoes. In 1916, the Keds brand appeared - this is the name of the shoe that has migrated to our days.

In 1892, nine rubber factories joined forces in the U.S. Rubber Company. Then they were joined by the company Goodyear, which owned the technology of vulcanization.

In 1957, sneakers became an integral part of the progressive youth, while teenagers from exemplary families sported patent leather boots or sandals. The sneakers began to be sold in colossal volumes and were sold in accordance with GOST with the number 9155-88.

For many years, sneakers have been a fashionable and comfortable paraphernalia of people of different age groups.

Popular types of sneakers:

  1. Converse - flat-soled sneakers, most often decorated with corporate symbols.
  2. Sneakers are a well-known sporty and fashionable shoe that can be found on a wedge heel with a hidden platform or heel. Used as an element of a romantic or casual look.
  3. Sneakers - shoes for business meetings and events.

The history of the emergence of sneakers is no less significant. Their first owners were seen in America. In the early 18th century, these were ordinary canvas shoes with rubber soles. This design had nothing to do with the modern look of sneakers.

History of sneakers

Sneakers were considered only sports shoes, but in the 50s they took on a trendy hue and became popular with teenagers. Then people of all ages began to notice the benefits of this shoe.

In the 70s. narrowly targeted sneakers for a specific sport have become widespread. Nevertheless, the number of ordinary amateurs has not diminished.

Gradually, sneakers became an attribute of the image among representatives of art and subcultural communities, and then, famous designers began to create their own lines of these comfortable shoes.

Thus, sports shoes acquired "sporting luxury" and stepped onto a new stage of their success. Today, sneakers are a part of almost every person's wardrobe.

The most common types of sneakers:

  • The cleats are soccer shoes with spikes or studs that improve ground contact.
  • Tennis shoes made of leather with special inserts. Has a flat sole, and provides good contact with the surface.
  • Cross-country - the optimal model for an active lifestyle. Has a well-fixed heel and forefoot, grooved or zigzag sole.

The main differences between sneakers and sneakers

Despite the similarities in the use of sneakers and sneakers, they have some differences.

Sole

The shoe has good tread for a firm and firm grip. Some models are equipped with an air cushion or shock absorber. These characteristics are ideal when choosing running models. The sole is most often embossed, the toe can be bent.

The part of the sneaker in contact with the surface is made of vulcanized rubber - the result of processing plastic rubber. Materials used: pure rubber, rubber compounds, duralon. Most often, there is a pattern on the sole.

Top part

Sneakers fit snugly to the leg. The material of manufacture, as a rule, is fabric, less often leather and elastic materials. However, there are also sneakers with a different type of material, but these shoes are designed for skateboarding and other sports.

Then suede or leather is used as the main material. The athletic shoe has a tighter fit to the ankle and has a flatter sole for increased traction on the flat surface of the skateboard.

On sneakers, the upper part serves to protect the foot, as well as to fix it. For this, a combination of natural and artificial materials is used in production.

Material

If classic sneakers have the main material of the upper part - fabric, leather or elastic materials, then sneakers are also made of natural or synthetic leather, mesh, suede, various types of dense fabrics and other things. The upper part of the sneaker is lower than that of the sneaker, it completely covers the foot. The inner side of the sneaker is covered with a soft fabric for better containment of the foot.

Leather products are the most suitable for daily wear in urban environments and for running. This is achieved due to the fact that this material is breathable and responds well to temperature changes. Genuine leather is a durable and oxygen-permeable material.

The following types of leather are used for sneakers:

  • smooth with slight pigmentation;
  • smooth, fully pigmented;
  • embossed;
  • rarely - nubuck.

The second most popular material is synthetic leather. It is more durable than natural leather and does not stretch. As for the mesh material, it is used for the production of sports or summer sneakers. For such shoes, nylon or polyester threads are used in the production.

The above three types of material for the upper are the main ones. However, some manufacturers try to create their own design, and resort to more technically complex materials.

It is also very important to pay attention to the material of the midsole when choosing sneakers. The better it is, the better the amortization.