Running is among the most popular sports known to humanity. Whether you are aiming to become the next Olympic gold medalist or Running to get the weight off your chest, you deserve to enjoy it just the same. Running is a freeing sport and a very rewarding activity. For many people, nothing is as powerful as the feeling, sound, and emotion that come with one foot hitting the ground after the other.

The activity allows you to create music with nothing but your moving body, as well as helps you let go of your unwanted thoughts with the wind and replenish your mind with every deep breath you take. It is a sport like no other and has the least demanding athletic activity, requiring nothing but comfortable clothes, a pair of Running Shoes, and space. Because your choice of running shoes is what will help you unlock your full potential, you should read through our guide to finding the right running shoes among the numerous choices.

Shoe Uppers

Anything that goes above your shoe’s sole is known as the upper. Running shoe uppers are usually created from glued and sewn layers of mesh and other flexible fabrics. However, with the advancing technologies, you will find that newer athletic shoe models are made using 3D printers and kniterates for more durability and increased functionality.

One-piece uppers created using improved, novel technologies provide more support as needed. They are also extra stretchy, which is great because they will not confine or restrict your movements. If you are leading a more sustainable lifestyle, you may be interested to know that more manufacturers are using eco-friendly textiles. When you are searching for the right running shoes, make sure that the uppers are smooth all around and will not cause chaffing anywhere. You also need to find ones that will take the shape of your feet and will not bind you in any way.

Heel Counters

Heel counters are the half-rigid layer inside the back of your shoes. A heel counter is somewhat shaped like a cup and is designed in a way that supports and frames your heel. Some shoe models come with more noticeable, external heel wraps that serve the same function. More simplistic and newer designs feature no heel counters to provide more freedom and mobility. Though you must know that according to runnersworld.com, research suggests that heel counters do not restrict or impact movement, they only provide sufficient support and are rather helpful when it comes to landings. This means that whether you choose shoes with heel counters, its functionality all comes down to support. All that matters is that your selected running shoes come with heels that help you move your ankle comfortably.

Ankle Collars

As you may have deduced from the name, ankle collars are the sheathes found at the shoe opening’s top, keeping the heel in its place. Some shoe models have a thicker ankle collar for maximum support, while others are more shape-dependent for increased comfort and freedom of movement. If you want, you can gather a few of your favorite models featuring the two different types of ankle collars and see their review, as knowing what most people feel comfortable in can give you more insight. The type of ankle collar you decide to go with doesn’t matter; either way, make sure that your heel doesn’t slip, consider the way the padding feels on the bones at your ankle area, and pay attention to whether the collar hurts your Achilles tendon at the back. If the padding and curve feel awkward or cause you pain at the ankles, you may want to search for shoes with lightweight, shape-dependent ankle collars.

Saddles

A shoe saddle is a fortified area found inside the shoe at the instep. The instep is the arched space in your feet located between your ankle and the ball of your foot. The saddle is designed in a way that works with the shoelaces to keep the shoe held securely in place on the feet. The saddle can now be supported in multiple ways, through new lacing techniques, eyelets, and overlays, that allows the saddle to take the shape of any foot. Make sure to choose shoes with well-fitting saddles that leave no room for slippage. While they should keep your feet in place, they should not feel rough.

Because running is one of the very few sports that requires almost no equipment, your choice of running shoes is of great significance. The type you choose is your key to a less enervating run and improved athletic performance. With this activity, the type of footwear that you run with can make all the difference, which is why we gathered some of the features that you should opt for.

The post A Guide To Finding The Right Running Shoes Among The Numerous Choices first appeared on JustRunLah!.