History of running shoes
Today there are many running shoe companies, most with running shoes to suit all styles, surfaces, distances and speed. Some brands make shoes available in different widths to ensure the perfect fit.
Currently, the biggest players in the running shoe industry are: Nike, Adidas, Asics, Reebok, New Balance, Saucony, Mizuno, Brooks and Puma.
Adidas claim that the first real 'jogging' shoe was their 1968 creation - 'The Achille'. However, Asics shoes were worn by Adebe Bikila of Ethiopia to win the 1960 Rome Olympic marathon.
Prior to the 1960's people ran in shoes that we now perceive as leisure, classic or retro shoes. Things like the Dunlop Greenflash, Adidas Rom or Adidas Samba.
Running shoe technology today
Today, billions of pounds are spent on research and development as the brands invest in refining their own running shoe technologies.
Essentially, running shoe technology hinges on the balance between managing shock absorbtion (cushioning), controlling overpronation (stability) and keeping the shoes as light, 'grippy' and durable as possible.
Many leading running shoe enthusiasts say that running shoes fall into 6 main catagories:
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Cushioning running shoes:
Normally built on a semi-curved last and have superior fore and rear foot cushioning. They have fewer control and support features in the midsole and upper. The focus of the shoe is to provide the most cushioned ride possible. Ideally for runners with high or medium arches and neutral or average foot mobility / running gait.
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Support running shoes:
Designed to limit excessive foot motion and are suitable for mild to mid overpronators. Usually built on semi curved lasts and are slightly heavier than cushioned shoes with more support features. That said they still provide a cushioned ride. Suitable for normal to flat arches and neutral to flexible feet.
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Motion Control running shoes:
The primary aim of these shoes is to control negative foot motion and to assist in correcting biomechanical problems. Straight lasted and stable they usually feature a visible stability component in the midsole and or upper. This extra stability however, sometimes comes at the expense of a cushioned ride. They're suitable for low arched, mobile feet.
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Lightweight running shoes:
Incorporating racing shoes and racer trainers. These running shoes are cushioned and flexible but follow a minimalist approach to design and functionality in order to maintain lightness. They are normally not very supportive and are often without huge amounts of shock absorbtion technology. To make them quick and responsive, they are usually lower to the ground and built on curved lasts. Runners with normal to high arches are usually best suited to these shoes.
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On and off road running shoes:
Many types of shoes can fit into this category. Essentially, qualification as an 'on and off road shoe' is dependant on the sole unit. Simply, the sole must be durable enough to sustain a pounding on the road yet at the same time it must have deep enough 'lugs' to maintain traction off road. The two classic on and off road sole units are the Nike waffle sole and the Saucony triangular lugs sole unit.
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Off road running shoes:
Even more so, the success of an off road shoe is dependant on the sole unit. An off road sole needs to be able to grip on the fells and muddy cross country runs. Because the ground is softer, off road shoes need less in terms of shock absorption and stability technology. Rather, the off road running shoe is often quite basic with a strong focus on a deep cleated outsole.
