Recent Running Shoe Trends

The fact that the running shoes industry is currently experiencing phenomenal growth is reflected in the significant investments that big footwear companies are making in developing new technologies for running shoes. However, for a layperson, understanding the various technical terms and deciding which shoe is actually best for you may not be easy. We will try to make an effort here to provide details about some of the top technologies making their mark in the market today and inform you as to how exactly they may benefit you in your running experience.

You may have heard about different types of shoes based on feet type, as also stability and motion control shoes. Some shoes are specially designed for nighttime running while others are made for running in nature amongst wooded areas and mountain trails. Yet technology keeps evolving and companies keep coming up with products that are superior to the previous ones.

• Adidas 1: All the hype surrounding this technology from Adidas is probably quite justified. Every pair of Adidas 1 shoes is equipped with a kind of microprocessor that can not only monitor but also perform calculations. A magnetic sensor is placed in the middle section of the shoe and is designed to keep track of the changes in weight of the runner, the running surface and pace. This information is then sent to the microprocessor that calculates whether the cushions of the shoe are in a zone that can provide maximum comfort. If it is not, the shoe self-adjusts itself so that the cushions are in the ideal zone at all times, providing maximum comfort and support to the runner.
• Nike Free: The Nike Free Shoes are advertised as providing a new barefoot running experience! Confused? Exactly – this is the kind of amazement and curiosity that the manufacturers were looking for when they first introduced the Nike Free Running Shoes. These shoes along with the Nike Free Trainers are supposed to be one of the most lightweight and flexible shoes around. In fact, they are made from special material that makes the shoes so flexible that they fit snugly around your feet. In addition, there is no heel counter, just some soft upper material. All this creates an impression for the wearer that he or she is not wearing any shoes at all. Of course, the shoe is covered with foam from the inside to provide adequate protection to the runner’s feet. To top it all, this shoe will not inhibit or restrict your running in any way.
• ASICS: These shoes have been specially designed for people with high arches or overpronators as they are called. Designed in co-ordination with a well-known sports podiatrist, ASICS have come up two new models that are aimed at guiding the motion of the feet, helping it to naturally overcome its instability.

There is no doubt that we will see more new technologies emerging in the shoe industry and that there will be more research to see which of these technologies will help runners run that much better and that much faster.