Regardless of whether you are just starting out with running or you are experienced and looking for new shoes, you need to know what to look for in the best running shoes for women. There is a difference in female and male runners and their running shoe needs. A women’s body is made different and some women may need shoes designed especially for them.
Many athletic companies now consider the fact that women need running shoes that are specifically designed for them. In 2016, women ran in over 50% of all 5K races in the US and participated in 43% of marathons. This makes it even more important to design running shoes specifically for them.
Differences Between Women’s And Men’s Running Shoes
What is it about running shoes for women that make them so different? Most women’s shoes are narrower than men’s. Women also tend to weigh less than men and don’t need a much firmness in the cushioning. Women’s shoes tend to be more narrow in the heel and wider in the toe and forefoot area. Men’s shoes tend to have a straighter design on the entire shoe.
However, some women will find that a man’s shoe fits better so don’t worry if this is the case. You just have to find the best fit for your feet. Other companies are selling running shoes that are gender-neutral. They have a wider selection of shoes that are available in different widths and sizes.
Different Running Styles
Another thing to keep in mind when buying running shoes is the type of running you will be doing.
There are shoes that are designed for running on trails and running on roads. They will weigh different, have different tread and the durability will be different. For instance, if you are running on paved surfaces, you won’t need as much tread as you would if you were running a changing terrain.
The biggest difference you will see in the trail running shoe is the tread material and design. They are specifically designed to increase traction while running on different terrains and to protect your feet from wet or muddy conditions.
Because you will be maneuvering across mud, dirt, rocks and other trail obstacles, you will need to have extra stability, protection and support. Running shoes designed for trail use provide more cushioning around the ankle area and tongue area. They will have the traction pattern designed to give you maximum traction for climbing and descending jagged types of terrain.
If you plan on doing most of your running on paved areas, a lightweight shoe will be best. The common road running shoe is lighter and more breathable. Although they provide substantial cushioning, they won’t feel heavy or bulky.
The heels are designed for extra support for your feet and joints. Flat outsoles allow you to improve your speed for marathons. If you do a lot of strength training or go to the gym a lot, cross-trainers would be your best bet. A cross training shoe is designed to give extra support to your ankle for forward and side movements.
If you are just a casual runner, then durability might not be as important to you. If you wear your running shoes all the time, then you need a shoe that offers high mileage.
Your Gait
When you use your whole body for field sports, swimming and running, your movements are unique to you. This is your gait. Your gait comes from your body’s flexibility, strength, mobility and even your lifestyle habits. You can analyze your gait to find your natural pattern of movement. For runners, this means figuring out your pronation.
Pronation is the way your foot rolls outward or inward when it touches the ground. You can check the pronation of your feet in a few different ways. You could record a video of your feet as you run on a treadmill to see which part of your foot hits the ground first. You could also look at how the soles wore on an old pair of running shoes. You can find out if you overpronate, underpronate or if you are a neutral runner.
Overpronation
If you overpronate, your foot rolls inward when it hits the ground. The foot cannot absorb the shock of your foot hitting the ground as well and your ankle and foot does not stabalize the body efficiently. You just need to look to see if the inside edge of your shoes are worn down.
Underpronation or Supination
This is the opposite of overpronation and your foot rotates outward when striking the ground. The impact is not reduced and your weight is not evenly distributed on each step. The outside edge of your shoe will be worn. It’s important to have shoes that have sufficient cushioning and stability.
Neutral
This runner has centralized balance as well as a normal arch. The foot does not roll too far in either direction and lands completely on the ground. The foot distributes the weight of the impact more evenly.
To get the best running shoes for your particular gait and style of running, these tips can help you to get a pair of shoes that you feel good in. Now it’s time to take control of your running and be the best you can be.