THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB T
ext: Jenny Wikman / Illustration: Emelie Voltaire
Find shoes that fit your feet and the terrain you’re running and you’ll have a lot more fun. Let Hooked show you the light.
Terrain
Distance
Frequency
HARDPACK TRAILS: Choose light, supple shoes with a shallow lug pattern – not unlike regular road shoes.
Two essential parts of every running shoe are cushioning and drop. These greatly influence the distance and speed the shoe can handle.
TECHNICAL SINGLE TRACK: Pick shoes with toe and heel reinforcements to protect your feet from impacts by roots and rocks – preferably a grippy Vibram sole with a deep, multi-directional lug pattern. The sole might need a shank for stability and rotational stiffness.
SHORT, FAST DISTANCES: Choose a shoe with less drop (under 6 mm) that encourages toe strikes and fast paces. You’ll get by with less cushioning and can pick thin, lightweight soles.
COMPETITION SHOES: Fast and light shoes make for fast runs. These featherweight shoes are less durable, which is ok if you only wear them for racing. Running fast also means less wear on the shoes since you take fewer (but longer) steps, and it’s only your forefoot that briefly touches the ground.
UNTRACKED TERRAIN: Choose sturdier, protective shoes made from durable materials. They must be adequate for scrambling up hills and running through bogs while prioritising stability over speed. And of course, a Vibram sole with a deep, multi-directional lug pattern (for grip at all times) is recommended.
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LONG DISTANCES: For long-distance running the body eventually needs the relief provided by thick, cushioned soles. You’ll get by with a higher drop (up to 8 mm) since you’ll land more and more on your heels at slower speeds. Don’t rush when transitioning to a shoe with less drop! The body needs some time to adjust since a lower drop activates other muscles than you might be used to. Compare them to your current running shoes and everyday sneakers, and pick a drop in the same ballpark.
TRAINING SHOES:: Training shoes are designed for wear and tear; they’re more durable and heavier than competition shoes. This is necessary because regular running and slower paces put more wear on the shoes. Lower speeds equal more steps per metre and more strikes to your forefoot, midfoot and heel, thus creating more friction between the sole and the ground.
