|
Shoe Weight
I wear a size 9.5 street shoe. That translates into either a size 10 or 10.5 running
shoe, depending the on make and model. Since I wear shoes that fit me, the weight of a size 10.5 Asics GEL®
Verdict is directly comparable to a size 10 Muzino® Wave Precision 3...they both fit the
same foot.
It is amazing how different the weight of one shoe of a pair can differ from the
other. I have noticed differences of as much as 0.3 ounces. So I weigh both shoes and divide
by two to get an average weight per shoe. These variances also mean that the shoe you buy
may weigh more or less that the shoe I weighed, even if it is the same size.
Shoe Type
Shoe Types include the following categories:
- Light Cushioned: these are fast trainers or racing shoes for people with a neutral stride
or who slightly underpronate. These tend to be fast and flexible.
- Cushioned: medium weight everyday trainers that are appropriate for people with a neutral
stride or who slightly underpronate.
- Heavy Cushioned: these are heavy-duty cushioned trainers that can take some abuse. They
may not be appropriate for some of you lighter runners.
- Light Support: fast trainers or racing shoes, but for people who pronate slightly.
Forefoot flexibility will compare to that of the Light Cushioned trainers but may be a
little more laterally rigid.
- Support: medium weight everyday trainers that are appropriate for people who pronate slightly.
- Heavy Support: these are heavy-duty support trainers that will continue to provide support
even after being beat up by a heavier runner.
- Light Motion Control: I've never seen such a beast and I'd be a little suspect of any
company who marketed such a shoe.
- Motion Control: if you pronate more than just a little, you will want a pair of these in
your closet.
- Heavy Motion Control: these shoes are for heavier runners who need a lot of control.
- Racing Flats: yup, these are for race day, but make sure you wear them before hand. You
will want them to be broken in. If your biomechanics are up to it, you can even train in
these occasionally. If you are hoping to wear Racing Flats in a half-marathon or marathon,
make sure your body is up to it. Racing Flats may not be appropriate for slower or heavier
runners at these longer distances.
Pronation Scale
The Pronation Scale runs from +5 (a very heavy over pronator), to zero (a neutral stride), to -5
(extreme suppination).
Runner Weight
Shoes are designed with a specific runner in mind: some are designed for lighter runners, some
for those in the middle of the scale, and some for heavier runners. If a heavier person runs
on a shoe designed for lighter runners, the shoe will quickly break down and will never provide
the kind of cushion or support the runner needs. Alternatively, if a lighter runner selects a
shoe designed for a heavier person, they will not necessarily benefit from the cost, cushioning, or
support built into the shoe. Please note that the recommended Runner Weights listed on this site
are general guidelines. An experienced heavy runner may be able to run in light shoes if that
runner has an efficient stride. Likewise, a featherweight new runner who is a heavy heel hitter
and runs with a lot of bounce, may not be able to run safely in a lightweight shoe.
Recommendation
The Recommendation Scale runs from -5 (you'd be crazy to buy this shoe) to +5 (buy this shoe now).
|
