LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT RUNNING SHOE?

We've gathered the most important information about running shoes for you, so that everything fits when you buy your next pair of running shoes.

IN BRIEF

• BLAST FOR RUNNING SHOES 
• STABLE VS. NEUTRAL RUNNING SHOES
• WEAR AND TEAR FOR RUNNING SHOES

Luppers are the Formula 1 in shoe construction. Here, everything is developed and tested that we will find in other shoes in the coming years in terms of technology: Cushioning, knit uppers and even carbon plates in the sole. Today we're taking a little journey into running shoe technology and explaining the basics - let's go!

BLAST FOR RUNNING SHOES

Ever heard of blasting? Here and today it's about the heel drop in the shoe! The topic of "natural running" is perhaps no longer as present as it was a few years ago, but the term "spring" is still an important technical term among runners and running shoe manufacturers.

But what does it actually mean? In running shoes, "offset" refers to the difference in height from the heel to the forefoot - the "thickness" of the sole has no influence on this. It's best to imagine a highheel, which has a high offset compared to a barefoot shoe, which is zero. Evolutionarily, the small offset is the most natural - after all, the foot itself has no offset.

Nevertheless, it is important to know when recommending a supposedly "flat" shoe that for the majority of runners a gentle transition is required. The most important factor here is the calf muscles, which in most people tend to be shortened, i.e. weak, due to a lot of sitting and the choice of leisure and everyday shoes. By the way, this is also often a cause of classic Achilles tendon or plantar tendon complaints. Targeted strengthening and increasing flexibility can already be a good preparation here. The majority of endurance running shoes currently have a 10-12 mm drop. If you want to move below 10-12mm or like to run in the natural running range, think about short and crisp strengthening exercises to prevent overloads. The path to less sprinting is certainly leaving a certain comfort zone for some, but it will pay off in the long run. By the way, the CURREX Insole does not change the shoe's sprint!

STABLE VS. NEUTRAL RUNNING SHOES

When do I need a running shoe with a support and when can I run in a neutral shoe? 20 years ago, all shoe companies were of the opinion that the foot should not bend inwards when running. This was thought to be the cause of all kinds of running injuries. To prevent this, orthopedists made insoles that were firm and lifted the foot on the inside. The shoe industry built shoes that had so much support on the inside that natural running was no longer possible. Unfortunately, this did not reduce the number of injuries, because every second runner still gets injured at least once a year.

Today we know that pronation (the inward bending of the foot) is an important part of healthy running - a natural cushioning mechanism, so to speak. Large studies with over 2000 male and female runners have shown that with some pronation, the risk of injury actually decreases. So when do I as a runner need additional support from the shoe on the inside? There is no general answer to this question. However, we have the following tip: Pay attention to the movement of the legs (knee joints) and the foot profile. If you have flat feet with a bow leg, more stable shoes are recommended.

So let's summarize again:
1. Every foot is unique
2. Pronation is not a bad thing per se
3. The leg axis gives you clues for the right support

To be on the safe side you can ask your local running shoe dealer for advice. Please use our dealer locator: 

WEAR AND TEAR FOR RUNNING SHOES

Have you ever wondered how many miles you've run in your running shoes this year? And did you know that running shoes can get tired? We are talking here, of course, about the fatigue of the material. So there are a few signs that might indicate it's time for new running shoes: are your current shoes worn out, do they have holes, has the cushioning worn off, or are you experiencing pain or discomfort while running? If so, then it might be wise to consider new shoes.

Running shoes lose their cushioning properties over time, among other things. Typically, a running shoe will wear out after 800- 1000 km and should be replaced as the risk of injury increases. Fatigue fractures can be the result. In addition, it is important to get a 2nd pair of running shoes if more than 2 running sessions a week are on the schedule, this also demonstrably reduces the risk of injury. 

With our tips for your next running shoe purchase in your pocket, nothing stands in the way of your successful running training. Have fun!

And if your feet hurt or your knees ache, let us know. The CURREX insoles distribute the load on your joints optimally and give your run that extra boost.