When it comes to running, you don’t just go for any kind of shoe. It’s important to know what quality characteristics your new shoes should have, how often you will use them, and for what activities. Are you a professional runner who trains or competes every day, and who runs for a living? Are you a runner who likes to go on a run three to four times a week, and who is keen to complete two or three marathons a year? Or do you pound the ground to simply keep fit, or maybe to lose weight? Picking the right footwear can be a challenge. To help you make the right decision, Saucony expert Benjamin Linsner, Marketing Manager for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Poland, explains the difference between a racing and a training shoe. “A training shoe provides a high degree of cushioning,” explains Linsner. “But the greater the cushioning, the greater the weight.” Saucony training shoes such as the Triumph and the Zealot, which are part of the new ISO range, are 100 to 150 grams heavier than racing shoes.

Another characteristic of a training shoe is the higher offset – in other words, the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. The heel-to-toe drop of Saucony training shoes varies between 4 and 8 millimeters. This kind of shoe is suitable for any running style. A training shoe should be what you wear for everyday exercise. It’s the shoe you run the most kilometers in throughout the year. These shoes are especially designed for long runs, for example during marathon training.” “With racing shoes, by contrast, the focus is on minimizing weight,” states Linsner. “A racing shoe is less than 200 grams. The ultra lightweight model under all Saucony racing shoes is the Endorphin Racer, tipping the scales at just 88 grams. The Type A6 is just 147 grams, the Fastwitch only 198 grams. And racing shoes are made with a low heel-to-toe drop of either 4 or even as low as 0 millimeters. Shoes with a 0 millimeter offset are typically used for short-distance competitions of up to 5000 meters.

Racing footwear also features cushioning of greater responsiveness throughout for more powerful foot movement. A racing shoe also allows greater dynamism in all body movement. An additional feature of Saucony racing shoes are water drainage ports to keep the foot dry.” But what if you don’t want to be forced to choose between a racing or a training shoe? What if you want to have the best of both worlds? Well, Saucony has a solution for this, too: the Kinvara. “The Kinvara is Saucony‘s best-selling shoe worldwide, and has been voted among the best running shoes of 2014 by Runner’s World magazine,” emphasizes Linsner. “It combines comfortable cushioning with an offset of 4 millimeters while still being extremely lightweight at just 218 grams. So it’s perfect for the type of runner who wants a training and a racing shoe in one. A further strength of the 5th edition of the Kinvara: it includes the brand-new features of the ISO range, such as the PWRGRID+ system in the heel for enhanced impact protection and improved durability.

The Kinvara is simply the ideal blend of a cushioned shoe and a racing shoe.”When it comes to finding the right running shoe, it pays to be picky. Why not choose a version that suits your running style and helps you find success with your fitness goals? While there is no black-and-white formula to follow when you’re shoe-shopping, here are a few tips that I’ve come to learn over countless hours of training and time invested in the marathon world.running shoes buy one size bigger 1. Think about the size. mens nike basketball shoes on clearanceA lot of runners choose to size up and purchase a pair that is half a size bigger than what they normally wear.best shoe brands wiki

2. Shop at specialty stores. Running shops, such as Jack Rabbit, will allow you to test the shoes on a treadmill in stores. The staff also consists of runners, who can answer any questions you might have about the best brand for your experience level. 3. Assess the features that are most important to your running style. nike fitness shoes ladiesMany shoes tout minimalist and springy, cushiony features, while others aim to combine lightweight details with comfort and cushion. new nike soccer cleats fall 2012Think about what dynamic features work best for your body.top 10 most rare nike shoes 4. Check out the Shoe Finder function at Brooks.  offers a questionnaire about your running needs and style and then recommends a specific shoe that should suit your needs.

Even if you don’t decide to run in Brooks, it’s a great option to determine those important features. 5. Pound the pavement. If you are deciding between a couple of styles, a test run might provide the solution. While out on your run, you can assess which shoes allow you to run with the most amount of comfort and ease. 5 Minimalist Running Shoes for Women Nike Is Making Plans to Break a Major Running World RecordFirst launched in 2006, the ROCLITE has come in many guises over the last 10 years and proven a huge success worldwide with runners seeking a versatile shoe that can handle all types of off-road terrain. From the original ROCLITE 315 to the super-lightweight ROCLITE 243 and the more recent ROCLITE 295, runners wearing these shoes have broken global records and won world championships. It was even the shoe of choice for Kevin Carr, who between 2013 and 2015 undertook the ultimate all terrain running challenge, becoming the fastest man to run around the world.