Dec 12

It is estimated the impact of hitting the surface while running on a road is 2-3 times your body weight. This impact is one reason why running does so much damage to runners knees, ankles and foot. One way of minimizing the impact is wearing marathon shoe inserts.

How Marathon Shoe Inserts Helps

When you run, your foot flexes and absorbs the shock on the body hitting a hard surface.Wearing shoe inserts while you are running can properly cradle your foot and its arches and give the much needed support to the ball of the foot. The ball of the foot is where the “spring” in your step occurs and eases your steps into a fast and smooth pace. The balance a good arch support shoe insert offers can make running fun and easy.

Where to Buy Marathon Shoe Inserts

Marathon shoe inserts can be purchased from your local running shoe store or you may order them over the internet.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dec 03

These three images / pictures describe the three types of runners foot Arch types.

3 Types of Runners Foot Arch Type

1. Normal Arch Type

2. Flat Arch Type

3. High Arch Type

Images of runners foot arch type

Normal Arch type

Normal-foot-type

The normal foot arch type is the most type of foot among runners. Stability shoes are recommended for runners with this type of foot.

Flat Foot Arch Type

flat-arch-footAs the name suggests, the flat arch type is just flat. The shoe type recommended is stability shoes or motion control shoes.

The High Arch Foot type

high-arch-foot-typeLook at the red line, the arch is deeply curved inside. The high Arch type of foot is very uncommon. Runners with high arch foot type are advised to wear neutral cushioning shoes.

Images Courtesy of zappos shoes. The Number online running shoe seller

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aug 18

Usain Bolt Puma Running spikes or shoe are known as Puma Theseus II spikes. Usain Bolt worked with Puma to develop the optimum running shoe.

Material Bolt Running Spike Shoe is made from.

Following this collaborative process, the complete Theseus II was born. Made from synthetic leather with an airmesh upper construction for maximum breathability, it enhances sprinting efficiency due to its stiffness of material.

Bolt of the blocks

Image courtesy of Puma Running.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jul 28

Saucony running shoes are not as common as Nike running shoes. But after I have repeatedly seen Saucony shoe adverts on Runners world magazine and I have decided to give the shoes a try.(who said advertising doesn’t work?)

I intend to use them in my training for 2009 Stanchart Nairobi marathon.

Saucony Hurricane Running shoeAlthough the sole looked more like that of a trail running shoe I just thought the shoe would be great for tarmac running. According to the manufacturer, the the outsole features XT900 rubber compound in the heel. I dont know what that means but I hope it makes running softer and easier.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 22

I just saw this Xbox inspired Nike sneaker shoes, I tried to force myself to like this shoes but I was unable!!

2500-xbox-nike shoes-sneekers

The Xbox inspired shoes were designed by Sole Junkie a Carlifornia based artist who specializes in custom based sneakers. The price tag for this Xbox inspired Nike shoes = $2,500.

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Mar 26

In 2008 U.S Consumer report tested over 205 shoe brands and the Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 was judged to be the best running shoe. The Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 topped the rankings for men’s and women’s shoes.

nike.air_zoom_vomero+2

The Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 scored top marks in :-

  • Cushioning
  • Stability
  • Flexibility
  • Weight
  • And Breathability …ah! according to CR, shoes that dissipate sweat quickly keep feet cooler and reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal infection.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mar 18

With so many running shoe brands out there, what makes a good running shoe? It is said the most important running gear is the shoe. You get it right and it will save you lots of energy and prevent you from injury.

These are the qualities of a good marathon running shoe

  1. Fit. A good shoe must fit your feet like a sock, no room to allow movement of the feet. But it should not be tight that you feel pressure.
  2. Cushioning. Running can be hard on feet and joints. Shoes should provide enough cushioning to absorb impact.
  3. Stability. A stable shoe controls motion in the ankle. At one time I bought a Nike and went running with it but I felt very uncomfortable running in it, when I checked it I discovered the heel was to high.
  4. Flexibility. The front of the shoe should flex enough to let the runner push off with the ball of the foot.
  5. Breathability. Shoes that dissipate sweat quickly keep feet cooler and reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal infection.

  6. Weight. The lighter the shoe, the better – as long as cushioning and stability don’t suffer.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: , , , , , , ,

Mar 14

When Nike+Ipod kit was introduced, Time magazine described it as the most elegant of high tech runner’s aids.

How The Nike+Ipod Kit works

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit links an in-shoe transmitter to an iPod Nano-connected receiver, so that all the facts and figures of a workout can be tracked and reviewed.

The kit relays activity from a shoe-based transmitter to a receiver dongle that plugs into the iPod Nano docking connector. (The unit is compatible, at present, with only the Nano versions of the iPod.)

nike-plus-ipod-sport-kit

Things that the Nike+Ipod Kit tracks for you

A sensor, transmitting at 2.4 GHz, detects a runner’s cadence, and a set of calibrating procedures makes a range of estimates–including time tracking, distance run, pace and calories burned–available in the iPod.

If you want some real-time feedback, a spoken alert can indicate milestones, such as lap splits or mileage, during the course of a workout. Basically, the Nano now plays host to a virtual trainer. Once your run is done, you can plug in to download the results to iTunes, where you can review performance history. By synchronizing the data on a companion Nike Web site, runners can set objectives and monitor their progress.

What is the weight of the transmitter? very very light, it won’t slow your run.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: , , , , , , ,

Dec 11

I found the following guide on important things to consider when buying running shoes at Asics shoe website.

1. Shop by activity. Sport specific shoes help prevent injuries by
delivering function and support for the intended use. Running and
walking shoes are made for straight-forward activities. Whereas
Netball, Tennis and other court-shoes provide additional support for
lateral motion. If you walk, buy a walking shoe!

2. Understand your foot. Seek advice from a podiatrist or retailer; ask
them to assess your foot type and recommend a shoe to suit. Many people
aren’t aware that ASICS has developed different shoes for the various
foot types – high arch, normal arch, and flat feet.

3. If the shoe fits; wear it. As a general guide leave one finger’s
width (1cm) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, however
this is open to personal preference. Ensure your heel does not move
excessively. Only you will know if the shoe feels comfortable. If in doubt – get out!

4. Be aware of width and fit options on certain models. If you have a
narrow foot opt for a standard fit in men’s and AA fit for women. For
average width, keep an eye out for shoes in a 2E fit for men and
standard fit for women. And if you have wide feet check out 4E shoes
for men and D fit in women’s. Shoes such as the ASICS GT2110 come in
various widths so ask the retailer about the available options ASICS
provide.

5. Wear the socks and or orthotics you normally wear for the activity.
Never place orthotic devices directly on top of the standard innersole
– unless advised by a qualified medical practitioner.


6. Our feet tend to swell in the afternoon – so be aware of this. Try
and shop for shoes around the same time of day you would normally
participate in your activities.

7. Ask questions. The retailers are educated on shoe technology, so use
their knowledge to find a comfortable shoe. Asking questions on shoe
features and functions will help you make an informed decision.

8. Try on both left and right shoes as one foot is usually slightly bigger than the other.
Within reason, walk or run in the store if possible. Ensure they are comfortable.

9. When to update? Running shoes should generally last for approx
800 – 1,000km.
However this depends on the individual’s technique and activity. You
can usually feel or see the midsole of the shoe compressing after some
time. This is a good indication that the shoe may be starting to lose
its full support and function.

10. Ultimately – the shoe should be flexible, comfortable and breathable.

HAPPY RUNNING 

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: , , , , ,

Dec 02

In Times magazine 50 best inventions of 2008, at number 43 they have Nike shoe, Zoom Victory track spike.

The shoe/spike has paper thin sole that feels like you are running barefoot. The spike  weighs in at under 100 grams, which makes it one of the lightest performance shoes on record.

Lighter shoes may cause injury.


Last year I read an article in world Soccer magazine (January 2007 issue) that focused on the rising injuries suffered by soccer players in Spanish soccer league.

There were many theories on why this injuries were happening. Sports medicine expert Ignacio Romo blamed modern boots. “These days boot manufacturers worry about only one thing – making the boot light,” he said. “But in doing so they forget some of the vital qualities needed when it comes to protecting the foot: firmness, support and stability”

Can the Nike Zoom boost performance?

The only way we can know whether this shoe makes a difference in performance is if an average sprinter breaks a world record while wearing Nike  Zoom Victory spike.

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