Running Shoe Terminology Part 3 S-U
We have all gone into a Specialist Running store at some time and been totally baffled and bewildered by the “techno speak” of some sales assistants. Hopefully this 3 part series will arm you with some of the terms that are used when it comes to talking running shoes.
Shank:
A unit put in the midfoot area of a shoe’s midsole that helps to support, guide and stabilise the midfoot.
Sockliner:
The insert that goes in your shoe and sits at the bottom of it. These are usually removable and now feature an increasing numbers of technologies to do everything from aiding fit, cushioning and preventing smells.
Sole:
The bottom of the shoe that comes into contact with the ground. This needs to offer grip and give durability while still remaining flexible in the key areas.
Stability:
A good shoe encourages your foot to go through the correct movement with each stride. The most common flaw in a runner’s biomechanics is over-pronation. A shoe with good stability helps to reduce this excessive rotation. There are now a whole range of technologies and design features to help make a shoe more stable.
Stability shoe:
These shoes include the same kind of cushioning technologies as neutral shoes but in addition to this they have features to give extra support and guidance to slow and reduce over-pronation. These measures usually include a medial post.
Strike zone:
This is the area of your foot that hits the ground first. For most of us this is the area on the outside of the heel. As this is the area where the biggest impact forces are created it is a crucial area in terms of cushioning. What happens at this point can also have an effect on the rest of your foot’s motion. (For some people the strike zone may be at the forefoot).
Supination:
Supination is when your foot rolls outwards. Sometimes people who under-pronate are referred to as supinators. However it is extremely rare for this to actually happen – with the foot actually rolling outwards from landing. Under-pronation, where the foot does not pronate enough, is more common but still very rare. Some people make the mistake of thinking they under-pronate (or supinate) as their outsoles show wear on the outside of the heel. This is not usually caused by under-pronation though. It is usually just because this is a high wear area as it is where heel strike happens. It is correct for supination to happen for a short period at the end of the foot’s movement to turn it into a more rigid lever. Under-pronators should buy a pair of flexible and well cushioned shoes.
Support shoe:
These shoes include the same kind of cushioning technologies as neutral shoes but in addition to this they have features to give extra support and guidance to slow and reduce over-pronation. These measures usually include a medial post.
Toe-box:
The front of the upper of the shoe given its name as it where your toes are. Your shoe should have some space in the toe-box to prevent you stubbing or bruising your toes as your feet swell and move slightly as you run.
Toe-off:
The final stage of your foot’s movement as it leaves the ground from your toes.
Torsion:
Your forefoot and rear foot have a measure of freedom to move and rotate separately. This is called torsion. Shoes may have features to allow an appropriate amount of torsion. Too much torsion can cause injury through excessive twisting forces and too little means your foot is not able to adapt to the terrain you’re running on.
Under-pronation:
Under-pronation is where the foot does not pronate enough. It is still very rare. Some people make the mistake of thinking they under-pronate as their outsoles show wear on the outside of the heel. This is not usually caused by under-pronation though. It is usually just because this is a high wear area as it is where heel strike happens. Under-pronators should buy a pair of flexible and well cushioned shoes.
Upper:
The part of the shoe that your foot sits inside and is joined to the midsole. It should fit snugly at the heel and midfoot with more room in the toe-box. The lacing should adjust to enable you to achieve a suitable fit.
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