Running shoes suit unique needs with different designs. We look at the advantages of each style
NikeFlyknit Lunar1+: The remarkable new design fits more snugly than any other option available in the market. Rs 8,995
A new interest in running has also seen a push for high-end running gear in India. Specialist companies like Asics, Vibram and Vivobarefoot have started to sell locally over the last 12 months or so, while brands like Nike and Adidas have been promoting performance gear in India as well. People are looking beyond the general-purpose sneakers, which are usually large, heavy and overly padded, for purpose-specific running shoes, which are much lighter and usually less padded, focusing more on weight, stability and fit.
For example, basketball shoes are designed to give cushioning so you can take more powerful strides safely, and spring back so you can jump more easily.
The shoes for other sports are also customized. Football shoes, for instance, put a premium on grip and design of uppersoles to improve ball control.
Adidas Energy Boost: New sole technology makes these shoes light yet super springy. Rs 10,999
Running shoes are designed with various needs in mind. Every person has different needs—some people feel more comfortable in structured shoes with more cushioning. Others are looking at getting the maximum speed out of their footwear, and for them, the unstructured “barefoot” shoes are the best bet.
Ben Shaffer, studio director at Nike’s US design workshop, Innovation Kitchen, told Mint in a telephonic interview in February that there is a renewed interest in minimal designs, for “something that is tight and won’t slip, but is still flexible and allows the feet to breathe”.
Nike’s solution was a custom material, which the company calls Flywire. It is used in their Flyknit Lunar1+ shoe. The shoe literally feels painted on to your foot; the tight grip means your foot is firmly held in place. At the same time, the thread-like Flywire material allows you to move your foot in any direction, the way you can in a sock. It’s unique in its feel, even compared to other minimal running shoes.
Big brands
With the growth of runner culture, there has also been a distinct shift away from big brands towards specialized ones that only other runners have heard about. But that’s not to say that the top brands are out of the running either.
Mizuno Wave Elixir 8: Light and stable, these shoes provide excellent fit and flexibility, $120 (around Rs7,920)
Adidas launched the Energy Boost this year for Rs.10,999*, and that’s a great shoe, especially if you’re getting started as a runner. The shoe has the most comfortable fit you can ask for, and uses a special foam midsole that literally has you bouncing along. The midsole is made from a custom material, which fuses tiny elastic balls together for great springiness, while the large amount of padding gives you a comfortable fit. It’s not the lightest shoe though.
Nike’s Flyknit Lunar1+ is possibly the most high-tech shoe in the market right now. The company uses a customized manufacturing process that works a little like 3D printing, to “weave” the shoes into their shape, and this has resulted in a shoe that feels like it has been custom-made for your foot. A lot of specialized, minimal runners’ shoes are described as sock-like, but the Flyknit Lunar1+ (available now for Rs.8,995) is the only one to which this should be applied. At the same time, it has excellent cushioning despite having a medium profile sole. It is not as flat on the ground as most typical running shoes, but despite that, the grip is pretty good too.
Merrell Road Glove 2: The minimal sole delivers great protection and the shoes weigh almost nothing. Rs6,599
Runner specials
While Nike and the other big brands have been quick to pick up the trends from the runners’ space, these relatively niche brands are the ones that made the first strides towards minimal, lightweight footwear that still offers proper protection. Asics is one of the most popular brands in this category, and the Gel-Excel33 2 (Rs.7,178), which launched this year, is a great example of why people love the brand.
The shoe is well-structured, and looks every bit like Nike or Adidas; it comes with a relatively thick midsole for added cushioning. The shoe brings together an excellent combination of springiness and flexibility, though the highly structured upper means that the fit isn’t always perfect. The comfort means that these shoes are great for long-distance running and daily training.
Mizuno is another specialty shoemaker. The Wave Elixir 8 isn’t being sold in India, but many runners we spoke to swear by it, and said it was worth the effort of shipping to India. The US price is $120 (around Rs.7,920), and despite the over-the-top designs, people swear by the stability and flexibility of these shoes. It helps that each pair weighs 10oz (283g), about 25g less than an iPad Mini—those are really lightweight shoes, which you should be comfortable in.
Asics Gel-Excel33 2: These shoes are well-padded and can be a good daily trainer or long-distance shoes. Rs7,178
Our personal pick for best minimal shoe though is the Merrell Road Glove 2; it is being sold in India for Rs.6,599 and is designed especially for using on roads and pavement. You can feel the ground with every step, but the Vibram Road sole is designed for protection and to flex with your foot—this is supposed to benefit your feet, and let you run with a natural stride. As an added safety measure, the flexible upper mesh is also reflective, to increase your visibility when you run.
*All prices listed are for men’s shoes; prices of women’s shoes may vary.
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