Running tips: Women's Running Shoes

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by: Daniel Jowssey
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Word Count: 486

Running is a great choice for women looking for an exercise program. Women make greater gains in their times and conditioning compared with men, and it’s a great way to lose weight after a pregnancy. Running requires little money and is flexible (you don’t have to schedule a class). But there are some things women need to be aware of when running, for it’s a rigorous sport and can take its toll over time if done carelessly.

Several reports indicate that knee injuries in particular are more common among women than among men. The reasons given have to do with leg alignment, muscle strength, and joint laxity or looseness. In general, women have wider pelvises than men do, which makes for a corresponding larger quadriceps angle, meaning the hips come down to the knees at a sharper angle. This puts more stress on the kness, making them more vulnerable to injury. Sports physicians often refer to a condition common in women called ""the terrible triad"", in which a wider pelvis causes legs to be more knock-kneed.

The name stability creates some confusion as a category of shoes alongside the motion-control category because motion-control shoes are the most stable but provide a bit more cushioning than motion-control shoes do. Cushioning refers to the softness of the midsole. A softer midsole will absorb the force of impact better than a firmer midsole will; it also allows more foot motion.

Stability shoes are usually built on a semicurved last, which allows more foot motion than a straight last does. Several models, however, contain a medial post or an area of dense midsole material along the inner side of the shoe to prevent too much motion.

Cushioned shoes have the softest midsoles and provide the best shock absorption. Sounds ideal for any runner, doesn't it? Cushioning is not for everyone, though. This is partly due to the softness of the midsole, but in addition, cushioned shoes are built on a semi-curved or curved last and most do not contain motion-control devices, allowing your foot to roll inward. Clearly, these are not the shoes for overpronators.

The shoe should have about a thumbs' width of space more than the full size of the feet. The middle foot area should have a secure and comfortable resting place beneath it. Also, be sure to try on both shoes. On many people one foot is usually bigger than the other foot. Inside the shoe is a stiffened cup encasing the toes known as the box, or block? The place over the toe is called the vamp, the opening near the toes is called the throat of the shoe.

There's a favorite choice for women's running shoes over the years that is Saucony. With designs that apparently were favorable with female runners. Saucony shoes are noted to have narrow designs and defined heels. Other shoe manufacturers also have their own line of women's running shoe, such as New Balance and Nike.