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.
Whether you are an overpronator, an underpronator, or normal pronator is one of the most important factors in choosing the right shoe. How do you determine your degree of pronation? It is not like you can observe your own foot motion as you run. In figuring out what type of shoe is best for you, it helps to understand the basics of what your foot goes through during running.
Lightweight training shoes are designed for speed training and/or racing or for runners who simply prefer a lighter shoe. They are built on a semicurved or curved last and weigh less than most training shoes do. Offering less stability and motion control than most other running shoes do, lightweight trainers should not be worn by over-pronators, heavy runners, or runners who seem prone to injury. Some shoes in this category are more stable than others.
This may explain why many women have a hard time finding shoes that fit well, especially in the heel. Kate Bednarski, president of Ryka, Inc, which makes running and other athletic footwear for women, has done thorough research on the structure of women\\’s feet.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Loading ...