Shoes
After running for a couple of years I feel myself a pro on shoes.
The running shoes have some distinct features for running. I got Saucony Guide 14 in 2022, in the beginning I didn't quite like it, for it feels weird in the rain, also the shape of toe box is rectangular like of a boot. Coming from heavily cushioned shoes (Skechers, I mean) the sole of Guide 14 was stiff, not as comfortable. But now I am used to it - the Skechers were too heavy compared to it, and any shoes that is unfriendly to flat foot were thrown away, any shoes that change shape while running is also out of the question.
Guide 14 is good because of the toe box. I used to have blisters but not anymore. It might also be that I started to run more. When running, cushion is important, but having enough room for the foot is as important. My friend even suggests to buy shoes half size larger because the foot changes size during the day. It swells so much in running a marathon - I have not run a marathon, but I believe what he said.
Today I just unboxed a new pair of Saucony Guide 16. The design has changed, with the toe part more "sharp" like other shoes, and it feels narrow with my usual pair of cushioned socks. It might be that the new shoes need some break-in. After a 5-mi run it was not bad, but only time will tell.
The sole is supposed to be two parts, I read from an article, because runners usually have two ways to touch down, either mid-front foot or heel. If the front is not flexible then it would be unnatural when touching the ground; but the mid-back part should be rigid so that the foot can be lifted as a whole. And I remember the article mentioned a test - try to bend the shoes. It should bend at the front area, but not bend at all from mid to back. That makes it feel more like dress shoes though? I think some oxford shoes have a thin and long metal piece in the middle, making it quite rigid.
I read that some shoes can be springy, because the use of carbon fiber. Just wonder how that feels like.
The construction of trail shoes would be different, I guess, it might need to have thicker soles, and be non-slippery, waterproof, etc. Then the separation of front and mid parts might not be as clear?
Lastly is the support - the most important piece for a flat foot. My understanding is that the "support" comes in two components, one is the medial post part of the sole, and the other is the heel. For everyone else, the heel should be snug too. I think in skating or roller skating world, the "support" only refers to the heel protection. For a skater, maybe flat foot is not a problem as in the runners' world.
The foot doctor showed me how to properly tie running shoes - make use of all the holes so that the heel can "hug" more. There is a separate "stability ribbon" on Guide 16, controlled by the shoe laces, that I suppose serve the same purpose - also seen on Nike shoes and rollerskate shoes. But the doctor's advice is still helpful, I think I need to tie my shoes that way.
Some articles were contradictory. Some says rotation is fine and whatever stability can be compensated. Some are as if correct stability is the only thing that makes it healthy. I would like to think it as something related to how much experience a runner have - how much the runner can maintain correct posture during running. A new runner may get tired quickly, and it is more likely to get injured; while an experienced runner can avoid getting too tired to maintain posture, or can maintain the posture after being tired. A new runner may complain about all injuries, while experienced runner may "tolerate" minor issues. Lastly, a new runner may need to develop some muscles, while experienced runners have developed cross-training routines to make sure core muscles and thigh muscle (knee control) are in good status, heel tendon is properly stretched and relaxed, foot tendon is not inflaming, and bones do not have hairline fractures.
Every brand has some supportive/stability shoes. Saucony Guide is often listed with some others, HOKA Arahi, Asics, On, etc. If a brand gives too many models, it soon becomes confusing. It would be nice to list the "scores" as in the skating shoes. But again even for skating shoes, I don't think the "scores" are portable across brands.
I used to wear Nike Structure. It was long ago, I cannot remember the feeling. At that time I was not used to running, and knees were having problem after maybe a few miles. It might be related to the weight of the shoes.
Lighter shoes is not necessarily better for your health. Lighter shoes have less cushion, and the heel is not as supportive, so either Achilles or knees will get tired. But it did feel good because it feels like running with bare feet. On the other hand, the tap shoes must be heavy to have great sound, and with light foot it is more difficult to develop the muscle for tap dancing.
All my workout are foot works.