ANATOMY OF A RUNNING SHOE
When looking for new athletic shoes, the anatomy of a shoe may not be something you prioritise, but becoming familiar with specific terminologies and components may help you make the best choice for your unique foot and biomechanics.
You can use the same terminology when buying walking or running shoes. Let’s examine the basic shoe anatomy and the construction of an athletic shoe.
1. Shoe Upper:
The shoe upper secures the foot and frequently has built-in ventilation that lets sweat escape. The upper of running shoes for men or women are often created of breathable mesh. The toe box, which houses your toes and enables them to propel forcefully forward, is a crucial component of the shoe upper. You would probably benefit from wide-fit shoes with a wider toe box if the toe box feels constricting and you frequently get blisters around your toenails.
2. Midsole:
This element of the shoe is located between the insole and the outsole of your shoe. It determines whether the ride will be cushioned, stable, or motion-controlled and is often made of foam. The typical polymers are polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), although the major manufacturers employ their own science to produce gels or airbags for added performance, durability, and protection.
3. Outsole:
The point where the foot contacts the ground on an athletic shoe is called the shoe sole. Typically, carbon rubber, blown rubber, or a combination of the two, is used to make it. When compared to blown rubber, which is softer, carbon rubber is stiffer, lasts longer, and can be used in high-wear parts of the sole. The outsole of your shoe, which touches the ground whether it be paved, rubberized, or a path, offers traction for grip and weather protection.
4. Insole:
The insole, often known as the sock liner, is a thin, durable foam layer or insert placed inside the shoe above the midsole. It guards against rubbing against the seams or adhesive connection between the lower and the upper of your foot. It is frequently replaceable, so you might do it with the insole of your choice, an orthotic, or an arch support.
5. Lasting:
The last layer between the midsole and the insole or sock liner is the shoe lasting. It is the location of the upper’s sole attachment. There are various kinds; Strobel lasting, which is most prevalent in men or women running shoes, is one among them. You can typically see the stitching from the first to the last if you take off the sock liner. When you step down, the shoe lasting acts like a springboard and keeps your foot comfy, letting you keep moving while still being energetic.
6. Heel Counter:
At the rear of the heel, above the sole, is a hard support called the heel counter. It is enclosed at the upper back. It gives the heel’s motion stability, keeping the back of your foot firmly in the shoe.
7. Heel Collar:
Your ankle is encircled by the heel collar or heel cuff at the top of the shoe. It secures the shoe in position. Typically thicker than the rest of the upper, the collar may also be cushioned for increased comfort. The Achilles tendon is supported by an Achilles notch that may be present in the heel collar, which frequently extends farther up the back of the ankle. It can feature a finger loop to make it simpler for you to pull the shoe on.
8. Shoe Tongue:
Under the lacing and eyelets, the tongue of the shoe is joined to the upper. It serves to prevent rubbing of the top of the foot against the lacing mechanism. It may be extremely thin or it may be cushioned for enhanced comfort (as seen in minimalist shoes). To keep trail debris out of the shoe, the tongue of trail shoes is frequently completely stitched to each side of the shoe.
9. Eyelets and Shoe Lacing:
You can alter how the shoe fits using the lacing mechanism. More or less adjustment is possible due to the eyelets’ quantity and configuration.
Eyelets that extend further into the heel collar provide you with more options for using different lacing techniques to achieve secure lacing. Shoelaces can be either flat or circular and are quite stretchy.
Whether you are in a shoe store or buying shoes online, these anatomical terms for shoes will definitely guide and help you in making your decision better!