Why do runners need to have several pairs of running shoes in their wardrobe? How many shoes are needed? And when should you use each one? All these questions are related to running shoe Rotation. Today, you will learn all the details about it.
You already know that different running shoes carry different advantages. Some are stable, some are fast, and some are comfortable. When should we use each advantage? It depends.
For example, when racing, we need the most responsive, lightest shoes that will deliver the fastest time during competition.
When it comes to training, things get a bit more complicated because we train for different aspects: Endurance, Speed, and Running Form. Let's delve into the details. However, it's important to note that such level of detail might not be necessary for most of you.
For example, we can train Endurance. To do it we do long runs. But long runs cause significant fatigue to our stability muscles and accumulation of shock in our body. This minus could be balanced with running shoes with increased stability and cushioning. So that we really focus on what is really important for us in this particular case.
We can train speed endurance via Interval trainings and Fartlek's. During these exercises we aim to maintain or exceed race pace. Slightly lighter shoes than our daily trainers may be preferable for such cases.
Some of us need to train how to use swing speed shoes, if we plan to use them during a race. However, since these shoes are very unstable and could cause micro damage if used regularly, we need shoes with a similar effect but more stability.
What comes to running form, there is a massive amount of training types, which improve it. We can do drills, we can run stairs, we can do special exercises. Sometimes you even combine different types in one training meaning your shoes should be prepared for anything. That is why daily we use shoes with balanced characteristics. For experienced runners, these shoes are lighter, while beginners benefit from extra cushioning and stability.
Occasionally, we do a body test, which is a tempo training. We do it to understand how we will perform during a race. The best way to actually understand it is to use a race day shoes. So this case does not create any additional rotation need.
However, the need for additional rotation arises when we aim to develop additional running muscles not typically engaged in our everyday shoes. The best way to do it is to use Barefoot running shoes. They totally do not have any cushioning elements and our body is forced to learn new mechanics for shock absorption and propulsion. Nevertheless, we would only recommend this rotation to very experienced runners..
Alright, we identified 6 different Shoes to be used during our rotation. However, for beginners or average runners, we can significantly reduce this number. For example, without extensive long runs or the need for swing speed shoes or barefoot running, we're left with just two distinct needs: balanced shoes and race day shoes.
In conclusion, we hope this video helps you understand running shoe rotation and how to utilize it. Does our proposed table work for everyone? Not necessarily, as individual tastes and understanding of running vary. Nonetheless, it provides a guideline on what to consider when buying your next pair of running shoes.