How to choose quality sneakers and prolong their life? Detailed instructions

Choosing sneakers is quite a complicated process. If you don’t know what you need to pay attention to, it is easy to get confused in all the variety of models presented. Especially when it comes to buying sneakers for sports. In this case, in addition to appearance, it is important to pay attention to the design of shoes and the presence of certain technologies that provide comfort during training.

Sportmaster PRO expert

“What should you pay attention to when choosing and how to understand whether the existing pair meets all the criteria?”

How to choose quality sneakers?

To begin with, it is necessary to determine for what purposes they are needed.

1. For running. Here we choose sneakers with good cushioning – to reduce the shock load on the musculoskeletal system. It is also important that the sole provides the correct position of the foot – has the necessary drop. This is the difference in height between the heel and toe. It also corrects anatomical features such as pronation or supination.

Sneakers men’s Puma MAGNIFY NITRO 2, 15 990 rubles / Trial-Sport

2. For trailrunning. Here we choose sneakers with moderate cushioning and good foot lockdown so that the runner can control movements on any surface. A good instep is also important – having an aggressive tread pattern. This is necessary to ensure for a good grip on the surface. The aggressiveness of the tread, meanwhile, depends on the conditions of use and terrain.

DYNAFIT ULTRA 50 Women’s Trailrunning Sneakers, 16 290 rubles / AlpIndustriya

3. For fitness and strength training. Here we choose sneakers with minimal cushioning. Another important thing here is stability and the ability and control of movements during exercises within the gym. This includes working with free weights, on machines and during group classes.

Demix Stronger Tr 2 Women’s Fitness Sneakers, RUB 4479 / Sportmaster

How to determine the quality of parts?

Globally, a sneaker can be divided into two main parts: the upper and the sole.

1. Upper

It can be made of textile, leather or artificial materials. For sports, it is the last option is most suitable: non-natural fabrics better cope with moisture and heat dissipation, as well as faster drying.

Shoe manufacturers use a variety of developments to create materials that are both lightweight and hard-wearing. Take Flyknit technology, for example. Flyknit is a special knit that makes it possible to create lightweight, well-fitting and durable footwear.

Sneakers Nike Wildhorse 7 (super stretch fabric Flyknit upper), 15 192 rubles / Lamoda

It is better if the fabric of the upper will be mesh or have perforations. Then the breathability of the sneakers will provide comfort even during intense training.

If you plan to train on the street, it is necessary that the sneakers are both well permeable to air and water vapor, but repel water. In this case, it is worth looking at models with Gore-Tex membrane. Due to microscopic pores, it is impermeable to liquids, but breathes well.

The second important aspect, for which the top of the sneaker is responsible, is the fixation of the foot. In sports shoes it is better to use anatomical insoles, and the pair itself to choose a clear size (except for running shoes – they should be half a size larger). It is also very important that the heel island securely fixes the foot. This will reduce the risk of foot and ankle injuries, as well as reduce stress on muscles and joints.

Running shoes BROOKS Ghost 14 GTX (Gore-Tex), 19 790 rubles / KANT

2. Outsole

The sole of sports shoes, as a rule, consists of several layers. We will single out two: the midsole (midsole) and the midsole.

Themiddle layer is responsible for the shock-absorbing properties of the sneaker. Most often foam is used as the main material. Sometimes manufacturers also install inserts of air cushions and valves – for a better effect.

For example, Nike has this technology called Air. Some manufacturers use polymer inserts for cushioning instead of air. For example, Li-Ning will label such pairs with the Cloud tag on the tag.

Women’s sneakers Air Zoom Pegasus 38, 10,194 rubles / Lamoda

Thesole is the part that is responsible for the direct contact of the shoe with the ground or floor. Accordingly, this is where the tread is located. Most often rubber, PVC and their combinations are used as a material. Both materials are non-skid and slightly springy. Rubber is less suitable for low temperatures: in winter, the sole will harden and become worse at performing its functions.

The variety and depth of the tread pattern determine for what purposes the shoes can be used. Flat soles are better suited for strength training, fitness and running on special paths. Aaggressive tread – for trailrunning. In addition, cross-country models may have tread on the heel and forefoot to protect these parts of the foot from shock and uneven trails.

In the case of the sole, it is also worth noting the importance of determining the shape of the foot. We are talking about pronation (inward plantarflexion) and supination (outward plantarflexion). Both are normal anatomical features and are usually not a problem in normal life. But during sports, foot geometry is important to consider: it affects both shoe wear and training efficiency.

It is important that the sole and insole compensate for the overlap. Then the shoes will last longer, and the load on the joints and muscles will be distributed more evenly. In the lines of most sports brands there are models oriented to one or another shape of the foot. You can find out what foot position is characteristic of an athlete by taking a special test in sports hypermarkets.

Another important point – before buying, we necessarily try on sneakers. No matter what technology is claimed, it is important to assess your feelings about the pair.

How to determine the life of sneakers?

The first thing that happens over time is a decrease in cushioning properties. Sometimes the sole is thinning even visually, but still more often the changes become evident only during use.

The most critical is the loss of cushioning in running shoes, so it is recommended to change them a little more often. Approximately every 600 kilometers of mileage.

Sneakers that are bought for running on asphalt, of course, will wear out faster. If it is a special rubberized surface or a treadmill, the service life increases. Thus, part of the load is taken up by the surface.

What else gives away the age of a pair? Breakage of the back, change in the shape of the upper, cracks and tears in the material, divergence of seams. At first, you can solve the problem by taking the shoes to repair. Especially if the sole has not yet had time to wear out and it is only a matter of cosmetic changes. But when the holes overcome the threshold of 2-5 mm, it is better to replace the pair with a new one. It is simply unsafe to run in such a pair.

How to extend the life of the pair?

What to do to make your favorite sneakers serve longer? Catch a few tips. First, sneakers should be cleaned after each wear, removing dirt with special wipes. After 10-15 trainings, shoes should be washed. It is important to do this exclusively by hand. Machine washing it will not survive.

In addition, it is important to use a spoon when putting on a pair (so there is less chance of damaging the butt), as well as unlacing the shoes when removing them. And in general, sneakers during wear should be well secured with laces – otherwise the free dangling foot will accelerate the process of aging and wear.

Finally, you don’t need to use sneakers 24/7. Ideally, you should have two options and alternate them – then each will last longer. But you need to realize that some changes will occur even if the pair is on the closet shelf. Materials in any case can dry and crack, so that regularly change sneakers will still have to.

How to choose sneakers that will last a long time? Do not save money. And it’s not just about money. You need to spend your time resources. Figure out what your goals are. What do you need a pair for? Then it is worthwhile to study all the strategic nuances, and after that move on to analyze the assortment.

Sneakers should also be chosen in accordance with your individual parameters – size, foot anatomy, etc. This is as important as the availability of advanced technology.

When choosing sneakers do not need to hurry. It is worth trying on a few pairs. Walk in them in the hall. Evaluate the feeling. If the sneakers fit perfectly, the expenditure will be justified. To make the investment even more profitable, you should take care of your sneakers.