Footwear & Apparel

Get Prepared for the Event

Is your shoe right for you?

The art of sports footwear prescription has become just that, an art. With up to 100 new models on the shelf every year, it pays to speak to those in the know. Before you do, here are some important points of consideration.

What role does my foot type play?

Short answer to this is a massive one. The way your foot acts during your run completely dictates the role your shoes need to play. Apart from neutral, most of us can be categorized into 2 main foot types; supination (high arch), and over-pronation (low arch).

How do I know my foot type?

There have been many suggestions on how to evaluate your own foot type. You can check your walk in the mirror, look at your wet footprints, or look at your old shoes. The best way these days though is to seek the advice of a trained staff member from a reputable footwear store. With many stores now offering both digital and treadmill analysis, your specific footwear requirements are now easier to assess, therefore increasing your chances of getting the right shoe for you.

What do I need to look for in a good shoe?

We can categorize a good shoe into 5 simple areas:

Cushioning: Make sure the shoe has generous amounts of cushioning under both the heel and forefoot. Some people like more than others, so make sure it feels adequate for what you require. Some cheaper shoes can feel soft by simply having a thick insole in the shoe, so make sure you get cushioning in both the midsole and the insole. Utilising a combination of rubber and foam called adiPrene, adidas footwear is able to provide superior levels of cushioning meaning more comfort for you.

Support: If you require medial or lateral support, make sure you still feel comfortable in the shoe. If the support device is pushing, rubbing, or hurting in any way, the shoe isn’t right. Thinner, lighter support devices like adidas Pro-Moderator provide the support you need, without the feel of too much stability. This form of arch support is also the best for Orthotic wearers as it does not affect the alignment of your insoles, making it the choice for many health professionals.

Footwear Fit: This is a key component of the process as many aspects of your foot can actually change as the day goes on. It’s recommended that you have about 1cm of room between you toes and the end of the shoe. This allows for changes in volume due to heat or increases in activity. It’s also important to make sure you measure from your longest toe. Quite a few of us have a longer second toe than first. Also make sure the shoe is not too narrow. You should feel the upper hugging your foot, but always remember that running shoes with a mesh upper do not wear in. They will not give over the next week, they must fit perfectly from the moment you put them on, otherwise the fit is not right. Special foams like adidas’ GeoFit can be found in the heel, allowing a customized mould of your Achilles tendon for the ultimate in comfort.

Function: Shoes these days are designed to work with your foot, not against it. Make sure that before you buy you have a good walk (or run if that treadmill is there) in the shoes. Your transition from heel to toe should feel easy, unrestricted, and most of all comfortable. All shoes in the adidas technical range utilse specifically placed torsion systems that allow the shoe to work perfectly with your foots natural function.

Feel: This by far the most important of all aspects. There is no use getting the right fit and technologies if at the end of the day the shoe just doesn't feel right. This is why trying on a number of shoes is a key point. You are the person that is paying for and wearing them, the ultimate decision should be yours.

Apparel Requirements

A run should be an enjoyable experience and all adidas running garments are designed specifically with that aim in mind. Instead of making a runner damp and uncomfortable by leaving moisture on the skin, all garments must rapidly wick moisture away from the body to feel much more comfortable throughout a run.

Modern wicking fabrics should not absorb water when it's raining like cotton does, so the customer will remain drier and will avoid dragging a heavy, soaked t-shirt around the usual running route. The dark winter nights also bring cold temperatures, so it's important to keep warm. New lightweight but warm materials offer solutions to run in comfort even when people question a runner's sanity as they head out to face the elements.

Light base layers, for example made of ClimaCool® or adidas TechFit are a perfect choice. In extreme cold, a lightweight ClimaWarm® fleece for additional insulation can be appropriate. If it's raining, pick a ClimaProof® top layer that is breathable, wind-and water-resistant or even water-proof. For cold weather running, warm leg-wear is essential.

Keeping runner's leg muscles warm will ensure that they function more efficiently, and will also reduce chances of suffering a muscle pull or tear - which will occur most often when the muscles are cold. adidas running tights combine great freedom of movement with comfort and insulation. Think about the colder winter months and the additional need for gloves, caps or reflective bands for safety in the dark just to name a few.