Different sports and activities require different types of shoes, especially if you're a runner. With so many events, surfaces, and distances, you will need shoes based on your foot type and activity.
On the Right Track
Prevent foot injuries by matching your foot's formation with the right type of shoe.
* '''Support''': Ease overpronation of your arch with support track shoes. The cushioning found throughout these shoes vary by density, otherwise known as posting. The shoe's heel has a regular amount of cushioning, but as the foot moves forward the cushioning thickens. This will prevent inward rolling. If you're worried about the shoe's curve, don't: support shoes are still curved despite having a straight cut.
* '''Neutral''': If your foot has a high arch, you will need cushioned neutral running shoes. Although these shoes are curved and have thick cushioning to prevent pronation, they don't offer enough support.
* '''Motion Control''': Flat-footed runners need a track shoe with maximum support and a pair that will prevent overpronation. The cushioning found in these shoes are the same as those with support, but also works with a thermal plastic unit making the shoe heavier. These shoes are designed to be lightweight, unlike the typical running shoe, but still have heel padding, a mesh top, and a rubber sole.
Shoes by Event
Winning isn't just mental and physical, it also depends on having the right footwear.
* '''Sprinting''': Although these shoes are known as spikes, they're not the same as distance shoes. Sprinting shoes are pointed and have plastic soles. The lack of flexibility places the runner on his toes, which means the shoe shouldn't be used in distances over 400 meters. This also eliminates heel cushioning and support. Now that's being light on your foot.
* '''Jumping''': These shoes have plastic soles and provide jumpers with little support. They also have spikes which are found at the end of the shoe, absorbing those hard landing impacts.
* '''Distance''': Long-distance runners need shoes with spikes for lengths between 800 meters and 10,000 meters. These shoes are designed to be lightweight, unlike the typical running shoe, but still have heel padding, a mesh top, and a rubber sole. What makes distance shoes different are the four to six metal spikes that runners have the option to screw onto the bottom of the shoes. This provides additional traction.
* '''Throwing''': The soles of throwing shoes are flat and smooth so throwers can spin around when launching a discus or shot put.
