Page 31 - Waterfall City_Issue 10_2022
P. 31

Running shoe showing
                                                                                            the heel lace lock



        Widthwise, the foot should not bulge   The sock’s main job is protection. It
        over the side of the shoe, especially the   must protect your skin from blistering,
        forefoot (the front of your foot). The   moisture, friction, and the shoe. It also
        ideal fit lengthwise should give you a   needs to fit correctly and flex with
        finger space at the back if the longest   your foot. All of this is important in
        toe is touching the front of the shoe.   preventing an uncomfortable run, as
                                            well as hotspots.
        LACING THE SHOES
        Once you’ve selected your shoe, it’s also   When purchasing running socks, keep in
        important to lace correctly. Poor lacing or   mind the two ‘Fs’ – flexion and fit. Most
        laces that are too tight can cause nerve   running socks will have a snug fit with a
        compression resulting in a numb toe or   compression band to accurately fit and
        forefoot. A lace that’s too loose results in   flex with your foot while in motion. One
        black toenails and compensation injuries.   of the key factors in a running sock’s
        A heel lace lock is essential for every   protection is that it is seamless. It is not
        runner, it prevents the foot from shifting   a true running sock if it has seam lines.
        forward in the shoe and the laces from   The toe box should also be reinforced
        slipping. A box lace can also be more   and made of thicker fabric to provide
        comfortable for a high arch foot and stop   extra protection from friction around
        nerve compression from a lace that is   your toes but should give enough space
        tied too tight.                     to allow your toes to flex safely.
                                                                                       Running shoe showing a box lace
        SOCKS                               The yarn that the sock is woven from
        Although not often given much       is also important. The yarn should   While running can be seen as a “low
        thought, socks are a vital component   have moisture-wicking technology,   maintenance” sport, the small things
        of the correct running equipment too.   which wicks moisture away from the   can make a big difference. Finding
        While many people will just grab the   surface of the skin, keeping it dry   the right type of shoes and socks will
        nearest pair, a lot of technology goes   and well-ventilated and preventing   enable you to reach your running goals
        into a running sock.                uncomfortable hot spots.            and keep you injury-free.


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