Thursday, June 4, 2009

Rapid Advance of Running Shoe Technology

How far running shoe technology has come in such little time! Back in the early Seventies, when athletic gear companies first recognized the vast potential of the running shoe market, runners had few choices. The technology for running shoes was in its infancy. To put it into perspective, running shoes that were heralded as state-of-the-art in the Eighties are now sold as throwbacks (such as the wildly popular Onitsuka Tiger line), casual kicks worn strictly for show; even a novice runner would not wear them for athletic pursuits.

As the technology advanced, running became a lot sweeter. Cushioning and support of running shoes has been greatly improved, and companies such as ASICS, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance and Mizuno seemingly have a running shoe offering for every conceivable type of runner.

Now, the technology is so advanced that the lines are beginning to blur between the different categories of running shoes. For example, cushioning shoes such as ASICS' GEL-Nimbus advertise a touch of pronation control. Likewise, Structured Cushioning powerhouses such as Brooks' Adrenaline GTS and ASICS' GEL-Kayano boast enhanced cushioning.

It adds up to a wealth of running shoe choices, regardless of the individual's specific needs.