Running is one of the most popular participation sports on Island, and little wonder, with marquee events like the Cayman Islands Marathon, the Cross Island Relay and numerous other popular events ranging in distance from two miles to full marathon distance.
The attraction of running is its simplicity – you can do it whenever, wherever, and with the bare minimum of equipment. However, the equipment that you do use is absolutely vital, not only to having an enjoyable run, but to preventing injuries and getting the most out of your training.
When selecting shoes, it is important to pick a shoe that suits not only your taste and your budget, but also your biomechanical needs. That means that if you are a light and efficient runner, you probably don’t need a shoe that is built to take the kind of pounding dished out by a 240-pound over-pronator. By the same token, bigger runners should steer clear of ultra lightweight racers.
One of the top brands, and a favourite of many top runners on Island, is Asics.
According to David Goddard of Winners Circle Sports on Albert Panton Street, Asics’ top of the line Kayano 17 is not only one of the world’s leading high performance running shoes, but also one of their best sellers. The latest model keeps the excellent sole of the previous edition, but features an improved upper with ComforDry technology to keep the foot cooler. Add all the other features including Guidance Line, rear foot and forefoot gel cushioning, and it is easy to see why this structured cushioning shoe is such a favourite with top runners.
For those runners looking for top performance at a slightly lower price point, the Asics 2160 is firm favourite, and includes many of the same features found on the top of the line Kayano. Both shoes have been accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, and are available in versions for men and women.
At the entry level, the Asics Gel Strike 2 brings rear foot gel cushioning and Asics quality to runners who are not quite as committed to their running yet, but are still looking for a quality and feature-rich shoe.
Of course, there are a number of other top running brands out there as well, with Nike often the first to spring to mind.
According to Chris Goddard of Sport N Zone in Bayshore Mall, the latest and greatest from Nike is their Lunar technology, which allows the company to create very lightweight and comfortable shoes.
The Nike Lunar Trainers showcase some of Nike’s latest technological advances. The LunarLite foam provides soft and springy cushioning at a much reduces weight, while spreading the impact forces throughout the sole, giving a much more comfortable ride. The upper also gets special treatment, with Flywire technology being used to give the necessary support where it is needed while keeping the weight of the shoe to a minimum. To top it all, the shoes feature Nike+, a system that allows a sensor to be placed in the shoe, which then communicates with a Nike+ sports band or a compatible Apple iPod, providing audible information on distance, calories burned, pace and time elapsed.
Of course, running is about more than just the shoes, so when out shopping, keep an eye out for training aids like heart rate monitors as well, as these can help you keep track of your training and keep you in the zone. Also keep safety in mind – LED lights are cheap but can be lifesavers if you run early in the morning or in the evening.
For more information on Nike shoes, contact Sport N Zone at 945-6453.
For more information on Asics shoes, contact Winners Circle Sports at 949-0068.