6 Important Parts of Shoe to Help You Find the Right Fit

A pair of shoes has a lot of science behind its design and making. And, when it comes to runners, shoes play an altogether protagonist role. Some terms you might be familiar with but here’s a list of shoes’ parts to help but a pair that’s actually helpful in running better and avoiding injuries.  

Sole/Outsole

It is the part of a shoe that covers the bottom surface of your foot and comes in direct contact with the ground. The sole can be made out of a variety of materials, often rubber, polyurethane and leather. Running shoes are designed with durability, comfort and grip in mind. For runners, the right type of shoes should have a sturdy grip, rougher edges and should be gently spiky.

Insole

This is the inside part of the shoe on which your foot lands; also called footbed or inner soles. For runners, shoe insoles are recommended to avoid foot pain, several serious strains and injuries. The bad shoe sole can lead to serious impacts on the heels and ankles. Good shoe insoles increase the comfort factor and increase the stability factor.

Midsole

It is sandwiched between the upper and the outsole, and is the part of the shoe where the cushioning and pronation control technologies are located. The midsole’s purpose is to provide cushioning, flex support and shock absorption.

Backstay

A stiff panel of leather at the back of a shoe that is used for reinforcement, and sometimes to connect the quarters. This adds shape and stability to the back of a shoe.

Toe box

This is the area of a shoe that covers the toes. While trying running shoes, it is critical to make sure to select a pair of shoes with a wider toe box. These shoes offer more stability and a more comfortable fit. Make sure that the toe box fits appropriately; else, it can cause injuries and foot deformities.

Heel Drop

It’s basically a measurement in millimetres from heel-to-toe. It offers lots of cushion in the heel and promotes landing first on the heel as the foot moves through its motion. Generally, a pair of running shoes usually has a heel drop of about 10mm and above. A zero-drop shoe means there’s no difference in measurement of cushioning under the heels and toes.

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