Sneaker sizes - features and tricks of determination. How to choose sneakers for everyday wear: tips for choosing Appearance and materials

Good day everyone, today we will put on our shoes for a run!

Let's start with the fact that not any sports shoes are suitable for this. Sneakers, for example, are not suitable, just as sneakers for basketball, tennis, walking, etc. are not suitable. Each sport involves a specific load, and for an unprepared athlete, the most important thing is to compensate for it correctly so as not to get injured.

There are shoes designed specifically for running - running sneakers and spikes; they reduce the risk of injury and help you achieve good results. We won’t talk about spikes in this article; they have their own purpose and are not suitable for beginner runners; let’s look at sneakers.

There are several common features for running shoes:

1) Running shoes (with the exception of some special models) must have cushioning. It should be in the heel of the sole, and the same happens in the toe. All manufacturers of high-quality running shoes indicate the presence and position of shock-absorbing inserts.

2) The sole and upper of the sneaker must be flexible and soft in the front part.

3) The sole has abrasion-resistant rubber inserts. Most often they are located in the heel and on the outside of the toe of the sneaker, where the main load falls.

4) Running shoes are never made of leather or other poorly breathable materials.

5) Rigid elements of the upper of the sneaker are allowed only in the heel area. But they should not be in contact with the leg, rubbing or putting pressure on the Achilles tendon.

6) Lacing should ideally be located asymmetrically on the sneaker, closer to the inside of the foot.

7) It is better if the lacing loops are not united by a single rigid bar. They should be able to move slightly so that the sneakers can fit more tightly on the foot. However, this does not have to be the case.

8) The insole must be removable so that it can be replaced with an orthopedic one if necessary.

9) The weight of a pair of sneakers should not exceed 400 grams.

But that is not all. Just because a shoe is good for running doesn't mean it's good for you. There are several factors to consider.

Gender of the athlete

Men's and women's sneakers differ not only in color. A woman's foot is more demanding of shoes, so additional technologies and other materials can be used. The main differences between women's sneakers:

1) The proportions of a woman’s leg on average differ from the proportions of a man’s, which means the last is different. Women's last is narrower

2) The heel of women's running shoes has extra height, reducing the likelihood of Achilles tendon damage

3) Women weigh less than men and therefore the cushioning of women's sneakers is softer than men's

An exception to these rules is, as a rule, competitive shoes, which do not have any serious design solutions and technologies, but are not suitable for long-term training.

Pronation, supination and arch height

If you are not familiar with these concepts, you can read about them in the article pronation and supination. Here, I want to note that when choosing sneakers, the degree of pronation and the height of the arch of your foot are one of the decisive factors - this parameter directly affects the likelihood of injury. People with overpronation and low arches should choose sneakers with arch support (protection against overpronation), this will increase shock absorption and save your knees. While it is completely contraindicated for hypopronators to wear them - the likelihood of twisting a leg increases.

Wide and narrow feet, shoe size

The width of the pad mainly depends on the manufacturer. For example, Asics traditionally has a rather narrow last, Saikoni and Brooks have a wide last, and Mizuno has a narrow last at the heel and wide at the toe. When trying on sneakers, pay attention to how they fit on your feet - the sneakers should fit snugly on your foot, but at the same time not put pressure anywhere. Always lace your sneakers starting at the bottom loops to get the best fit on your foot.

The shoe size should be chosen so that the big toe does not reach the toe of the sneaker by at least 3 millimeters. This is due to the fact that when running, the foot increases in size and if you took sneakers that are exactly the right size, your nail may be damaged when running. For the same reason, it is better to try on sneakers in the evening, when the foot is enlarged from the daily load. For fitting, you should wear your running socks and have orthotics with you if you use them.

Some types of sneakers are made to run small. Most often these are competition shoes.

Type of training and weight of the athlete

The pattern here is simple: the greater your weight, the longer the distance and the worse the training of your muscles and ligaments, the more desirable is the cushioning and support. Which one (in which parts of the sneaker) depends on the structure of your foot, biomechanics and running technique.

The difference in sole height from heel to toe and running technique

The drop value is selected depending on the technique of placing the foot when running. There are generally three types of running: heel strike and midfoot or forefoot strike. When running on the heel, it is made higher and there is usually decent cushioning in the heel to minimize the risk of knee injury. When running on the midfoot or forefoot, the sole is made flatter and the shock absorption is located primarily in the front.

Just as stated above, a higher heel reduces the risk of Achilles tendon injury.

There is an opinion that the difference can affect and change your running technique. We are skeptical about this claim. The difference may help or hinder you a little from running with your technique, but the interference will never be so strong that the technique will change.

Summer and competition running shoes are made to be lightweight, breathable and easy to get wet. Winter and autumn-spring sneakers are made from denser materials that do not get wet well and retain heat better.

Contrary to the hopes of many people, there are no sneakers that are both well ventilated and waterproof. Even Gore-Tex fabric, designed to solve this problem, does not always cope with it successfully.

Coating

The sole of the sneaker primarily depends on the surface on which we run. For running on treadmills, asphalt and other hard, flat surfaces, a flat, soft sole is suitable. For dirt tracks and similar softer soils, the sole is stiffer and the tread is deeper to improve performance. Running through the forest and in bad weather requires even more tread, and sometimes iron spikes, to prevent slipping on fallen tree trunks, ice, etc. Also, these soles are made even more rigid to protect the athlete’s foot from all kinds of sharp stones and snags.

In addition to the sole, off-road shoes often include lateral support to protect the foot from dislocations and a denser mesh that is more difficult to damage.

The difference between brands is not only observed in the pads. Each brand also has its own technologies and, although they are all similar in meaning to each other, they still have differences. So Asics uses gel, saikoni and brux, foam for shock absorption, and mizuno uses a plastic plate. They all perform the same function, but behave slightly differently, so it is better to try several options and choose the most comfortable one.

Also, some brands have their own focus. For example, Salomon focuses mainly on off-road driving.

Most of the characteristics considered can and should be determined independently, however, the degree of pronation and flat feet, as well as the nuances of the technique, are best clarified using special equipment. This can be done by going

Online shopping has become commonplace for many. You can find shoes for every taste on the Internet. But many are afraid to buy goods online due to the inability to clearly assess their quality and try them on. After all, the wrong size spoils all the pleasure of shopping and creates unnecessary problems.

Shoe size determination

Each brand has a size chart according to which you need to choose a new pair of shoes. For example, the Nike sizing chart differs from the Adidas grid, so you only need to focus on the length of the foot. How to measure it:

Take a blank sheet of paper, a pen and a ruler.

Put on a sock and stand with your foot on the paper. You can press your heel against the wall.

Mark the two extreme points, mainly the heel and big toe area.

On your own or with the help of someone at home, draw a pen around your foot. You need to make sure that the contour goes exactly around the foot.

Use a ruler to measure the distance between the points - this will be the length of the foot.

An important point is that you need to measure the length in a straight line, not diagonally. It is necessary to take measurements of both feet, since most people have a difference of several millimeters. This difference can play a decisive role when choosing shoes, so you need to focus on a larger value. The length of your foot will help determine the optimal size of sneakers. Some recommend running a shoe size up, while many runners recommend buying Adidas or other shoes a half size up. Shoes for every taste can be purchased at the All-Sneakers store. The site offers a wide range and affordable prices. If the resulting figure is in the middle between the two values, then it is better to choose large sneakers. You can also find useful information in reviews of this shoe model. Many customers indicate more precise details there, such as whether the sneakers run small or fit exactly. Don't be afraid to call a consultant. Professional sellers will help you choose the size as accurately as possible.

In order for the size of the sneakers to fit perfectly, in addition to the length of the foot, you also need to take into account the fullness. Sports brands mainly use the average parameter, but owners of narrow or wide feet should clarify this detail. Measuring fullness is very simple - this is the volume of the foot at its widest point. You should also consider the material of the sneakers themselves. For example, leather stretches quickly, so it makes sense to buy Adidas sneakers back to back. Synthetic material does not stretch as well. When buying sneakers in a store, you should know about some rules:

It is better to try on a new pair after lunch - then the leg swells and increases in size.

Sneakers must be firmly fixed and fit perfectly on the foot.

You should wear both shoes and run and jump in them to feel the shoes in motion.

There is a little trick that will help you buy Adidas sneakers in your exact size online. You can try on a pair you like in a regular store, and then order a similar model online at a cheaper price. Also, many online stores offer a fitting service. You can order several pairs, choose the best one, and send the others back to the store. Of course, in this case the store will require a guarantee. If the sneakers still don’t fit, you can sell them or donate them.

And a few more tips:

The size of sneakers should be about half a size larger than regular shoes - this is the recommendation of orthopedic doctors.

The heel should not hang on the heel.

Sneakers are popular footwear among athletes. If you choose the wrong model or size, it can turn into a real disaster. Permanent calluses, chafing and other unpleasant formations will appear on the foot regularly. To avoid this, be very careful when choosing sports shoes.

Each manufacturer has its own size chart. You won’t be able to choose the size at random or using your old sneakers. The difference in the designations of different brands can be several centimeters. For sports shoes, these are critical values, since for them the error should not exceed 2 cm.

Sneaker sizes by brand:

• Adidas
• |New Balance
• |Nike
• |Asics
• |Reebok
• |Jordan
• |Puma

How to choose the right sneaker size?

Properly selected sports shoes are the key to a successful workout. There are several basic rules that will help you make the right choice and not regret the purchase.

1. As you run, your leg tramples a little and lengthens. In sneakers chosen strictly according to size, the foot will feel uncomfortable and calluses may appear. Conclusion: it is better to buy running shoes with a reserve.
2. If you want to order winter sneakers, measure your foot length in socks.
3. Measure your foot length in the evening. During the day, the foot gets trampled a little.
4. The parameters of a person’s leg are constantly changing. Therefore, if you want to order or buy shoes, you must try them on. Don't rely on the size you had before.

Taking measurements to order sneakers online:

As a rule, the size of sports shoes is determined by the length of the foot. To measure, take a ruler, a blank sheet of paper and a pencil/pen.

1. Place a sheet of paper on a flat surface.
2. Stand on the sheet with both feet (you can alternate), mark the tip of your big toe and the edge of your heel with dots.
3. Connect the resulting points with a line using a ruler (as shown in the figure).
4. Choose the larger number and match the result with the table below.

Important! Take measurements in socks, or add 5 mm to the result. Take measurements in the evening, when the length of the foot has reached its maximum value.

Sneaker size chart

All data in the table is given in centimeters (cm).

RUS – Russian designation

UK – English designation

US – American designation (USA)

EU – European designation

Leg fullness and width

Some manufacturers indicate an additional value - the fullness of the foot. It allows you to choose comfortable running shoes for people who have non-standard foot widths.

To determine the fullness of the foot, you need to measure the circumference in its widest part (near the bones). An example of how to measure completeness is shown in the figure to the right.

Substitute the resulting value in the table and find out your fullness in centimeters.

Sneaker size chart allows you to quickly determine the right designation for the right country. Before ordering shoes online, be sure to use the matching table on our website.

Professional athletes know that this is fraught with the appearance of calluses, corns, abrasions, and even foot deformation. Choosing the right parameters in the modern market is difficult - there are a number of size charts, European and Asian, characteristic of a particular brand and even model.

You can determine the size correctly if you know about some nuances and tricks.

Before choosing sneakers, you need to accurately determine the main parameters of the foot - length, fullness and width. Length is the measurement from the tip of the big toe to the tip of the heel. But it needs to be measured when the leg is under load. You can put a sheet of paper on the floor, stand on it and mark the points where your foot begins and ends. The width is determined by the protrusions of the toe.

Fullness (W) is one of the most important leg dimensions. This parameter is calculated mathematically, according to the generally accepted formula - W = 0.25xB - 0.15xC - A. Instead of the letter B, we insert the circumference of the foot in the toe part into the formula. C is the length of the leg. A is a constant value, different for male and female legs. To choose a sneaker size for a man, use the value 17, for a woman – 16.

Measurements should be taken in the evening, when the foot takes the most accurate dimensions. You need to measure your feet in the socks that you usually wear for training - their density affects the parameters of your feet.

How to try on sneakers correctly

Orthopedists and sports doctors have compiled a number of recommendations on how to choose sneakers based on your foot type, in accordance with its anatomical features and training intensity. It is not enough to know how to determine the size. If you take advantage of the experience of professional runners and apply their tricks when trying on shoes, then mistakes will be eliminated.

1. You can’t rely on the sizes of sneakers you bought earlier. Before each purchase, it is necessary to re-determine the basic parameters.
2. Advice from friends and acquaintances on how to choose the right shoes should not be a guide. Each person is individual.
3. You need to choose sneakers, not the manufacturer (brand). It is important to understand that different models have different features and performance qualities.
4. You should buy sneakers, like other types of shoes, in the evening, when your feet become enlarged from the load.
5. Before trying on the sneakers themselves, you need to try on the removable insole - attach it to your foot. The insole should be larger than the foot, that is, protrude beyond its limits by 1 cm.
6. The fitting is performed on two legs, not one. It's not enough to just put on sneakers and evaluate how they look on your feet. You need to stand in them, walk and imitate running.
7. Women don't need to focus only on models for their gender. If your feet are wide, it will be more comfortable to train in men's sneakers.
8. Trying on should be done in socks. The process must exactly replicate the conditions of future training or hiking trips. The tightest fit should be in the middle of the foot. If your toes and heel rest tightly against the walls of the sneakers, you need to try on a larger model.

The modern shoe market offers a wide selection of intermediate sizes. Be sure to evaluate the comfort of such models; perhaps they fit your size more accurately.

How to choose sneakers in an online store

If you plan to purchase in an online store, then fitting is not possible. To select, use the size chart of sneakers (table). It is very important to know how to use it correctly.

How to choose the correct size of sneakers according to the table - this is the question most often asked by customers of online stores to the support service. The first thing you need to know is that there are men's and women's tables for sports shoe lines. In Russia, parameters are indicated in centimeters, and in European countries and the USA - in inches. The sneaker size chart can be:

• Russian,
• European,
• American,
• English,
• Japanese.

If you translate the US parameters into Russian, you get the following table of sneaker sizes for men:

The store’s website should provide a more detailed and accurate table of sneaker sizes for different countries. Preference should be given to those resources where several options for sizing charts are indicated - English, Japanese, Russian, European.

Some brands have developed their own sizing standards. Not everyone systematizes them and creates correspondence tables. Before buying sneakers in an online store, you need to clarify whether there is a possibility of returning and exchanging goods.

Children's sneakers - rules for choosing sizes

How to choose the right sneakers for a child is a difficult task for parents. You need to take into account his preferences and orthopedic rules, and guess exactly the size. You cannot buy shoes “for growth” and save on their purchase - a child’s foot is just forming and is constantly changing and growing. Its deformation due to the mismatch of sneaker sizes can lead to serious illnesses.

The size of children's sneakers is not a determining factor when choosing them. You definitely need to try on the chosen model, let your child run and jump. If store consultants object, it is better to refuse the purchase.

Children's online shoe stores are more attentive to their customers - on their websites there is always a guide for choosing a model and determining the exact size, and there is a support service. But not all trading companies do this. Before you start choosing sneakers and determining the size, you need to study the resource in detail and read reviews about the supplier.

Children's size tables and rules for measuring feet differ from adults. On a horizontal surface, they do not just mark the length from toe to heel, but trace the entire foot. Be sure to add 5 to 7 mm to the length, and for winter options - up to 1.5 cm. Children under 3 years old should only buy shoes where there is a possibility of trying them on. For older people, you can use the size chart when choosing.

Approximate parameters of compliance with European and American standards:

When choosing sneakers, you need to measure your feet as accurately as possible and compare them with the size charts. And you need to choose not the brand, not the appearance, but the level of comfort and quality - it is these that ensure your health and safety, and not the latest fashion trends and the popularity of the brand.

If during the long Ural winter you don’t like your sneakers or become too small, feel free to go buy new ones. Egor Medvedev, a former sales consultant in the sports shoes department at the Ray Multibrand store, told the site how to choose the right sneakers to be comfortable and stylish.

Which model to choose

All running shoes are divided into universal ones, for speed running, long running, rough terrain and for marathon.

• If you are choosing sneakers for everyday wear, then the best option is casual or running universal models.
• Very often, buyers are looking (since Soviet times) for leather running sneakers so that they do not wear out for a long time. Nowadays running shoes don't come in leather. They should be light - in a mesh.
• Almost everyone likes sneakers to be “soft,” that is, with cushioning. It is better not to wear very soft sneakers, especially for overweight people.
• If you have overpronated feet, then choose stiffer models. The rigidity does not allow the sneaker to bend too much, and the foot will be in the correct position.
• Sometimes girls with small feet buy children's sneakers because they are cheaper. This can be done, but it is worth remembering that modern technologies are not used in children's models.
• Pay attention to how the sneakers are made: glued or stitched. The glue may come off due to temperature changes. The best option is when the sneakers are glued and stitched at the same time or soldered.

Which brand to choose

• Don't buy the most expensive sneakers. Even well-known brands have standard inexpensive models for 3-4 thousand. For example, ASICS has this “Patriot” model.
• If you ask a consultant what the midsole is made of, they will often answer with the buzzword - polymers. Polymers are, roughly speaking, rubber. In essence, it is a dummy without technology. It is best when the midsole is made of gel (ASICS), gas (Nike), springs (Adidas), air and honeycomb (Puma).
• All brands have sneakers for every occasion. But besides this, each brand specializes in a specific sport. For running models, you should look for the brands ASICS, MIZUNO and Puma; football models are represented by the brands Nike and Adidas; Reebok are famous for their crossfit models.

How to choose your size

• If you are buying running or walking shoes, take half a size larger than yours. Under heavy loads (for example, running on rough terrain), the foot moves very much, so you can take sneakers 1 cm larger (one cm is approximately equal to one size in men's sizing and about half a size in women's sizing). The main thing is that the sneakers fit the ankle.
• It is worth considering that ASICS sneakers do not always match in size, as a rule, they are one size smaller, so buy these sneakers only after trying them on.
• It is most convenient to focus on the Japanese size range. There the size is in centimeters - there is a better chance that you will not make a mistake. You can measure your foot in advance at home or in a store - any shoe store should have a centimeter.

How to try on correctly

• You should not try on several models of sneakers at the same time: one on your left foot, another on your right. You still won't feel the difference. It is better to try on one pair on both feet, and then the other pair.
• Be sure to walk around, jump in sneakers, if the store has treadmills, run. While you're in the store, you can do whatever you want in your sneakers.