THE RUNNING SHOE

The purpose of this paper is to describe what a running shoe is and to give instructions for its
use.

DESCRIBING THE RUNNING SHOE

The running shoes is a lightweight footwear that is designed for runners. It may also be used for
gym or exercises for treadmill walking or running, and jogging. Since running is a more intense
sport, runners tend to exert more energy. The feet get hot, and most running shoes are made of
mesh to allow air to move freely. This mesh also keeps the shoe lighter. Running shoes are built
for heel-to-toe movement and the higher heel drop in running shoes comes from added support
and cushioning. To identify a running shoe, this may have a flared heel which is located at the
midsole to provide extra stability for runners who strike the ground at their midfoot or forefoot.
Figure 1 shows the running shoe and points out the essential parts of a running shoe: the midsole,
the laces, the tongue, the heel collar, the heel tab, the eyelet, the outsole and the upper.

Heel Tongue Lace

Collar Eyelet

Upper

Heel
Tab

Midsole
Outsol
e
Figure 1: Running shoe (side view)

The Midsole
The midsole is a foam material between the outsole and the upper, designed to cushion the
runner from impact forces and guide the foot through the stride.

The Laces
The laces are a system commonly used to secure or tightens your footwear.
The Tongue
The tongue is the separate strip on the upper and its main purpose is to protect the top of your
foot from lace pressure.

The Heel Collar (Heel Cuff)

The heel collar forms the top of the shoe, supporting the heel and Achilles tendon. It prevents the
foot from slipping inside the shoe and makes it more stable to run in.

The Heel Tab

The heel tab focuses on the achilles to protect by locking the shoe firmly and comfortably around
your heel.

The Eyelet
The eyelet is the holes for the shoe laces to thread through.

The Outsole
The outsole is the rubber sole of the shoe which makes contact with the ground.

The Upper
The upper is the fabric, knit, or leather which is held together by the laces.

USING THE RUNNING SHOE

To use the running shoes, first, the shoe should wrap comfortably around the foot. Next, adjust
the tightness of the shoe around the foot by loosen or tighten the shoe lace located above the
tongue. It should not pinch or feel sloppy. Lastly, your foot should be centered on the platform of
the shoe. It should be used for running or exercising such as walking or jogging.
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