Running might just be a fun activity for you when outdoors on a sunny day, something that you do five days a week to stay fit, or something that you take seriously (like if you are training for a marathon). In any case, you need running shoes that meet your specific needs and offer essential support, comfort, fit, and stability. And since choosing a pair is more about function than fashion, you can’t walk into any store and start shopping just because the shoes look great. You must go for a brand that offers the best running shoes your budget can afford without the slightest compromise in quality, durability, and performance.
So, this write-up sheds light on the factors to consider when zeroing in on the best Indian brand for running shoes online.
What is the Best Indian Brand for Running Shoes?
Ideally, a brand that caters efficiently to a variety of runners across the following parameters is the one you should opt for when buying running shoes for men, women, or kids.
Surface in Question
The best brands offer different kinds of running shoes to match the characteristics of various surfaces, as detailed here:
- Road-running shoes: These are apt for pavements or surfaces with minor irregularities. Such shoes are flexible, lightweight, and keep your feet stable and cushioned during repeated strikes against hard roads. Featuring smooth, flat soles, these are the best running shoes for paved roads, sidewalks, tracks, and treadmills.
- Trail-running shoes: Featuring big lugs or cleats on the outsole for sufficient traction on uneven surfaces, these shoes are ideal for off-road running where you are likely to encounter mud, rocks, tree roots, etc. Some shoes might also come with underfoot plates to protect you against sharp objects. Their midsoles are also a little stiff for extra support on rough trails.
- Cross-training shoes: These are the perfect running shoes for women and men if you are a gym rat and keen on workouts, activities that involve balance, and cross-training. They ensure better ground contact than other shoes.
Cushioning
Leading footwear brands in India offer a wide range of cushioning options in running shoes to meet your preference in terms of comfort and response. You will find everything from shoes with heavily cushioned midsoles (polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate/EVA foam) to those with zero cushioning. Cushioning usually depends on the foam’s firmness and how thick the shoe material is between the ground and your feet. Here’s a look at the types of cushioning:
- Maximum: These have midsoles with thick padding for a super plush feel. Such shoes are often popular among long-distance runners.
- Moderate: These are the best running shoes for striking a balance between nil cushioning and pillow-like comfort.
- Minimal: Featuring midsoles with minimal cushioning, these shoes are suitable for runners who want to feel and assess the surface underneath and prefer a natural gait.
- Barefoot: As the term suggests, putting on these running shoes feels like running barefoot. However, they offer no stability or arch support.
Heel Drop
When shopping for running shoes online, you will notice that top brands offer shoes with varying heel drops. Heel drop refers to the cushioning difference between a shoe’s heel and toe. Now, a conventional pair will have a 10mm or greater heel drop, which indicates ample cushioning in the heel. This helps if you land on your heels first while running. Shoes with lower heel drops are suited for midfoot strikes. And shoes with zero drop are those that have equal cushioning under the heel and toe.
Heel Counter
This is basically a partially rigid cup that supports and cradles your heel. The counter keeps the heel centred so you land on your feet in a stable manner without slipping or stumbling. The top shoes brands in India offer pairs with heel counters that are adequately firm yet promote easy ankle movement.
Toe Box
This component refers to the front and upper part of a shoe, stretching from the eyelets to the tip. Reputed brands are known for selling running shoes that feature wide and spacious toe boxes that allow you to flex the front of your feet easily and wiggle all your digits comfortably. This is an especially important feature in running shoes for kids, since those little feet are in the phase of growth and development and shouldn’t be cramped at all.
Even for adults, the best running shoes have toe boxes that prevent pain, chafing, or rubbing. The ones designed for trail running also come with a toe bumper often, for extra protection against hard or sharp items.
Support
The best Indian brands for running shoes also offer different options based on the way your feet strike the ground while running or how they roll inward or outward before moving forward. In other words, the brands’ shoes are designed in different ways to provide varying support for a smooth run. Usually, you can select from:
- Neutral shoes: If your foot rolls inward to a conventional degree after hitting the ground, it means your trait is normal and you can relieve the pressure on joints and knees automatically. In such a scenario, you need neutral shoes. Such pairs also work well if your feet tend to roll outward.
- Stability shoes: These are the best running shoes if your feet roll inward excessively after striking the ground. They come with structured support and protect you against injuries, but are not as rigid as their motion control counterparts.
- Motion control shoes: In extreme cases of feet rolling inward, motion control shoes are the best bet. They are the most stable pairs you can find and feature dense foam, stiff heels, and reinforced arches.
Upper
The best Indian brands use light materials for the upper part of running shoes for men, women, and kids. This ensures easy movement and optimum performance without any discomfort or chafing. They also use mesh to make the shoes breathable even if you run for long. This way, you don’t end up with smelly or sweaty feet.
Fit
The best running shoes always fit you right both length and width-wise and are neither too loose nor tight. However, don’t forget that different brands have different sizing charts, so you must check the chart specifically before placing an order. Here are a few other things you need to take care of to make sure a pair of running shoes fit you perfectly:
- To calculate the length of a foot, use a measuring tape or scale to assess the distance between the back of the heel and tip of the longest toe. Also measure the part of your foot where it’s the widest. Repeat the process for both feet as no one has the exact same size in feet. Jot down the measurements in both centimetres and inches ideally. Also ensure you add a half-inch or 1.3cm to the lengths, so that your toes have enough room to splay and move.
- Whether they are running shoes for women, men, or kids, it is a good idea to don the pair of socks usually worn before trying out the footwear. This will help you judge if the fit is adequately snug.
- Always buy a pair that is right for your bigger foot, otherwise you will end up with tight shoes that pinch or hurt your feet.
- Since different runners use different types of lacing techniques, lace the shoes you normally do or intend to do for gauging the fit.
- Avoid trying on new shoes early in the day. Feet tend to swell after a few hours of movement or action, so try them later in the day. This will help you decide if the fit is perfect.
- When buying running shoes online from top brands, remember that you can always return a pair that doesn’t feel comfy, supportive, or stable enough. So, don’t wait to break into the shoes if they don’t fit you right straight away. Also, walk, jump, jog, and even run around a little in them before choosing to keep the pair.
Stay Away from Common Mistakes While Buying Running Shoes
Remember that every runner has unique needs and goals. So, just because a pair of running shoes comes in a funky pattern or a trendy shade, don’t ignore the practical aspects and buy only for the good looks. It won’t be your money’s worth. Also, as mentioned before, check a brand’s specific size chart and avoid assuming that you will need the same size from every leading brand.
It is important to find out how long the shoes will last you as well. This might depend on your running style, habits, objective, and maintenance. In case you use special inserts, try on the shoes with the same to judge if they suit you, just like for socks. Lastly, the best brands often offer attractive discounts on running shoes online. So, don’t shell out money before researching and comparing similar offerings.
Buy the Best Running Shoes from the Right Indian Brand with Confidence
By now, you have a good idea about what the best Indian brands offer in running shoes, whether it comes to form, functionality, comfort, or support. You know how these shoes are often categorized and the vital components to check before making an informed decision. And the best part is, you don’t have to spend a lot of time deciding on which Indian brand is truly the best for you or take a friend’s word for it.
Simply start exploring the collection of running shoes online from Asian Footwears. Contact our experts if you need specialized guidance or tips. We are easily reachable at info@asianfootwears.com or on +91 7561000092.
