Choosing the right running shoes
By Paul Baltutis
Why is it so complicated to pick the right running shoes? Well, I have decided to completely simplify the selection process. Now the only consideration in buying a running shoe will be its color.
I base this on the fact that color comprises such a large and significant role in our social and personal lives. Color, and color alone, clearly outweighs any other consideration, such as non-consequential engineering and technical design features of the shoes.
So we’ll concentrate on colors. Since most running shoes are primarily white, we will have to use the color that outlines the shoe or is considered the shoe’s trim. Simply use the chart listed below, and select a color that suits your personality and motivation level. The next step is to then go to your local running specialty store, find your color, and within seconds you’re done!
Red It is hot color, and if you need to have a “Type A” or “go-getter” personality, this is the shoe for you. Red is known to naturally produce adrenaline, so be careful in selecting this shoe if you are into Starbucks. If you are not a true overachiever, this color shoe could be dangerous because you’ll start off your training runs and races too fast, and you will peter-out too early in the run.
Blue This color appeals to a serious person who believes in steady progress. Blue is a moderate color and it is helpful for someone who is using a training schedule to structure his running. There is no “coloring outside the lines” with this color personality. A blue-shoe person thinks about not how you start but how you finish. This shoe is well-suited for a person with long-term goals who is patient to see things through to the finish. Accountants like blue.
Green This color suits an outgoing person who appreciates nature. Do not pick this color if you belong to a gym or if you commonly use a treadmill. The shoe will be very “conflicted” in an indoor environment with all that fluorescent light. Green shoe wearers respect the environment and will occasionally run to work. Green shoe runners are not particularly competitive, but they do want to succeed without stepping on anybody’s toes.
Yellow Is a bright and cheerful color, so is a good choice for a beginner or someone who is getting back into the swing of running. This color provides the spark to show what running can be — fun and rewarding. This shoe will get you out of the door when you may not feel like going for a run. The experienced runner will generally not pick this color because he has “been there, done that.”
Orange Orange is another warm color that producers energy. It is a high visibility color, so it’s for runners who like to see and be seen in crowds. These runners like to run in big races or in large training groups. You will rarely see an orange runner running alone, for the concept of the “Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” just doesn’t apply to orange. If you need a little lift and extra motivation to get out the door, this color will help. Of course, University of Texas Fans use burnt orange for all occasions.
Remember, the right color shoes can lengthen your stride, making you look younger, and will help to bring out your best. The wrong color will shorten your stride and will make you want to quit before you even start. So pick your shoe color carefully, and be on your merry way. What could be easier?
Paul Baltutis is the manager of Soler’s Sports in Alamo Heights. He is a certified marathon coach for Team in Training. He can be reached at sage_run03@yahoo.com.
