When it comes to selecting the best running shoes for teens, the task can feel daunting. Young athletes are still growing, and their needs differ from those of adults. We spoke to the shoe experts at Wildfire Sports & Trek to help you navigate the key considerations in choosing the perfect pair of athletics shoes to keep you comfortable and performing at your best.
Understanding Foot Type and Gait
Before we start with the specific shoe recommendations, it's crucial to understand your foot type and gait. These factors determine whether you need stability or neutral shoes. Here's a simple test you can do at home:
Stand Barefoot: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Bend both of your knees further, towards a squat. Try to keep your knees pointing straight ahead.
Observe Ankle Movement:Watch how your ankles move as you bend. If they roll inward significantly, you may be an overpronator. If they roll outward, you may be a supinator. Minimal movement indicates a neutral gait.
Understanding these movements helps in selecting shoes that provide the right support and cushioning, preventing injuries and improving performance.
The Importance of Proper Fit
A well-fitted shoe is essential for comfort and injury prevention. Here’s what to look for:
Toe Room:Ensure there's a thumb's width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Heel Fit:The heel should fit snugly without slipping.
Midfoot Fit: The shoe should provide a secure feel around the midfoot without being too tight.
When shopping for athletics shoes, consider visiting a specialty store likeWildfire Sports & Trek, where experts can provide personalised fitting and advice based on your teen's unique needs.
Types of Running Shoes for Teens
Neutral Shoes
For:Teens with a neutral gait or those who supinate.
Features:Good cushioning without additional support for pronation control.
Recommendation:Wildfire Sports & Trek recommends theAsics Noosa for its versatility and comfort, making it a favourite among teen athletes.
Stability Shoes
For: Teens who overpronate.
Features:Added support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot.
Recommendation: TheAsics Gel-Kayano is highly recommended by Wildfire for its excellent stability features and cushioning.
Trail Running Shoes
For: Teens who run on uneven, off-road terrain.
Features:Enhanced traction, rugged soles, and added protection.
Recommendation:TheSalomon Speedcross series offers excellent grip and protection for adventurous teen runners.
Considerations for Track Shoes
Track shoes are essential for teen athletes participating in various track and field events. Unlike regular running shoes, track shoes are designed to provide optimal performance for specific events and surfaces. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right track shoes for you:
Sprint Spikes
Ideal for short-distance races ranging from 100m to 400m, sprint spikes are lightweight and feature spikes for maximum traction and speed. These shoes are designed to propel athletes forward with explosive power, making them perfect for sprint events where every millisecond counts.
Middle-Distance Spikes
Designed for races spanning from 800m to 1500m, middle-distance spikes strike a balance between cushioning and lightweight construction. These shoes offer the support and responsiveness needed to maintain speed over slightly longer distances while still providing the necessary traction for quick acceleration.
Long-Distance Spikes
For races exceeding 1500m, long-distance spikes offer additional cushioning to ensure comfort over extended periods. These shoes prioritise endurance and comfort, making them ideal for teen athletes competing in longer track events such as the 3000m or 5000m races.
Field Event Shoes
Field event shoes are tailored to the unique demands of jumping and throwing events such aslong jump,high jump, triple jump,shot put, and discus throw. These shoes feature specific designs and materials optimised for each event, providing the stability, traction, and support needed to excel in field events.
When selecting track shoes for your teen athlete, it’s crucial to ensure they fit snugly but comfortably and offer the right balance of support and performance for their specific events.
The Role of Socks
In addition to choosing the right shoes, don’t underestimate the importance of good running socks. Proper socks can prevent blisters, provide additional cushioning, and wick away moisture to keep your feet dry and comfortable during training and competition. Look forsocks made from technical fabrics rather than cotton, as they offer superior moisture-wicking properties and help reduce friction.
Regular Replacement
Athletes put a lot of mileage on their shoes, so regular replacement is crucial to ensure optimal performance and reduce the risk of injury. Running shoes should be replaced every 500-800 kilometres or when they show signs of wear such as compressed midsoles or worn-out treads.
Track shoes and spikes may need more frequent replacement, especially if they are used intensively during the track season. Keep an eye on your teen's shoes and replace them as needed to maintain their performance and support.
Choosing the best track shoes involves understanding your specific events, speaking to an expert likeWildfire Sports & Trek and selecting shoes that provide the right balance of support, performance and proper fit. Investing in high-quality shoes and socks and replacing them regularly can help you perform at your best while minimising the risk of injury.
In Brisbane?
Our neighbours Wildfire Sports & Trek are your go-to spot for a great selection of track and field spikes, cross country, road and trail shoes. Come and meet the Wildfire team in-store and they would love to share their experience in track and field, running, climbing and more!