Anatomy of a running shoe – with infographic (2023)

First of all, your shoe is divided into 2 main sections: upper unit and sole unit. Each one has several components that work together to create your ideal ride.

Superior- This is the fabric, mesh, mesh or leather that is held together by the laces. Variations occur depending on whether your shoe is a trail or running shoe. Read on for more information.
singular unit– When you think of the sole, you usually look at the sole of the shoe. However, when it comes to running shoes, there's a lot of science going on. The sole is actually made up of two parts: the midsole and the outsole. They are made separately and then glued together.

Parts of a running shoe sole unit

midsole– This part of the shoe is located between the shoe insole and the sole. It is typically constructed of foam and determines whether it will be a cushioned ride, stability, or motion control. The usual polymer will be polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), but the big brands use their own science and create gels or airbags for extra protection, durability and performance.
single– In simple terms, it is the rubber sole of the shoe that makes contact with the ground. However, the science behind your kicks will ensure that your sole is made from either carbon rubber for durability (although it can be heavy and stiff) or blown rubber for flexibility and cushioning. Of course many shoes are a combination of both compounds to give you a good all rounder. Trail runners, you really need to think about the sole when considering your terrain.

The other thing to mention at this point is thevery fall. It's not an actual part of the shoe, but it makes a world of difference to the way your foot hits the ground. Heel drop, also known as offset, is essentially the measurement of the thickness of the heel.

(Video) Anatomy of a Shoe

The drop will be the difference in measurement between the height of the heel part and the toe part of the shoe.

Una caída más alta del talón fomenta el golpe del talón, mientras que una caída pequeña del talón le dará un golpe más en la parte media del pie o en la parte delantera del pie..

However, it's worth remembering that thicker heels typically have more cushioning compared to a running shoe that has minimal support.

post media– A medial post is a device that can be found inside the midsole. It is made of EVA that is firmer than the rest of the midsole and is essential to control overpronation. This medial post is found on stability and motion control shoes, but is not required on cushioned or neutral shoes.
hurry– The upper is a support structure integrated between the insole and the sole of the shoe, passing under the arch of the foot. The function of the shank is to stiffen the shoe, making the middle of the shoe more resistant to excessive bending or twisting. The shank ensures that the shoes curve over the toes instead of under the arch. It is a fundamental part of footwear, providing strength and stability while maintaining the necessary flexibility. You'll find a shank on most running shoes except for the minimalist and running styles.

Parts of the upper part of a running shoe

Language– It is the strap separated from the upper part and its main function is to protect the upper part of the foot from the pressure of the laces, being a useful aid when putting on and taking off shoes. Trail shoes are slightly different in that the tongue is sewn in place to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the shoes.
Toecap– This area of the shoe is where the toes settle and twist. Make sure your toes have room to swell when warm and the tips of your toes don't touch. The height and width of the toe box are equally important.
Vamp– This section of the upper incorporates the toe box back into the quarter seam.
room/bedroom panell - The back and sides of the upper that cover the heel and connect forward with the instep.
heel tab– The focus of this part of the shoe is the Achilles tendon. The heel tab, also known as the Achilles tendon protector or Achilles tendon notch, holds the shoe securely and comfortably around the heel.
heel collar/heel cuff- By incorporating the heel tab, the collar/cuff hugs the ankle. It is padded and padded and ensures a perfect fit.
cords- With 2 billion different ways to tie your shoes, it's worth trying one or two of them! Stress points can be avoided with tie style variations, and your fit can of course be adjusted through the placement of the lace eyelets and the tension of your tie.
Ilhó– The holes through which the laces pass. Running shoes often have an 'extra' eyelet that helps lock the heel in place. If you feel your foot slipping or have blisters on one foot but not the other, a new lacing on the top eyelet can sometimes suffice.
lace garage- An essential trail shoe. Store the rear ends carefully in your garage to prevent trips and premature mishaps on your journey.
Aglet/Tag– The plastic or metal tip of your shoelaces ensures that your shoelaces do not come undone and makes the tying process easier.
Sock lining / Insole– This removable insert is made of very thin foam and adds a layer of cushioning, protecting your foot from rubbing against the seams underneath. Remove this part if you have custom made orthotics/insoles.

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What is the last of a running shoe and why do you care?

the last / enduring– When a shoe is built, it is molded on a 3D foot model. These standing models are called Ballasts and are presented in different formats and styles.

When it comes to running shoes, manufacturers use 3 types of shapes to create the 3 most common running shoe shapes.

These 3 durable shapes are: curved, semi-curved and straight. These shapes help describe how the upper is attached to the midsole and have different benefits to the wearer.

A curved shape is C-shaped most running shoes and spikes are curved, offering a light but unsupportive ride.
Straightforward durability is found in motion control shoes for pronators and stability shoes. Straight shoes have more support under the arch of the foot and are therefore heavier.
Half-curve durations are a hybrid. Most running shoes are semi-curved and offer a combination of speed and support.

Now that you've mastered the 3 types of last, you can read on to discover that there are also 3 ways to attach the last to the rest of the shoe. These three techniques for joining the midsole and upper are called Glide Duration, Plate Duration, and Combination Duration.

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Emdurable glide, the upper part of the shoe is placed on the last and is glued or sewn directly onto the midsole. This makes the shoe lighter.
emdurable jointthe upper is attached to the lower part of a flexible plate on top of the midsole. This approach is excellent for stability shoes.
lasting combinationuses the plank method on the heel and the glide method on the forefoot of the shoe. This ensures a stable heel and flexible toe area.

With all this knowledge, you can now shop for your next pair of running shoes with complete clarity and mastery.