Assessment Context

Select an item of sports gear or sports wear such as a: mountain bike, heart rate monitor, football shoe, tennis racket or similar, which has been launched as a new product or relaunched with a new and distinct style in the last 24 months. You must claim the product for yourself by contacting your local lecturer in person or by e-mail and name the product brand and model selected. Be specific, for example, ‘Giant Trance X29 mountain bike’ or ‘Polar FT7 heart rate monitor’ or ‘Nike Socceroos 2014 FIFA world cup jersey, shorts and socks’ not just ‘Lorna Jane clothing’. As far as possible, you should ensure that you have selected a product which has not been selected by another student.

Assessment Task

Research details on the selected product and write a 1500 word short report about how the seller/supplier has catered for quality in the design, manufacturing, presentation and delivery of their product. The report must address the following:

1. Describe how the quality of the product is communicated by the seller/supplier. This can be interpreted from packaging, materials, advertising, sales channels and supplier-provided information on the Internet, etc.

2. Develop a rating scale for the quality of your product, and use the scale to demonstrate how the quality of the product can be compared with at least three similar and competing products by other manufacturers. Use a one-to-five star rating scale like that used for hotels.

Note: Be careful to limit the amount of product information you provide. The lecturer may like to see a picture of the product, but will not be interested in reading detailed product specifications downloaded from the Internet, except where these are relevant to the content of your report.

Use the product as a way to demonstrate your knowledge of the course content, including the textbook and additional reading you have done. This involves extensive referencing of theory available from these sources. Use minimal direct quotes. Instead, use your own words to describe the content of your sources.

Provide an executive summary, introduction and conclusion. Use a table and/or graph to compare the competing products. Use appropriate headings.

Use at least eight (8) references from the course materials and your own reading that are specifically ‘quality management’ references. These should be from peer reviewed journal articles and quality management textbooks. The eight (8) references described above are in addition to any references you provide that give information about your chosen product or competitors’ products.

Use in-text referencing and a reference list, following the CQUniversity Harvard Referencing Style Guide provided on the course website. Include references to any marketing materials and websites you use.

You are encouraged to bullet points, illustrations and diagrams to reinforce your argumentation where appropriate.

Assessment Criteria

(Out of 8 marks) Question 1 - Describe how the quality of the product can be inferred from information available to the consumer. This description must be supported by appropriate references.

(Out of 8 marks) Question 2 - Develop an appropriate rating scale, and use it to demonstrate how the quality of the product can be compared with similar products from different manufacturers. This comparison must be supported by appropriate references.

(Out of 4 marks) Clarity of Expression and Presentation - This includes orderly and logical presentation of information, referencing, neatness, and the inclusion of an executive summary, introduction and conclusion.

Total: 20 Marks

Note: You must achieve a good balance between information about the organisation and the course content and other quality management theory you have found. This assignment is about using a product to demonstrate to the marker that you understand the course content and quality management theory.

Why we run in these:

Inspired by high-performance Z-Rated tires, the Reebok ZQuick running shoe delivers sports car handling for your feet. The Z-Rated outsole geometry delivers control, traction, and speed while the no-sew upper and internal bootie ensure you're locked in tight for the ride.

No-sew mesh upper for enhanced lightweight comfort

NanoWeb upper technology keeps foot in optimal position

Inspired by hi-performance tires, Z-Rated technology features a unique outsole geometry for control, traction and speed

Light and low EVA midsole for cushioning, plus a toe cap for protection

Radically sliced geometrical sole mimics the tread of high-performance tires for ultimate ground contact for a more responsive ride

CRTek high abrasion rubber in key wear areas for lightweight durability

CRTek high abrasion rubber in key wear areas for lighter durability

2/18/14

Product Tester

ExtremeWorkoutfromDenver, COAge:35-44Gender:maleDid you receive the product as a free sample:YesFrequency:frequent runner (3-5x/wk)Distance:1-4 miles

SIZETRUE TO SIZE

WIDTHTRUE TO SIZE

COMFORTEXTREMELY COMFORTABLE

DURABILITYSLIGHTLY EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS

Comfortable, Functional & Performance

I was a little skeptical about Reebok's approach to this shoe when I first heard about the likeness to the Z-rated tire. That skepticism quickly disappeared when I strapped them on and took them for a test drive. The shoes are extremely comfortable and they truly do grip the road and contour to your foot. I was surprised and pleased that the concept actually worked. These shoes perform well and I really enjoy them on runs in the 3-7 mile distance range. I wasn't able to give it 5 stars due to the fact that I haven't had a long distance run in them and can't vouch for how they feel in longer distances. I highly recommend this shoe!

Helpful?helpful 8 unhelpful 0 Flag Review

3/3/14

RioBravofromLos Angeles, CAAge:35-44Gender:maleDid you receive the product as a free sample:NoFrequency:frequent runner (3-5x/wk)Distance:1-4 miles

SIZETRUE TO SIZE

WIDTHTRUE TO SIZE

COMFORTEXTREMELY COMFORTABLE

DURABILITYEXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS

Delivered as advertised

I run an average of 15 miles a week and are usually attracted to new shoes that will also look great for casual wear. These shoes immediately caught my eye for their unusual but stylish design. Bought the blue and immediately felt satisfied on first impression. Very comfortable on the feet. Took it for a run immediately and was very impressed with the excellent support, comfort, and traction. Fell in love with them. Ended up buying two more pairs (black and gray). Never in my life have I ever bought three pairs of the same model in different colors from any brand. Good job, Reebok! You made a big fan out of me.

Helpful?helpful 10 unhelpful 0 Flag Review

5/26/14

Top 500 contributor

kurtthomashuntfromWatertown, NY 13601, USAAge:25-34Gender:maleDid you receive the product as a free sample:NoFrequency:frequent runner (3-5x/wk)Distance:5-8 miles

SIZEFEELS HALF SIZE TOO BIG

WIDTHTRUE TO SIZE

COMFORT

COMFORTABLE

DURABILITYMET EXPECTATIONS

Follow-up Review

I've owned these shoes for a few months ow and felt a follow-up review was warranted. While the shoes look sharp and met expectations with comfort and durability, I have to share one major gripe: the tread. The bottoms of these shoes shift with the contours of the landscape like tires. I can't really tell the difference between these and other shoes now that I've put a few hundred miles on them. What they do do, however, is bite onto every little stone, twig, and piece of mulch you cross paths with. That in turn can screw up your footing, make it sound like you're wearing tap shoes, scuff up your floor, and litter your carpet with outside debris. Step on a piece of gum and it is the end of the line. While I'll continue to wear the shoe, I know for a fact I'll avoid a future purpose based on this.

Helpful?helpful 1 unhelpful 1 Flag Review

2/18/14

Product Tester

KovasPfromDowners Grove, ILAge:45-55Gender:maleDid you receive the product as a free sample:YesFrequency:recreational runner (1-2x/wk)Distance:1-4 miles

SIZETRUE TO SIZE

WIDTHRUNS SLIGHTLY NARROW

COMFORTVERY COMFORTABLE

DURABILITYMET EXPECTATIONS

Lightweight, comfortable, supportive, cushioning

Lightweight, comfortable, surprisingly supportive and cushioning. Overall, I'd say that Reebok has a winner on their hands: beautiful looks, a design that works as intended, with comfort and support making these a complete package.

Helpful?helpful 2 unhelpful 1

Flag Review

2/14/14

SpiritOf12fromSmithton, PA, USAAge:under 18Gender:maleDid you receive the product as a free sample:NoFrequency:frequent runner (3-5x/wk)Distance:1-4 miles

SIZETRUE TO SIZE

WIDTHRUNS SLIGHTLY NARROW

COMFORTEXTREMELY COMFORTABLE

DURABILITYEXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS

Simply amazing all round.I run sprints in track and use spikes, but I need something to practice in, and this shoe is perfect! As soon as I put these shoes on and took my first steps, I fell in love and felt like a beast! Very comfortable, and they look pretty beast if you ask me.

Helpful?helpful 12 unhelpful 0 Flag Review

3/25/14

Thatdude25Age:25-34Gender:maleDid you receive the product as a free sample:NoFrequency:recreational runner (1-2x/wk)Distance:1-4 miles

SIZETRUE TO SIZE

WIDTHTRUE TO SIZE

COMFORTEXTREMELY COMFORTABLE

DURABILITYEXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS

New favorite shoesI first heard of these shoes from the commercial that aired on TV. The style definitely caught my eye and I was in need of new running shoes. I checked the reviews out first and was pleasantly surprised to find how high the ratings were! I purchased one online (the red/navy one) and was astounded by how comfortable they are! I have wide feet but these fit them very well. My favorite

feature is probably how the tongue is made. It's not made like most shoes, the tongue is actually attached to the shoes, so it won't slip sideways while you run. I will probably buy the same pair (in the gray color) when I need a new pair of running shoes..

Helpful?helpful 2 unhelpful 0 Flag Review

2/18/14

Product Tester

PavementRunnerfromSan Francisco, CA, USAAge:25-34Gender:maleDid you receive the product as a free sample:YesFrequency:frequent runner (3-5x/wk)Distance:more than 8 miles

SIZETRUE TO SIZE

WIDTHTRUE TO SIZE

COMFORTVERY COMFORTABLE

DURABILITYMET EXPECTATIONS

A runner's agility shoeI run anywhere from 20-60 miles per week and prefer to save the wear and tear on my running shoes for long-distances on the road. This shoe will work great when I'm adding in some more cross training to my routine. The first thing I noticed was how light they felt and I instantly wanted to take them to the track to see what they could do. This week I'll also use them on some agility workouts and put the "high-performance" to the test. My initial reaction after wearing them a few times is that they are built for quick speed workouts and cross training.

Helpful?helpful 3 unhelpful 0 Flag Review

4/7/14

Runner123456789Age:under 18Gender:maleDid you receive the product as a free sample:NoFrequency:frequent runner (3-5x/wk)Distance:1-4 miles

SIZEFEELS HALF SIZE TOO BIG

WIDTHTRUE TO SIZE

COMFORTCOMFORTABLE

DURABILITYSLIGHTLY BELOW EXPECTATIONS

Shoes are light but not very durableI liked these shoes they are light quick and comfortable. Although I wish they were a little more durable. I have had my shoes for 3 weeks and they have a small hole in the tip of the shoe. They are great for gym type workouts or running on treadmills, but if your going to run on rough terrain I think a different shoe is better for you.

Running Shoe Review: Reebok ZQuick Run

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“Inspired by hi-performance, Z-Rated tires, the Reebok ZQuick running shoe for kids delivers sports car handling for your feet.” – Reebok USA 

Weight: About 250g

Price: $139, available at selected RSH outlets

Our Verdict8.2/10Superb pliability, excellent ground feel and a moderate amount of cushioning – these performance features are a given for most minimalist shoes. But the Reebok ZQuick goes one up above the competition – by adding a surprisingly stable ride to the usual equation.

 

Pros- Midsole offers excellent pliability and superb ground feel - Midsole foam offers a moderate amount of cushioning

- Well-designed upper adds surprising stability to this minimalist shoe- Good value for money

Cons- Bootie in the shoe’s interior becomes worn and stretched very quickly

The ZQuick is being touted by Reebok as the running shoe equivalent of Z-rated tyres – fancy pieces of high-performance rubber which are capable of burning up the road at over 240km/h. Save for its top speed, Reebok’s claims about the shoe's performance aren’t too far off the mark – as we found out during our fortnight with this minimalist shoe.

 

Impressive performance from the midsoleThanks to its scythed-up midsole – supposedly inspired by the design of those speedy tyres – the ZQuick served up excellent pliability and ground feel. On the move, the shoe followed every flex of our foot – never interfering with our gait cycle. Cushioning was also delightfully firm: Even when it was gobbling up impact, the midsole did an admirable job of retaining feedback from the ground.

Still, these performance characteristics didn’t feel exactly groundbreaking – as any fan of shoes such as the Nike Free and, arguably, Reebok’s own Real Flex, can attest to. Reebok, after all, isn’t the first to put diced-up rubber foam on a running shoe.

 

Well-designed upper adds stability to the shoeWhat sets the ZQuick apart from the competition, however, are the stability elements built into the shoe – both at the heel and around the mid foot area. The soft upper has been reinforced with a net-like

structure. Composed of a moderately stiff rubber compound, it extends from the lacing system and wraps around the heel counter – which has itself been reinforced with a heel cup.

A bootie-like second layer is built into the interior of the ZQuick. Attached to the forefoot part of the upper, it also serves as the shoe tongue. Don’t tug too hard at it though – the bootie was looking decidedly stretched out after two weeks of intensive use.

 

This uniquely designed upper offered not only a comfortable, glove-like fit, but also enabled the ZQuick to feel more stable than most minimalist shoes – including the Nike Free. Add superb traction from the outsole to the picture – and we found a shoe which handled fast workouts and longer runs with aplomb. The versatile ZQuick was also good enough for static gym exercises.

 

Good value for moneyWhat more can we ask from a shoe which is priced at a very reasonable $139? Newcomers to minimalist running, you’ll want to place this affordable, easier-to-handle natural running shoe at the top of your shopping list.

Tell us what you think of the Reebok ZQuick after you've tried it. Share your views in the comment box below this article or at our Facebook fan page.

http://rabbitfoodformybunnyteeth.com/reebok-zquick-review/

k ZQUICK ReviewThe following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.

You may have seen this commercial playing during the Olympic Games recently!

Welllllll, those also happen to be my new kicks!

Also worn by Gold Medal Olympic gymnast   Aly Raisman, football star Knowshon Moreno, and MMA powerhouse

Johny Hendricks. I’m in pretty good company!

The technology behind the Reebok ZQUICK running shoe is phenomenal. Yes, these shoes are attractive and look

great on, but they are made for athletes. You’re probably wondering why this shoe is so special, so let’s get down to

business with the technology behind ZQUICK, and the shoe’s features.

What is ZQuick?

ZQUICK takes inspiration from Z-rated sports car tires, which are rated for speeds in excess of 149 mph.

Essentially, ZQUICK provides the same speed and handling for your feet.

The Z-rated grip:

The key to good handling tires is maximum ground contact; in tires it’s called a contact patch. It’s the amount of area

in contact with the ground.  More area is better for handling and the more surface area means more distributed force

and better grip.

The Z-series fit:

For handling, Reebok wanted to take into account the dynamics of the foot itself. Your foot changes in dimension

when you put weight on. When your foot is completely weighted, it’ s about 5mm wider than when it’s in the air. That’s

your own naturally handling feature. Your foot spreads out on impact to distribute force over a broader base. To

accommodate for that natural handling feature, Reebok built slashes into the bottom unit that go all the way to the

lasting board so that your Z-series shoe spreads with you. The Z-Rated outsole geometry delivers control, traction

and speed, while the no-sew upper and internal bootie ensure you’re locked in tight for the ride. I loved this

video about the technology behind the shoe.

Reebok ZQuick Features:

• No-Sew upper with light and flexible NanoWeb PU cast for breathable protection and support

• Low-cut for mobility with lightweight Bootie fit system for comfort

• Inspired by hi-performance tires, Z-Rated technology features a unique outsole geometry for control, traction and

speed

• Light, low profile EVA midsole designed with a radical new geometry for outstanding handling.

• Medial and lateral underfoot grooves allow midsoles to flex and expand, increasing ground contact for a smooth,

quiet ride

• A sleek new last allows the foot to move naturally, while keeping foot stable on the platform

• CRTek high abrasion rubber in key wear areas for lighter durability

My review:

I have bought Nike FreeRuns  since they first came on the market, but to be honest I never run in them anymore. I

first started buying them because of the super flexible sole and comfy no tongue upper, but as the years have gone

by and new shoes are debuted, they have become narrower and narrower (ouch) and actually pretty stiff instead of

“free.” I pretty much bought those $100 shoes for their fun color combos and looks, and definitely not function. When

it came to running shoes, I started wearing Asics and Saucony for more stability and support, but never found

anything truly “lightweight.”

I haven’t thought of Reebok for running shoes since they’ve recently been very CrossFit focused (a little intimidating

for the non CrossFitters!), but these shoes have completely changed my mind! This is one of the lightest weight

shoes I have laid my hands on in a long time. Being so lightweight, I was nervous that they wouldn’t have enough

support, but was pleasantly surprised as to how sturdy they felt once I put them on and ran around. My runs are

usually from 2-5 miles and the shoes felt really great on my short/moderate distance runs. The top of the heel sat a

little high on my ankle which made me a bit nervous that I would get blisters, but I wore my back running socks and

the heel actually broke in about 5 runs so it ended up being just dandy! My feet are small but on the wider side, so I

was really excited to get the perfect fit in both the length AND width. The upper sole is extremely flexible and

comfortable, but the outer NanoWeb weave kept my foot secure and in place. Now for the best part… the traction! It’s

actually pretty unbelievable! If you thought that Nike FreeRuns had traction, you are in for a real treat! You can cut

sharp corners and turn like it’s no one’s business because of Z-rated tread. I wanted to do a set of suicides because I

felt like I could actually complete them in an unnaturally quick time while wearing these shoes. I would the ZQUICKs

for anyone who is a mild or moderate milage runner. I don’t think this is the shoe for long distance runs or someone

training for a marathon, but it’s excellent for someone who runs between 1-5 miles. I felt zero soreness or pain in my

feet or legs the following days which is a huge win. I would the Reebok ZQUICKs for bootcamps and other group

fitness classes that require all different types of movement as they are fantastic for cutting and turning! I’m very

impressed with the overall design, and quality of this shoe! Way to go Reebok! Now I want the neon pink & yellow

pair!

Where to buy Reebok ZQUICK:

adidas Running Shoe Technologiesadidas Drainage Systema.D.S. is a patented drainage system where the integrated inlay/midsole is perforated to offer maximum water drainage, cushion and comfort. Used exclusively in certain adventure products this technology is ideally suited for use in very wet environments.

adiPRENEA very durable, shock absorbing, foam based material. Placed either at the lateral impact zone or as insert directly under heel bone adiPRENE reduces repetitive impact forces. The lateral positioning helps reduce the foot’s pronation velocity, thereby enhancing the shoe’s motion control characteristics.

adiPRENE+adiPRENE+ is a lightweight, highly durable cushioning material located in the forefoot area of most technical adidas footwear products. Highly elastic, this material provides reduced impact forces and an efficient toe-off. adiPRENE+ can be a midsole insert or can be used for the entire forefoot itself.

blue adiPreneA version of adiPRENE rearfoot lasting in 450 shore hardness to offer additional cushioning properties. Featured in technical Cushion shoes.

grey LITESTRIKE EVARearfoot lasting in 550 shore hardness to offer additional stability and comfort properties. Featured in Technical Control shoes.

adiTUFF™An abrasion-resistant material used in the toe and/or lateral forefoot area of a shoe's upper to protect from excessive wear.

adiWEAR™Extremely durable, non-marking rubber used primarily for high-abrasion activities which require the optimal balance of excellent abrasion resistance, traction, and flexibility. In running, adiWear is used to reduce wear in the heel landing area and the toe-off area.

a³ Energy Management SystemUA midsole cushioning and control system. From initial impact through toe-off, every phase of the foot strike is addressed through specific materials, geometry and level of firmness. The a³ system provides 4 distinct benefits:Durability – Highly durable TPU,Thermal Stability – Withstands high variances in temperatures with little effect on performance,Reproducibility – ability to maintain consistency in the production process,Engineered Modularity – ability to address all biomechanical requirements throughout the shoe.

BounceUses the same technology as the a3 system. And therefore offers the same technical benefits. In a bounce shoe the structure units connect directly to the heal counter. With the lowered sockliner chassis, the foot is closer to the cushioning elements. This provides the athlete with an even softer, more comfortable ride and a better energy return - the Bounce effect.

ClimaCoolClimaCool is a system combining moisture-managing materials and ventilation in key areas. ClimaCool creates an efficient system for the evaporation of sweat and 360? ventilation to help regulate an athlete’s body temperature for improved efficiency and comfort.

ClimaProofClimaProof is a system which offers wind and water protection as the main benefit to the athlete. The typical construction is to use a breathable coating on the surface of a shoe’s upper material. Ventilation is integrated into key heat and sweat zones, in some cases supported by use of ClimaLite lining for moisture transport.

ForMotion™The ForMotion™ system reduces your foot’s pronation velocity and knee rotation. The key to ForMotion™ footwear is the active ForMotion™ element in the midsole. It adjusts to your sport motion in order to let your foot adapt more naturally to the landing surface. At any angle of touchdown, a pair of radiused, sliding plates in the midsole begin to slow horizontal forces the moment your foot touches ground. Your foot experiences a much smoother, more natural touchdown with every step,

and minimises potentially harmful knee stress. With ForMotion™, adidas is the first-ever brand to deliver a shoe that adapts to both horizontal and vertical impact forces to provide comfort and control in all three dimensions.

geoFIT™Anatomically placed foam pads (which are made of long memory foam) wrap around the heel and follow the form of the foot, evenly distributing pressure for an improved fit, increased comfort and an enhanced sense of security and stability. geoFIT™ offers a wide variety of benefits to an athlete including enhanced comfort, better heel fit and better pressure distribution around the entire rearfoot and midfoot section.

geoFIT FrameA chassis construction that has a TORSION® SYSTEM bar which extends to the heel and acts as an external heel counter, providing superior stability so there is no need for an internal heel counter, thus saving on weight. To improve fit and comfort in the heel, an anatomically shaped, moulded EVA piece is added creating a one-piece upper and lining. Traditionally, when constructing heels an internal heel counter is inserted between upper material and lining.

NoSeamA technology bonds the frame of the shoe directly onto the upper forefoot area and eliminates the need for seams and overlays. This increases the shoes performance in 2 major ways:Support: In the moulding process, the material thickness and geometry can be adjusted to get the exact amount of support needed for the shoe, enhancing both performance and protection.Protection: The impact-resistant qualities of NoSeam protect feet from impact and injuries. Because TPU material is more protective than standard overlay materials, NoSeam can be designed to protect in areas as needed.

QuickStrikeAn outsole construction that provides a light, durable outsole with a higher abrasion resistance than expanded rubber and compares well against heavier carbon rubber. The material is moulded directly onto a thin textile base which functions the same as a traditional, heavier, rubber base. The QuickStrike outsole improves overall cushioning as each lug can deflect and absorb impact force., QuickStrike manufacturing is extremely precise. Every shoe size has a correctly scaled outsole for exact, consistent location of lugs for excellent durability.

TORSION Systemadidas TORSION System provides mid-foot integrity while allowing enhanced surface adaptation and stability. High performance athletic footwear must protect and support the foot while still allowing it to function in a natural manner. The TORSION System is now specific to linear or lateral sport motions, supporting the midfoot and serving as a platform for extended control, fit, or protection elements.

TraxionThe TRAXION® outsole design was originally developed for football where its tapered shape provides excellent ground penetration without the typical stud pressure football boots place on the foot. TRAXION ® is now offered in numerous adidas sports including Trail Running, Golf, Adventure, Walking, and Training where the requirements of grip, protection and pressure distribution for the foot are similar.

Nike Athletic Shoes ---> Quality>Durability

 

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June 5, 2011 . 5.7K Views . 0   Comments . 1   Vote

Recently Nike has been releasing many shoes which do not use the same leather like material as they used to. Most athletic Nike shoes are now made up of an artificial synthetic material which is not only better for performance, but it also looks a lot nicer. However with this being said this performance enhancing material is not nearly as durable as the old leather like material, not to say that every single Nike athletic shoe is made up of this, but most are. I recently had a pair of neon blue Nike Hyperfuse basketball shoes. These shoes felt light as a feather, and were also a headturner, but within two months the shoes started to deteriorate: The nike sign on both sides of the shoe wasn't embroidered, therefore it began to lose its black color and started to fade away. Also, the neon blue coloring on the sides of the ankle began to fade away, leaving a white "scrape" which is what it looked like to me.

A friend of mine told me about some new nike + free 5.0 running shoes he bought, and how they were really great for his arch support. On the other hand he also told me about how the sole of the shoes had worn away in less than three months after daily running use.

The trend with these kind of shoes is that they are meant to be an amazingly cool and feel-good shoe, but as Nike has implemented this theme, the long term quality of the shoes are beginning to fade away. When buying Nike shoes, if you are interested in performance, then you should probably go with the shoes with the synthetic material, if you prefer durability, you should probably go with another type of Nike shoe, as there are some Nike running shoes which still are quite durable. Or even go with another brand, if looking for basketball shoes look at Reebok (maybe not the most stylish but they are extremely durable), Jordans, or Adidas. If looking for running shoes look at Brooks, Asics, or New Balance.

Synthetic material:

       (The type of shoes 

7 Features You Should Look for in a Pair of Men’s Running Shoes

 

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June 9, 2014 . 5.3K Views . 0   Comments

Most men do not enjoy shopping for shoes, so when it is time to replace an old pair ofrunning shoes, they may look at the process with more dread than excitement. However, buying the perfect pair of running shoes can make the difference between a great run and a run that leaves men with blisters, joint pain, or even sprains. This guide lists seven features that men should look for in their next pair of running shoes: a perfect fit, ankle support, arch support, terrain-appropriate design, high-quality construction, style, and affordable pricing.

1. A Perfect FitRunners should try their shoes on late in the day, since feet typically swell slightly during a normal day’s activities. They will need to measure the length of their feet to ensure that they have an idea of their correct shoe size. They should also consider two additional factors: the width of their foot and their weight as a runner.

Foot WidthMen will need to consider the width of their foot in addition to its length. A man with a size 11 foot may actually require an 11 wide (11W) for optimum comfort while running. However, the shoe should not be too wide or the foot will have too much room to shift during the run.

Some brands differ slightly in the width of their standard shoe. For instance, Adidasoffers narrower shoes, while Brooks shoes are slightly wider than average. Some manufacturers, such as New Balance, supply more than one width option to further tailor the running shoe to the wearer.

WeightThe runner’s weight will affect the amount of force to which the shoe is subjected. Buyers typically understand that each stride will bring the entire weight of the wearer onto the shoe’s sole. However, most buyers are unaware that the force that they exert on their shoes may double or triple depending on how fast they are running. Heavier runners will need shoes with thicker soles that offer extra cushioning against impact.

2. Ankle SupportAdequate support for the upper foot, heel, and ankle is vital in a good pair of men’s running shoes. Without it, a quick morning run can result in a badly sprained ankle and weeks of physical therapy. Buyers need to understand the shape of their feet and the way that their feet and ankles move during a run. The three primary types of motion are designated as pronation, supination, and overpronation.

PronationThe term "pronation" refers to the way that the average foot reacts to a stride. Usually the heel contacts the ground first and rolls inward a little. At the same time, the arch of the foot flattens, absorbing the impact of the step or stride. A slight outward roll follows as the foot tenses and lifts for the next step. The feet of runners with basic or neutral pronation work exactly as they should, with only slight rolls to either side at the appropriate time during the stride. This effective type of pronation reduces stress on the ankles, knees, and hips. Runners with neutral or normal pronation require some basic support but need not invest in a special type of running shoe.

Supination or UnderpronationSupination or underpronation occurs when the foot rolls outward upon contact, rather than inward. This causes a harsher impact, jarring a runner’s knees unnecessarily. Runners who suffer from this condition should have extra cushioning in the soles of their shoes. Their shoes will also need to have a more flexible upper portion. Supination is fairly rare among runners.

OverpronationWhen the foot rolls inward too far upon impact, the result is overpronation, which is a common condition among runners. Without proper support, runners with overpronation may suffer injury to their knees. Their shoes should have additional rigidity and stabilizing features to minimize the effects of the condition.

Identifying Pronation TypeThe chart below provides a quick way for runners to check their own pronation type. They should pull out a pair of their well-worn running shoes and examine the shoes’ soles, as the wear pattern can provide clues about the owner’s pronation type.

Wear Pattern Pronation Type

The inside edge of the shoe shows significant wear. The runner may have a tendency to

Wear Pattern Pronation Type

overpronation.

The outer edge of the shoe is heavily worn. The owner probably suffers from supination.

The ball of the foot shows the most wear. There is also some wear to the heel area.

The wearer likely has neutral or basic pronation.

Armed with this information, runners should be able to identify their pronation type with some degree of accuracy. For an official diagnosis, they should visit a physical therapist or podiatrist.

3. Arch SupportThe type of shoes that runners need for adequate arch support is closely tied to their pronation. Runners can also do a wet footprint test to determine what sort of arch they have. All they need to do is step into a basin of water and then place their wet foot on a brown paper bag, bath mat, or some other surface that will show the resulting imprint clearly.

High ArchesRunners with high arches are typically supinators or underpronators. They will have a strongly curved imprint in which the ball and heel of the foot are barely connected or not connected at all. Flexibility is a key feature in shoes for these runners.

Low ArchesFlat-footed runners with low arches will have a broad footprint with a wide connection between ball and heel. Runners with flat feet tend to be overpronators. They need motion control and stability in their running shoes.

Normal ArchesNormal arches will be somewhere in between, with a less dramatic curve and a marked, narrow strip connecting the ball and the heel. These arches belong to runners with basic or neutral pronation. They will want mild arch support in their running shoes.

4. Terrain-Appropriate DesignThe type of shoes that runners select should be designed for the type of terrain that they usually travel. The two primary types of running shoes are road running shoesand off - road running shoes (also known as trail runners). While some shoes can handle both types of terrain, most running shoes fall into one of these two categories.

Road Running ShoesRoad running shoes work well for paved roads and paths. They can also handle the occasional hard-packed dirt path, wood-chip trail, fire road, or nature trail. They are lighter than trail runners are, and they allow a runner’s feet a little more flexibility than some other running shoes do.

Trail Runners or Off-Road RunnersOff - road or trail runners are ideal for running on unpaved trails. They are intended to provide extra shock absorption and stability for runners who may encounter uneven ground and the occasional rock, root, or animal burrow during their run. They are heavier and more rigid than road running shoes. Usually, they incorporate a more aggressive tread on the soles, enabling runners to have optimum traction even on slippery gravel or rock surfaces.

5. High-Quality Construction

Most running shoes are made of synthetic leather. The flexibility, durability, lighter weight, and quick drying capacity of synthetic leather makes it better for runners than genuine leather would be. A good pair of running shoes should have strong seams and breathable panels made of mesh, possibly at times nylon mesh. The upper part of the shoe, which is the area that circles the ankle, needs to be waterproof to minimize the amount of water that gets into the shoes. As water (such as rain) flows down toward the shoe, it is blocked by the waterproof upper so that only a minimal amount gets in through the mesh panels. The lining of the shoe should also be made of a water-resistant yet breathable mesh.

6. StyleStyle is another essential feature for many runners. Some runners prefer a chunky, heavy-duty shoe with thick soles for off-road running. Others like a streamlined look that narrows the appearance of the foot. Running shoes typically come in black or white, although they are available in a rainbow of colors. The standard running shoe will have a basic color such as white with splashes of another color, with red, green, yellow, orange, or purple among these options. Generally, a running shoe also bears the manufacturer’s logo or mascot. A Puma shoe, for instance, will have the signature leaping cat prominently displayed on the shoe. Reebok ’ s trademark is a red triangle, while Nike is well known for its iconic swoosh.

7. Affordable PricingFor running shoes, a higher price is usually indicative of higher quality. A higher price is sometimes a result of the extensive research that goes into the manufacturer’s trademark technology. Constant improvements in the material used for shoe construction, the aerodynamics of the shoe design, and the development of durable soles with adequate cushioning power provide benefits to runners and may make higher costs seem worthwhile. However, for buyers who have a tight budget, overstock or outlet stores with lower prices may be a better option than traditional shoe stores or department stores.

Buying Men’s Running Shoes on eBayWhile shoe stores and sporting goods stores may often be your first thought when it comes to purchasing a new pair of running shoes, their stocks can be limited due to inventory or logistics issues. In these cases, you should consider visiting online retailers like eBay for running shoes that can range from basic, inexpensive brands to high-end, top-quality trainers. Whatever brand or style you are looking for, eBay is almost certain to have it available.Begin by searching for "men’s running shoes" using the search bar located on most eBay pages, or start on eBay’s main page by clicking Fashion, and then Men ’ s Shoes. Under the Athletic category, select Running, Cross Training as your preferred style, and then target your search by selecting your size, your price range, your favorite brand, and any other pertinent options. If you conduct a regular search, save it so that eBay can let you know whenever new listings for your specific running shoes search terms become available.Remember to check seller feedback ratings and choose top sellers for your transactions. You can ask sellers for more details about the running shoes that they have listed by clicking Ask a Question in the listing or by visiting the seller’s profile page and clicking Contact Member. Look for sellers who offer free shipping, return policies, or package deals, in which more than one item or pair of shoes is bundled together at a bargain price as a means of saving money on your purchase.

ConclusionWhile shoe shopping may not be on a man’s list of favorite things to do over the weekend, the process can be made even faster and simpler with a little advance research and planning. Buyers should familiarize themselves with their foot type so that they know which type of shoe will best serve their needs. They should look for quality in the shoe’s construction and ensure that it is appropriate for the terrain that they plan to traverse. If buyers keep these and other

key features in mind, they should be able to find a pair of men’s running shoes that will provide them with a safe and enjoyable experience.