Stiftung Warentest These are the good running shoes

Testers give tips for the sports shoe purchase
"Which running shoe is the right one for me?" Many joggers ask themselves this question, especially when they visit a specialist shop for the first time. Because the offer is great and often gives the layman the agony of choice. Therefore, to avoid health risks from unsuitable shoes, good advice when buying is particularly important. Stiftung Warentest tested 17 running shoes for men and achieved an overall positive result.

Joint damage due to incorrect footwear
If you want to do running sports, you need the right shoes. Health experts recommend this again and again in order to prevent injuries such as to prevent Achilles tendonitis or joint damage. Accordingly, runners should not rush their shoes and buy on their own, but be sure to seek advice from experienced staff. Help with the selection can also provide a recent investigation of the Stiftung Warentest. Because this has 17 running shoes for men (prices: 110-135 euros) tested and shows in their magazine "test" (Issue 8/2015), which model for which foot and runner types are suitable. The result was overall positive, many shoes were rated "good", one even received the top grade "very good".

Good grades for running shoes. Image: underdogstudios - fotolia

The test products were neutral and stability running shoes as well as a so-called "barefoot running shoe", whereby the groups differ mainly in the support function. Here it is important to look particularly well, because each runner "according to his anatomy, his state of training and running time have different requirements," the Foundation. Before buying, therefore, the foot position during running should be analyzed exactly to see if the heel buckles little or strong.

If overpronation, better choose Stability Running Shoes
If it only bends slightly inwards, orthopedic surgeons speak of a "normal pronation", which serves as natural cushioning of the foot to cushion the impact. In this case, according to the foundation, so-called "neutral shoes" would be suitable - provided there are no other foot deformities or orthopedic problems. On the other hand, those who strongly buckle inwards ("overpronation") should resort more to the stability of the running shoes in order to provide the foot with appropriate support.

According to the foundation, 24 experienced runners (each 50% normal runner and overpronator) had jogged five kilometers with each shoe for the test, meaning that the individual models ended up with "120 kilometers under their belt". Afterwards the runners gave their detailed evaluations. In addition to the support effect and the shock absorption was assessed, which serves the protection of the foot, knee and hip joints. Those who are well trained would normally handle less damping than a beginner. However, how pronounced these functions should actually be in an individual case can best be determined by a professional analysis before purchasing.

Four companies refuse any information
In addition, the testers had assessed the working conditions in the running shoe industry. Although they had encountered low wages and many overtime hours in the Asian factories, "in some cases the conditions are better [.] Than in Germany," writes the foundation. Accordingly, there would generally be little written requirements by the German provider "Lunge", for example. for the protection of health or the handling of chemicals. Adidas, Brooks, Reebok and Salomon, on the other hand, would be "satisfactory" to employees and the environment. There was no chance for information at Mizuno, New Balance, Nike and Saucony, the report said. Because they would have "the look behind the scenes" completely denied. (No)