Plate Angles Differ
The angle , position and curvature of plated outersoles differ from shoe to shoe , and each runner ’ s mechanics differ , too , which means you must be more selective in how you choose a plated shoe . Every plated shoe has a specific ‘ sweet spot ’ on which the runner should land . The pro runners ( and pro shoes ) will be higher up and more forefoot than the recreational runners , particularly those trying to make the transition from heel-toe running . These sweet spot locations obviously change with the curvature of the sculpted midsole , and the depth of the midsole .
While this may only be millimetres , if the point of ground contact is ahead of the knee joint , not only will there be a ‘ stopping ’ impact on landing which reduces efficiency , but also the braking force will initiate knee pain in the runner . Ideally , the landing should therefore be just under or slightly behind the knee , and if the runner ’ s flexibility allows , just ahead of the centre of gravity at the lean the runner is able to achieve .
For younger runners this is usually not too hard , but older runners , or those who spend a life sitting at a desk or are otherwise restricted in movement , must choose their shoes carefully and work on improving hip flexor range and knee strength to get the improvements they are looking for from plated shoes .
Some ideas to consider in adapting to the new shoes :
• The thicker the midsole , the further forward the point of contact becomes , so don ’ t simply take your usual size shoe . Rather check to see where the curvature of the midsole is and try to match that directly below the main vertical through the ball of the foot , to ensure the correct placement of the foot in relation to the designed point of contact . Try different shoe models and sizes and you will feel the difference in landing . Also keep in mind that in the shop , we tend to be a bit more ‘ adventurous ’ with our running style , so try to mirror your normal style as much as possible .
• When warming up in these shoes , stand tall and roll back and forth , using the ankles to find and feel the roller point . Then do a series of short , fast steps / strides that keep you on the front of the shoe . Gradually increase the amount of push backwards , so the stride extends to the rear , because running is a backward motion , not a step forward . This will assist in warming your calves and Achilles for the run , but more importantly , initiate the correct movement with the brain .
Three of the Best
After running in the Endorphin Pro and then reading up on the rest of the Saucony Endorphin range , I think the ideal use for this shoe is as the racing end of a trio of shoes from the Saucony armoury . As explained in the sidebar , Plate Angles Differ , plated shoes have different designs and sweet spots , and runners have differing mechanics and strengths , so one has to find the right plated shoe for your mechanics , and it pays to have different types of shoes to train and race in . It is for this reason that Saucony has developed a range of Endorphin shoes that compliment each other , the long distance and slightly more flexible Endorphin Shift 2 , the interval , faster Endorphin Speed 2 , and the ‘ cut and thrust ’ of racing in the Endorphin Pro 2 . It ’ s a trio that will fit the whole gambit of running , with a Shift Trail filling the need for those who regularly go off road .
The Speed 2 uses a nylon plate that offers more flexibility in the PWRRUN PB midsole than the carbon plate of the Pro 2 . This slightly more forgiving landing will obviously absorb some of the landing energy , and is more accommodating to different mechanics , or those transitioning into plated running . This makes the Speed 2 a perfect training foil to the racing Pro 2 . The use of the Speed 2 for medium distance and quality work sessions , with the Pro as the flat-out racer , is a highly compatible combination for the good or ambitious club and elite runner . Meanwhile , the Shift 2 has design features consistent with the other two shoes , but has no plate , which means the runner has a similar experience , but also a greater degree of midsole flexibility that allows the foot to use more of its natural movement .
Although the Shift 2 has a 4mm heel-to-toe drop , as opposed to 8mm in the other two , the overall features are sufficiently consistent to ensure easy daily transition between each . The difference in levels is also reflected in retail price , with the Pro 2 selling for around R4500 , the Speed 2 going for R3900 , and the Shift 2 coming in at R2900 . With my Scots heritage , it goes without saying that having three shoes to rotate not only reduces injuries , but allows the shoes to recover between uses , and thus each pair lasts longer . Also , buying three pairs at the same time normally brings with it a retail discount !
Get Them Here
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 retails at a recommended R4499 and is available at RUN , RunaWay Sport , Durban Runner , The Sweatshop , Athlete ’ s Foot , Sportsmans Warehouse and Totalsports . The Endorphin Speed 2 is available for R3899 and the Endorphin Shift 2 for R2899.00 , at the same retail outlets .
Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 ( left ) and Endorphin
Shift 2 ( right )
About the Author
Norrie represented Scotland and Great Britain in numerous ultra-distance events , then represented South Africa in triathlon . He is a World Athletics-accredited coach and course measurer , and travels all over the world to work on events , including the Olympics , where he has been part of four Olympic Marathon measurement teams . He has been appointed by World Athletics as Technical Delegate to a number of the world ’ s leading Label events in Africa , Asia and the Middle East . He has authored two books ( Everyman ’ s Guide to Distance Running and Every Beginner ’ s Guide to Walking & Running ), and counts 20 Comrades medals amongst his more than 150 ultra-marathon medals , as well as multiple wins at distances from 100km to 1000km . You can read more from him at www . coachnorrie . co . za .
Images : Courtesy Saucony
78 ISSUE 147 DECEMBER 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za