Cross Country builds its team from the shoes up

Many of us might not think long and hard about running shoes — a shoe is a shoe is a shoe. Any sneaker will do, though perhaps you don’t want to run the mile in any old pair of Converse.For some though, shoes are important. They’re more than what you walk in, especially for members of the cross country team. To them, the shoes they wear make a huge difference in their performance.Different runners prefer different shoes, from Brooks to Nikes to minimalist shoes, team members  have different choices. Some runners like varsity runner Kasia Krzyzanowski (’16) have no preference, switching her shoes every more frequently than others.According to Krzyzanowski runners will generally get help from store associates when choosing shoes. The associates will have the runners walk or jog in order to help them choose the shoes that have the best fit.“Shoes definitely affect how you run since the wrong shoes can cause injuries and pain,” Krzyzanowski said.Varsity runner Jessica Bonilla (’15) is particularly partial to Nikes. The popular brand provides her with support without being too heavy.“Nike has helped me buy a pair of shoes that help me improve my form in running [and] support my low arches,” Bonilla said. “They measured my arch and had me run on a treadmill and recorded my stride to see how I step when I run. Then they decided which pair of shoes would fit me best.”The shoes that Bonilla runs in also affect her physical health.“If I run with lightweight shoes with no support on long workouts all the time then my shin splints will get a lot worse and make me more prone to injuries,” Bonilla said. “If I wear more supportive shoes I help prevent these injuries [and] perfect my form.”The wrong kind of shoe can lead to serious injuries that can put a runner out for the season. Captain Arden Lassalle (’14) changes his shoes every few months to ward off shin splits and other injuries.Some runners are more interested in the minimalist idea — shoes that are more lightweight and provide less support.In particular, captain varsity runners Jahangir Habib (’14) and Justin Sardo (’14) both prefer less cushion in their shoes.“I like less cushioning when I’m on the track or on the road, but I like more cushioning if I’m on a trail,” Habib said.Sardo’s favorite shoes to run in are the Inov-8 X-Lite 155 and X-Treme 178. Both brands are not popular or well-known, but they make great running shoes for those who prefer less cushion.“I myself am a minimalist runner, meaning I choose shoes that have little cushion and little heel-to-toe drop,” Sardo said. “This means that you really feel the ground when you run and allows you to easily practice a mid-foot strike. Those two shoes are extremely light and have just a thin layer beneath them, which is exactly what I look for.”Sardo is forced to have good form, which prevents pain, because his shoes have very little material.“Some runners like to train in heavier, or larger shoes with more cushioning, but I am a proponent of ‘less-is-more,’ and think it ultimately strengthens my feet, makes me run cleaner and makes me feel lighter,” Sardo said.However, while finding the perfect shoe can help perfect form, the most important thing is making sure that runners have the dedication to improve themselves.“Getting the newest Nikes is fun and can make one feel better when he or she is running,” Bonilla said. “But the material stuff isn’t what makes the runner — it’s the passion, the determination, the motivation and the heart that keeps one running.”