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- Run Culture S24 Vol 8
Run Culture S24 Vol 8
Shoe Tech
Kristopher Humphries
July 15, 2024
Can you believe it’s been 2 months since we launched? Time flies when you're having fun! Since launching, I’ve connected with so many amazing subscribers and running industry folks—something I never imagined happening so quickly. I truly appreciate all of you and the connections we've made. Don’t be shy—reach out and say hello on Instagram!
Beta Launch of Our Discord: Join our digital run club! We've got cool events and brand partnerships lined up, especially around the Athletics component of the Olympic Games, with chances to win free gear. Join us here.
Training Update: With less than 10 weeks to go, the training block is getting serious. Follow my journey here.
Lets jump in!
The Shop Front
Saucony Hurricane 24
We’ve featured a lot of race shoes lately, but sometimes you need something for those easy days. Enter the Saucony Hurricane 24. It’s filling the gap left by the changes to the Triumph, with loads of PWRRUN PB underfoot and added stability. Perfect for larger runners and they look great too—check out the white and grey combo!
Satisfy Running
If skate culture merged with running, you’d get Satisfy Running. They’re one of the priciest brands out there, but their unique designs are instantly recognizable. I became more interested in them after learning about their founder and brand identity. I only own one piece due to the price, but it’s my go-to race singlet. Check out this epic video below they put out, which is one of my top motivators for a run.
The Cafe
Track and Field Photographers
In collaboration with Straight At It, we’re highlighting some photographers who turn our favorite pastime into captured moments.
Head photographer for Straight At It. One of my favorite photos is his shot of Nina Kennedy clearing a huge height. The light, timing, and pop of the Puma kit are just perfect.
As his name suggests, Ben captures light in the most magical moments. Bad day to be a sunset when Ben’s around!
Jacob introduced me to Teunjoseph, whose photography captures motion in moments of time, making you want to ditch the watch and just run fast and free.
We truly appreciate these guys for capturing our sport and providing photos for this newsletter. Also, shoutouts to Beyond_the_road_, Declan Carruthers, Michael Dawson, and many more.
The Gym
Shoe Drop
With all the recent shoe releases they all have different heel to toe drops and to be honest it has been something I have been pretty oblivious to so I decided to do a bit of research to understand this better and found an incredible resource by Run Repeat. I would recommend them for anything technical shoe related. This is what i got from this blog post.
What is Heel-to-Toe Drop? Heel-to-toe drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot in a running shoe, measured in millimeters (mm). This difference can range from 0 to 15mm, with lab measurements extending from -0.8mm to 16.1mm. This metric is also known as heel drop, shoe drop, or gradient.
Categories of Heel Drop:
Zero Drop (0mm)
Low Drop (1-4mm)
Mid Drop (5-8mm)
High Drop (8+ mm)
Choosing the Right Heel Drop: When choosing the right heel drop, consider the following factors:
Running Experience:
Beginners: Start with a mid to high heel drop (8-10mm). This range offers a balanced introduction, accommodating a heel-strike landing common among new runners.
Advanced Runners: Depending on your form and preferences, you might experiment with lower drops for a more natural running feel.
Injury History:
Lower Drop (0-4mm): Ideal if you have knee or hip issues, as it promotes a forefoot or midfoot strike, reducing impact on these joints.
Higher Drop (8-15mm): Suitable if you have Achilles tendinitis or calf injuries, as it lessens the strain on the lower leg and Achilles tendon.
Running Style:
Heel Strikers: A higher drop supports a heel-first landing, providing cushioning and stability.
Midfoot/Forefoot Strikers: A lower drop encourages a natural landing closer to the midfoot, enhancing proprioception and responsiveness.
Comfort and Adaptation:
Comfort: Ensure the shoe feels comfortable with the chosen heel drop. Any significant change in drop might feel odd initially and requires an adaptation period.
Adaptation Period: Transitioning to a lower drop? Gradually increase your mileage to avoid injuries. This adaptation helps your muscles and tendons adjust to the new biomechanics.
Terrain and Usage:
Road Running: Both low and high drops can be used based on your comfort and running style.
Trail Running: Lower drops are preferred for better ground feel and stability on uneven surfaces.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to heel drop. It’s all about what works best for your body and running goals. Experiment and listen to your body to find the perfect match!