We test your knowledge of running, and more specifically with regard to specific running shoes. We enter technical territory with the following question: What is mesh in a running shoe? Do you know the answer, or are you forced to use the "phone call joker"? At RUNNEA we explain it to you and clarify the concepts.
Whether you are an experienced runner or a newcomer to the world of running, we are sure that you have read and heard the word "mesh" on countless occasions, and to top it off, you don't know what it refers to. As the popular saying goes: "you'll never go to bed without knowing one more thing" Let's get down to business!
First clues, mesh is related to the upper of the running shoe. In recent years, it is a growing trend, because the major brands in the running sector are working more and more on the fabrics of these technical tights not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because they also improve the performance of the model you are going to wear, in areas as important as support, fit and comfort. In other words, the ability to adapt to the runner's foot.
What is mesh in a running shoe and what is it for?
Before getting into the subject, it is necessary to put the issue in context. This context involves differentiating the 3 main parts that all - or almost all - running shoes have: the midsole, the upper and the outsole. This leads us to associate the mesh with the upper of the model.
But, if you are still wondering: what is mesh? The Real Academia Española de la Lengua defines the concept of upper as "upper part of the shoe, which embraces the foot on top". This is the official definition of this Anglo-Saxon concept of "mesh". But, in a more colloquial and popular facet, this fabric of the upper part of the shoe that envelops the foot is also known as technical mesh, plain and simple. Plain and simple.
The basic function of mesh in a running shoe is focused on creating a structure of synthetic fibers that end up increasing the degree of flexibility of the shoe. But its level of breathability is also important, since a more open technical mesh will improve ventilation, thus addressing one of the big problems that running silhouettes have: overheating of the feet as the kilometers go by.
On the other hand, in most cases, the evolution of the materials used in the manufacture of this technical mesh also has the essential premise of lightening the weight of the model. Thanks to technological innovation, the development of this mesh is able to offer the support you need in each stride, and that comes to improve support. At the same time, they offer a more personalized fit so that the shoe does not present any problem of adaptability to the foot.
Is it the same to talk about mesh and upper?
Given the context and the definition of the concept of mesh or technical mesh, the next question to be answered is to distinguish between mesh or technical mesh and upper. It seems obvious, but in many cases they are elements that tend to be confused quite easily, and it is clear that they are not the same thing.
Thus, the technical mesh is one of the important elements that make up the upper of a running shoe, such as: the laces, the tongue, the reinforcements, and even the heel counter, for example. All of them, together, build and shape what we call the upper, which is connected to the midsole of the shoe from the heel to the toe.
By this we mean, and make it clear, that upper and mesh are not the same thing. Sometimes, we in the specialized media use it in the wrong way and tend to create some confusion about it. So remember: the upper is all those elements that make up the upper part of a specific model of a brand; while the mesh is one of those elements that make up the upper, and that help the model to improve the runner's athletic performance.
What are the technical meshes of the upper of a running shoe made of?
Many factors come into play in the manufacturing of the technical mesh of men's and women's Running shoes. One of them is to try to reduce those hot spots, avoiding excessive pressure to ensure comfort, even suppressing the seams to eliminate possible friction on the skin, and thus no chafing or other injuries that make you slow down in training.
There are as many technical tights as there are running brands on the market. In fact, each brand has its own systems for making technical tights, which combine fabrics depending on the use of the shoe, and which provide a perfect balance between breathability, comfort and durability. Some examples are adidas Primeknit , Nike Flyknit , ASICS FluidFit , Brooks 3D Fit Print, Mizuno Airmesh , Saucony FormFit , Skechers Performance Ripstop , or Salomon SensiFit .
However, all brands choose to implement technical mesh in their upper in a single piece, or with some overlapping, which ensures comfort, support and fit to run with greater confidence and safety on the road.
It should also be noted that today's changing trend makes technological innovation the standard to follow, and when it comes to mesh in sports footwear, things are changing, and very quickly. The commitment is clear: brands are committed to caring for and protecting the environment. So, the step to action is focused on manufacturing these technical tights with recycled materials, more sustainable in CO2, even with vegan synthetic fibers, such as models of the Mizuno Wave Daichi 6 and Mizuno Wave Sky 5 that are 100% vegan; or the Primegreen fabric of adidas, as some of the clearest examples.
Basic characteristics of mesh in Running shoes
In practice, all mesh or technical mesh in a running shoe should contain the following basic characteristics:
- Breathability: As we have already indicated, open pore technical mesh helps to avoid those hot spots in the shoe, improving the ventilation section.
- Lightness: The treatment of the materials is getting better and better, and the making of these meshes means that their uppers are lighter, and also have the mission of lightening the overall weight of the shoe as a whole.
- Flexibility: When looking for an adequate and personalized fit, the importance of the technical mesh has its raison d'être in having this level of pressure under control, allowing the best adaptation to the foot without restricting freedom of movement.
- Resistance: All the materials that make up the envelope of the foot must also show great durability with heat sealing and well-finished seams so that the shoe maintains its estimated useful life and does not break before its time.
Obviously the combination of these features will make that both the support and the fit are optimized so thatthis running shoe becomes our great ally when it comes to achieving your sporting goals.
Conclusions about the importance of mesh in running shoes
In conclusion, many of us runners pay attention to, and even prioritize, the compounds and foams that come with the midsole of the selected model. However, no less important is the construction of these engineering and/or technical meshes, because they provide the key to choosing one silhouette or another for running.
So when choosing your next running shoe, don't let yourself be guided only by aesthetics, and pay attention to those details that are included in the upper, including the technical mesh. The use you are going to give it and the place where you go running also have their influence in this final decision. Your purchase will be a success!
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