Have you finally decided it’s time to throw away those old gym shoes and get yourself a new pair of proper running shoes? Fantastic! Running is a very popular way to exercise and stay in shape. If you haven’t picked it up yet, a morning jog might just be what your body needs to get energized and relieve work-related stress. In that spirit, it’s imperative that you select a shoe that’s appropriate to both your morphology, natural foot curve, and sporting habits. It can make all the difference in your overall running experience. Here is a guide from SootheYourFeet in finding the best running shoes.
It’s very easy to get lost among all the models available on the market, we’ve created a useful guide to help you choose the best running shoes for you. Running shoes have a long history and many new technologies have come and gone. It will help get you familiar with everything to consider for a running shoe that will last you throughout the miles. Ready, get set, go!
1. Consider your weight
One of the first things to take into account is how much you weigh. Your weight directly determines the amount of physical pressure that’s exercised on the shoe while you run. Accordingly, it’s a basic factor you need to pay extra attention to; while heavier runners need more sturdy, stable shoes, to avoid ankle sprains, less heavy people can opt for lighter shoes with more flexible materials.
2. Foot type and fit
Regardless of shoe size, knowing your foot type is crucial to making the right choice. Do you have flat and wide feet? A low or high arch? These significantly impact the way your foot hits the ground. To help you decide, the folks over at RadarLogic have gathered some useful tips to select the best running shoes for wide feet and accommodate that particular morphology. They’ve also included a comparison of 5 running shoe models from different brands, with pros and cons, to guide your choice. Remember than an inadequate and unfit pair will hinder your practice and is likely to cause tightness, discomfort, and pain.
3. Running style, surface, and frequency
Which pair you select will ultimately depend on several criteria you need to establish for yourself.
- First, determine your style of running. Are you rather light-footed, making brief contact with the ground, or a stomper whose soles make full contact with the floor?
- Next, consider the surface on which you typically run. Are you an indoor or outdoor jogger? Do you prefer to run on a treadmill, around the sports track, or on natural pathways in the park or forest?
- Finally, look at your frequency. Do you run once, twice, three times a week? Wore? What distances? A quick jog or long marathons?
Answering these basic questions will help you choose a shoe that matches your personal running habits and will go a long way in maximizing your experience. Don’t hesitate to ask a specialist or consult running forums online.
4. Look for comfort and durability
It goes without saying that runners ought to feel good in their shoes, literally. Materials are paramount; this is a prime reason why brands nowadays place so much emphasis on designing products with cushioning that provides superior comfort and helps prevent aches. Additionally, a runner will look for a shoe that’s durable, lasting for up to 2 years. Remember, however, that even if you wash your shoes regularly, they will tend to deteriorate and become less comfortable with time. Replace your running shoes at least once every 2 years.
5. Optimize stability or flexibility
Similarly, as we’ve seen, shoe selection should be done according to a set of physical factors, including your weight and what kind of surface you’re often running on. Although you can opt for a versatile, all-type model, weight and surface remain especially important to determine whether you need a stable (with anti-slip protection) or flexible, dynamic pair.
6. Visit a specialized store
When it comes to the actual purchase, it’s vital to be able to try on your new shoes and walk a few steps in them. Sure, you can do your research online and isolate a couple of models you have insight, but it’s always best to buy them at the store, with the help of a clerk who will assist you and make sure you select the appropriate size.
Buying the right running shoes is an important step that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Having knowledge of your own morphology and customs will serve as a solid basis upon which to favor one type or brand over another. With these recommendations, purchasing the right pair of running shoes will be as easy as your shoes are on your feet. Reading running shoes history will also give you some hints on how to choose the most comfortable running shoes for your feet.