Running shoes are the most important running equipment you will ever have. This is something that you don’t want to skimp on. There are no magical shoes that can make running easier for you but a bad shoe will ruin your running. There’s nothing worse than being on a run and having to stop because your shoes are rubbing up against your pinky toe and the back of your heels on fire because you got a blister. Furthermore, worn-out and/or ill-fitting running shoes are a leading cause of injury. Follow these tips to make sure you get the right pair of running shoes for your needs.
1. See the experts
It’s best to go to a specialty running store where the sales associate can measure your feet, give you a gait analysis or watch you run, and help you select the right pair running shoes for you.
2. Go after work
Go later in the day when your feet are slightly larger to make sure you get a good fit.
3. Ignore recommendations
Don’t go by what your friend wears as they may run completely differently from you.
4. Get up to size
You may think you know your size but it is best to get your feet measured each time you buy running shoes.
5. Try different categories
When you go to the shoe store there will be 4 categories of running shoes there: neutral, stability, motion control, and minimalist. Don’t buy shoes based on these categories this is marketing ploy for the shoe companies. Instead try on as many shoes as you can until you find the one that is the most comfortable for you. Be sure to try shoes on both feet and take them for run around the shop, on the treadmill or on the sidewalk.
6. Make sure there’s space
When it comes to running shoes, most people will go a half or whole size larger than their street shoes. You need the extra room to allows your feet to flex and your toes to move forward with each stride. When standing with both shoes on make sure you have at least a thumb space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe.
7. Leave no doubt
If there’s something that is off about the shoe when trying it on it won’t get better over time. If the shoe feels uncomfortable and weird anywhere on your feet, DO NOT BUY THE SHOES!! Trust me your feet will thank you later. I repeat do not buy shoes that are uncomfortable, regardless of the brand, price, or style of the shoe. If the shoe is not comfortable at the store it definitely won’t be comfortable while running. If the shoe does not fit do not get it! Don’t let the sales associate tell you that they need to be broken in. That’s a lie.
8. Retiring shoes
Running shoes should be retired every 300 to 500 miles. Keep track of the date you bought your shoes in your training log and record the miles daily so you know when it’s time to get a new pair. There is an app for that! The Nike running app has a feature where it keep track of the mileage of your running shoes.
Did I miss any tips? Leave a comment below.
Until next time…
