Visit Your Local Running Store
Now you have some idea of the type of running shoe you are looking for, head to your local running store.
I suggest heading to a store that specifically sells running gear and shoes, or has an area in the store that focuses on running gear.
This is because you are more likely to get the support and advice you need, and the staff are more likely trained on how to identify the correct running shoe for you.
In order to help you get the best shoe for you, go armed with answers to the following questions:
You might also consider taking your old running shoes with you to the store. You can sometimes tell from your shoes how you run .
Salespeople at a good running shoe store will ask you these questions as a minimum. So if you dont get asked these questions when you visit a store, I suggest you look elsewhere for shoes.
The salesperson should also measure your feet. Make sure he/she measures both feet as one foot is almost always slightly bigger than the other. If this is the case, make sure the shoe fits the bigger foot so you dont lose toenails during your run!
Once you have answered the above questions and the salesperson has measured your feet, they will be able to provide you with a range of shoes from different brands.
Which Shoe Brands Are Popular And Why
How to pick the right running shoes with so many brands to choose from?
There are dozens of brands out there churning out quality shoes these days, and it would be impossible to mention them all.
There are, however, a few brands that have unwavering popularity and have come up time and time again when Ive spoken with other runners and running store employees
- Asics, especially the Nimbus line, prove to be a perennial favorite for part-time runners and people starting. They provide good cushioning and support and have a decent build.
- Brooks are dependable and often used by novice intermediate runners.
- Salomonfor the more seasoned runner. This brand has become the go-to for many seasoned distance runners their trail running models such as the Speedcross have got a great build and a good reputation.
- Hoka One Ones maximalist styles, have also taken over a huge section of the market for ultra-distance runners and are a close second in popularity to Salomon.
Inov-8, New Balance, Saucony, and many more are always visible at the start line of any good race.
But dont feel obliged to go with the herd if you already have a pair of shoes youre comfortable with!
Five Tips For Trying Running Shoes In A Shop:
#1: Comfort is king.
How to pick the right running shoes? Look for comfort.
More than any other possible factor, a shoe that feels right is the one for you. If a shoe rubs or irritates you in the store, that will only get exponentially worse when you go out for a run with them.
#2: Dont assume your size.
Dont assume you know your size every brand varies slightly. You want a thumb space between the longest toe and the shoe box.
This avoids the repetitive motion of the toe hitting the toebox, which leads to sore toes/lost toenails.
At the same time, if the shoe is too big your foot will move inside it and your toes will strike the toebox anyway so its important to find the correct size in the middle of these two situations.
#3: Look for immediate comfort.
When trying on shoes, look for immediate comfort. Whereas some boots and harder shoes can be a little uncomfortable at first before being broken in, running shoes should feel comfortable and pleasant as soon as you put them on.
Of course, running shoes will also break in and mold to your foot shape and gait, but the breaking-in process should not be painful.
If the shoes give discomfort, friction, pain, or feel too solid/hard when you try them on, theyre not right for you. If you experience any of these the first time you try them on, they will likely give you a runners feet issue if you continue to run in them.
#4: Trial them.
#5: Listen to your gut.
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When And How Far Am I Running
Youve probably heard that it is best to weigh yourself first thing in the morning because you havent eaten anything, so your body is at its lowest weight of the day. If you try on a pair of running shoes first thing in the morning, youll find those shoes fit much differently in the afternoon. As the day goes on, your body reacts to the food and water you consume, causing your joints to swell and relax.
The same can be said about the weather and its impact on your body. Running at 3 p.m. in the middle of July in one shoe will feel different than running in the same shoe at 6 a.m. Also, running in one shoe for five miles versus 26 miles will give a completely different feeling as your foot swells from the exercise. Understanding how your body fluctuates in these environments can help in understanding what the best running shoe is for you.
Variety Is The Spice Of Life
If financially available, figure out a few different levels of drop that work for you and use them for specific runs. Perhaps you want a higher drop cushy shoe for your recovery run or when doing a more challenging, hilly run. Then, you can wear your low drop shoes for speed work and building strength and correcting form. Changing out your shoes is a great way to prevent overuse injury and protect your body from over or underutilizing particular muscles and tendons.
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Tips For Trying On Shoes
Lexi Miller is an adult running coach and Community Manager with Lifelong Endurance, as well as a youth coach with Peak Performance Running. Certified through the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy and a Level 2 Coach with Training Peaks, she works primarily with distance runners cross-country skiers, and new or returning endurance athletes. Lexi uses her past experience of working in mental health to help athletes develop confidence and strength and confidence through mindfulness and consistency. You can hear her on the podcast, A Runners Guide to Mindfulness or find her on the trails of Colorado.
How To Pick The Right Running Shoes In A Few Easy Steps
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Knowing which running shoes to buy may seem complicated whether youve just started running or are preparing to start. However, selecting the right running shoe is essential to help increase performance, provide comfort during exercise, and prevent injury. This article covers the vital factors you need to know before heading to the running shoe store. Read on to learn how to pick the best running shoes for your feet.
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How Do You Intend To Use Your New Running Shoes
Are you training for short speedy sprints or longer, steady-paced runs? Or maybe youre looking for a shoe for recovery runs?
Are you going to only be using them once a week on the treadmill, or are you going to run the streets every morning on the way to work?
These are important factors to consider, with most running shoes being particularly suited to certain types of runs.
For example, high-cushioned shoes are great for absorbing impact and supporting your recovery runs or easy miles. However, this extra cushioning also means theyre usually heavier and can slow you down if speedy sprints are your goal.
The right running shoes will be designed with technology that can optimize your goal in a run be it speed, distance, recovery, or otherwise.
In other words, knowing your intended goals and usage will help you identify the best shoe design for you.
Get To Know Your Foot Type To Choose Running Shoes
There are a few methods runners can use to help them pinpoint their ideal shoes.
The wide range that we have to choose from can seem overwhelming at first glance, but many brands feature quizzes or filters that help to narrow down the astronomical number of options.
Here are a few runner-friendly online tools that can help you:
- Stride pattern
- And more
Brooks even asks about recent injuries, body positioning, and your response to certain exercises to factor into their recommendations. Most other brands offer similar guidance.
When you’re trying to figure out how to choose running shoes, these resources can be especially helpful for runners confident in their preference for a particular brand but want to explore various models.
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How To Choose A Running Shoe
Choosing a running shoe is a personal endeavor, according to ultramarathon runner Jamie King.
“I look for a shoe that is lightweight and flexible, but also supportive,” King tells me. “I always tell friends that they should not base their running shoe purchase off what their running buddy wears, but instead to go and try a few pairs on and move in them to make sure they work for your body and your feet.”
For King, that means a shoe that is lightweight and flexible, but also supportive, and allows her to maneuver easily over rocky terrain. For me, that means a shoe with extra arch support and a relatively thick midsole that keeps my knees from aching.
For you, that might mean something else entirely.
Many people make the mistake of purchasing running shoes with fashion as their priority. It seems like running shoes are historically ugly, designed with a handful of mismatched neon colors scribbled all over the shoe in weird designs. In recent years, many brands have pushed more aesthetically pleasing designs, but still — when it comes to running shoes, you should purchase based on fit, not fashion. Save your fashion-forward flair for your running apparel and gear.
Of course, your budget will make a difference in your choice. You don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars on a pair of running shoes, but I promise it’s almost always worth spending an extra $20 for the $100 pair that fits just a little bit better than the $80 pair.
When To Replace Shoes
If you are a runner, keep track of your mileage. Shoes should be replaced between 300 and 500 miles, depending on your training. In general, shoes should be replaced at least once per athletic season . Shoes should also be replaced if they show unevenness in wear when placed on a flat surface or if there is noticeable creasing in the midsole.
Remember that the midsole is usually the first part to wear out in athletic shoes. If all of a sudden you start experiencing aches and pains that you havent dealt with before , it could be because the shoes are no longer absorbing the shock of running and your body is instead! This may be a signal that it is time to change shoes. If you do not, the aches and pains could become overuse injuries.
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What Can You Do With Old Running Shoes
It is generally advised that you retire your running shoes after 300 to 500 miles. But that doesnt mean your favorite pair is unusable after that point. According to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans funneled 13 million tons of clothing and footwearrunning shoes includedinto the trash in 2018. Running shoes, which are composed of multiple materials bonded together, arent typically recyclable. But donated shoes in a range of conditions can be put to use. If youd like to delay or avoid throwing away your old trainers, there are ways to do it.
Things You Should Look For In A Running Shoe
It’s like datingbut to find the perfect sneaker!
This article was written by Jenna Bergen Southerland and repurposed with permission fromPrevention.
Yeah, you could run in those cute walking shoes or older-than-dirt trainers, but please don’t. “When you run, you hit the ground with force greater than two times your own body weight,” says Jeff Dengate, shoes and gear editor at Runner’s World. “Running shoes are built with higher-quality, lightweight materials that help lessen that impact.”
While a good pair can easily set you back $100-plus, making the investment now could save you a boatload later in potential doctors and PT bills. Find our top picks of the year, and be sure your new pair meets the following criteria:
1.Plenty of Toe LengthFeet swell when you run, so aim for a thumbnail-length of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Dont be surprised if you wind up in a half or full size larger than your street shoes.
2.Enough Toe WidthSquished-in toes equal blisters. Make sure there’s some wiggle room in the toe box.
3.No SeamsLook for a seamless upper that comfortably hugs the top of your foot.
4.Has the Right ArchThe arch should contour to the shape of your foot. You may need to add an insert for a more customized fit.
5. Holds Your HeelMake sure your heel stays in place before buying. Find out with a quick jog around the store .
7. Flexes RightCheck the shoe’s flex point . It should bend at the same place as your foot to ensure a natural stride.
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Consider How You Are Going To Run
Running shoes are a little like cars. Some are lightweight, small and nible and meant for speed. Some are larger, heavier and are made for comfort.
When choosing a running shoe, think about how you are going to train in them. Are they for your day to day training, for your slow or moderate paced runs? Or are they the shoes youll use in a race or for the days of fast training?
Benefits Of Lock Lacing
Having problems with heel slip & foot movement whilst running? Try this simple fix – The Lock Lacing technique might be what you need!
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How To Lace Running Shoes
How you lace your running shoes can make a big difference in terms of fit. If youre new to running and unsure which style of lacing to choose, ask a shoe expert for help.
Beyond that, Lobkova recommends using the style that provides the snuggest fit: Laces that are too loose and too tight are common signs that the shoe is not the right fit, and the lacing is being done to compensate for poor fit.
In general, Holland says, make sure the shoe fit is correct before you consider lacing techniques.
If theres any part of the shoe that slips or feels tight, or you feel the structure of the shoe too much, tell your running store adviser, and they will help you with lacing or provide socks, heel cups, or other accessories that make the fit better.
A good rule of thumb, says Holland, is that the shoes should essentially disappear from your consciousness when you run: Anything that registers to you will turn out to be a nuisance at mile 14.
To get a better idea of lacing techniques, check out this video that demonstrates several methods.
Does Brand Matter
Your running shoes should always be about function, not fashion. Dont be tempted into the latest trends or brands just because theyre popular this season.
Brand does matter, but only to ensure youre getting the right comfort, fit, and functionality for you.
All brands will fit slightly differently, and some brands are slightly wider than others. It is always best to try on running shoes before you buy them, as slight differences in fit can have a huge effect on comfort.
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What To Look For
- Shop with a goal
Consider what you want most out of your shoes. Distance? Think cushioning. Speed? Look for weight and responsiveness.
- Focus on fit
Feet expand and swell when you run. Aim for at least a thumb width of space between your longest toe and the end of your shoe.
- Try lots of shoes
If possible, visit a specialty running store for a fitting. Try on a bunch of shoes, and go back to the pairs that felt the best.
- Let comfort rule
Comfort is key. If a shoe feels off when you try it on for the first time, it most likely wont feel much better on a run.
For this guide weve gathered advice and insight from eight experts, performed dozens of hours of research, and run more than 4,000 miles over the years. The focus here is on go-to shoes for everyday runs. We take a look at the two main running-shoe types , the anatomy of a running shoe, and how a shoe should fit.
To find your best running shoes, youll likely need to try on several different pairs, either at your local running store or in your living room . And if youre ordering from home, consider a retailer that has a solid return policy, such as Zappos, REI, Running Warehouse, Road Runner Sports, and JackRabbit.
