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What Kind Of Running Shoes Should I Get

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What Surface Are You Running On

How to Determine Your Arch Type for Running Shoe Selection

If most of your training is on pavements, then;road shoes;are for you. With more cushioning than;trail;or;lightweight race shoes;these will provide shock absorption to minimise your risk of injury.

If you’re running through soft muddy trails you’re better off in a pair of;trail shoes;with a deep tread that offer better grip and ankle support, vital for running on uneven terrain. On pavement however, these shoes will be uncomfortable as the studs will press into the soles of your feet, and will wear away quickly.

If you’re doing a little of both you should consider a hybrid running shoe. These shoes work well on both roads and mixed trail conditions with a balanced mix of grip and cushioning.

How Much Cushion Do You Want To Feel

The ride provided by your shoes is determined by two aspects of cushioning: the firmness of the foam and the thickness of the shoe material between your feet and the ground. This material in the midsole is usually a type of foam, typically EVA or polyurethane, that helps absorb the impacts as your feet strike the ground. From maximally cushioned midsoles to ones with no cushion, how thick or firm the midsoles below your feet is a matter of personal preference. Some runners want a plush, soft ride for extra comfort. Others dont want or need that much cushioning, preferring more response from each stride. The best way to decide is to try on a variety of shoes and see how they feel.

Here are your choices when it comes to cushioning:

  • Maximum cushion:;These maximalist;shoes offer thick padding in the midsoles for the ultimate plush feel. Runners may prefer the comfort of thicker, softer foam underfoot when running long distances or multiday races. But super-soft cushioning isnt for everyone. Some dont like the squishiness;feel. Further reading:

Can I Take Them For A Test Run

Buying running trainers is a big investment, so its important you always test them properly before buying them. Padding around on a carpeted shop floor doesnt quite replicate how the shoe will feel and respond when youre out running in them. Always ask to take them for a test run on our in-store treadmills.;

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The Best Shoes For Running On The Dirt

A versatile road shoe will be the best option for most new runners. However, if you know that you’ll be doing a lot of your running on the trails, you may want to look into a trail-specific running shoe instead. Trail running shoes have features specifically designed for running on the dirt, like added grip and traction as well as more durable and protective materials.

How To Choose The Right Running Shoes For You

Which Running Shoes Should I Get?

With so many to choose from buying running shoes can be a daunting task but we’re here to make it easy. If you are running high mileage, low or medium, there is a shoe to suit every runner. Just as there is a shoe for every runner, there is a shoe for every foot. Whether you need a wider toe box, a neutral shoe, a specific heel to toe drop, like more energy return through the shoe or just need something to control your foot roll, we have women’s and men’s running shoes designed to meet your needs. Just follow our handy guide to find out what questions you need to be asking before a long run or race day, and what it all means.;

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Should We Rotate The Same Shoe Or Different Types

We will touch on both below, but in truth I like to rotate in both ways.

  • If you have a model you swear by and youve been injury free a long time, then yes you can simply rotate two pairs of the same running shoe model.
  • If you have had some injuries, Id recommend you rotate different styles of running shoes
  • See below for the benefits of rotating different models.

Are You Wearing Insoles

If you already wear insoles, make sure to bring factor them into your fitting as they can change the fit and feel of the footwear. If you havent tried insoles before, maybe now is the time to consider it? Insoles allow you to personalise the fit to your foot and help provide additional comfort in the heel, arch and across the ball of your foot, while reducing problems like slipping, blisters, hot spots and shin splints.

Designed to match the contours of your foot, insoles can compliment your trainers to take your training to the next level.

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What If I Develop Foot Problems

If you begin to develop foot or ankle problems, simple adjustments in the shoes may relieve the symptoms. Many of these devices are available without prescription.

  • A heel cup provides an effective way to alleviate pain beneath the heel . Made of plastic or rubber, the heel cup is designed to support the area around the heel while relieving pressure beneath the tender spot.

  • A metatarsal pad can help relieve pain beneath the ball of the big toe or beneath the ball of the other toes . Made of a felt material or firm rubber, the pad has adhesive on its flat side. Fixed to the insole behind the tender area , the pad shares pressure normally placed on the ball of the foot. This relieves pressure beneath the tender spot.

  • An arch support can help treat pain in the arch of the foot. Made of many types of materials, arch supports can be placed in a shoe after removing the insole that comes with the shoe.

  • Custom arch supports may be necessary for chronic and complicated problems, including severe flat foot, high arches, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and turf toe. Custom arch supports are specially designed inserts that concentrate relief on a particular area while supporting other areas.

Talk to your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon if you are experiencing foot or ankle problems. Working with your surgeon along with pedorthists and orthotists will ensure you get the right shoe for the best possible treatment.

How To Check Your Shoe Fit

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A properly fitting running shoe should feel snug in the heel and midfoot, with wiggle room around the toes.
While standing, check for proper length and width by pressing your thumb down next to the ball of your foot and around the toes. A good fit should allow for half to a full thumb’s width of space.
Hold the back of the shoe and try to raise your heel. There should be little to no movement.
Check the eyelet rows on either side of the tongue. These rows should be close to parallel with each other.

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The Importance Of Running Shoes

When it comes to preventing injury and improving training efficiency, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of proper shoes.

And you dont want that.

Not to mention that its also a complete waste of your time and money.

On the other hand, finding the right shoes is like a dream coming true.

A suitable pair can help you run comfortably and increases your efficiency, which is something all of us runners want, regardless of our training background and goals.

Heres the full guide to running shoes anatomy.

What You Really Need In Hiking Footwear

When youre picking hiking footwear, these are the factors that are important:

  • They should protect your feet. That means no cuts or damage to your feet from the elements.
  • They should be comfortable. You should be able to use them without getting blisters.
  • They should be lightweight. You will step thousands of times when you hike. Every ounce saved on lifting your feet is more energy to hike farther.

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How To Choose A Road Running Shoe

With so many brands, models, and styles of running shoes to choose from, its easy to feel overwhelmed when its time to buy a new pair.

With this running guide, well walk you through everything you need to know to pick out the best pair thats right for you.

Well cover the different categories of running shoes, the types of runners those shoes are made for, and the overall fit and feel of different shoes.

Ultimately, picking the best shoe comes down to figuring out which type or category of shoe works for you, trying a few of them on, then seeing what feels best.

For many runners, there is no one right pair of shoes. Different brands and models can often work equally well for the same runner.

Dont get stuck on one pair of shoes and think you can never change. Swapping between shoes is ultimately a good thing. It allows you to train your body to use slightly different types of muscles in different shoes.

With that said, heres what you need to know in order to choose a good pair of running shoes

Running Shoe Fit Tips

Should we use comfort to guide running shoe selection ...
Measure your feet each year, as they can change size as you age The foot arch may lower over time, resulting in a longer foot, or a stronger foot may cause the arch to rise, resulting in a shorter size. Weight changes and activity level can also influence foot size.
Women’s feet may become larger during and after pregnancy Weight gain during pregnancy may cause permanent lowering of the foot arch resulting in a longer foot.
Your standard running shoe size is typically a half size larger than your casual shoe In general, running in shoes that are a tad too large is preferable to running in shoes that are too small.
Fit your larger foot Your left foot and your right foot may differ by as much as a full size. A shoe that is too small is more likely to cause issues than one that is too big.
Faster running means you want a snugger fit A tighter fit means you’ll stay better connected to the shoes when picking up the pace, so it might be worth giving up some wiggle room for a more secure fit. Many racing and performance shoes have a tighter overall fit than everyday training shoes.
Sock thickness can affect shoe fit, so try on shoes with the socks you plan to wear You can change the thickness of your sock to fine-tune your fit. For example, use a thinner sock to create more space or a thicker sock to make the fit snugger.
Different lacing techniques can also affect fit For more information, watch the video below.

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What Are Trail Running Shoes

Trail running shoes are for running on rocky or muddy surfaces. A person may find that trail running shoes offer more stability than road running shoes when running on uneven ground.

A person may also benefit from rock plates in some trail running shoes. These are plates between the midsoles and outsoles that protect the feet from sharp objects.

Before committing to a purchase, a person may wish to consider a few of the advantages of trail running shoes, which include:

  • Trail running shoes are lightweight and breathable.
  • They offer protection from sharp stones and rocks.
  • They are suitable for running on a range of surfaces.

Disadvantages may include laces that loosen and a firm fit that may be uncomfortable for people who run long distances.

What Socks Are You Running In

It may sound silly but the thickness of your sock can make a big difference;difference to the fit and feel of your shoe, especially as your feet expand in the heat. Always wear the socks you intend to run in when you go for a shoe fitting.

Consider a good,;technical running sock;specifically designed;with added arch support and extra padding across the ball of the foot, toes, and the heel for better impact protection.

Although comfortable we wouldnt recommend wearing cotton socks when running. Cotton retains moisture, add to that the heat and friction from running and youre likely to end up with blisters, calluses, and hot spots.;

Always ensure your socks are higher than the back of your running shoes otherwise they’ll slip down during your run causing friction hot spots on the back of your heel.

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Most Common Types Of Running Shoes

With these things in mind, here are some details about the most common types of support and cushioning available in running shoes:

Neutral Running Shoes

Neutral runners evenly distribute weight down the center of the shoe and tend to have medium-height arches.

If you find that the wear pattern on your old shoes is centralized on the ball of the foot and heel, you may want to look into shoes with neutral support. These shoes do not include the added support of stability shoes, instead neutral shoes focus on absorbing shock to help you put on miles comfortably.

Can I Ruck In Running Shoes

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Yup! In fact, the shoes I started rucking in, and still use quite often, are Brooks Glycerins. I also have a pair of LaSportiva Wildcats for when Im rucking on trails and want a little added traction and toe protection.

But, really, any athletic;shoe that feels good on your feet is going to be a good shoe for rucking.

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When You Need Stability

If you find yourself needing more of a balance between both motion control and cushioning, a running shoe that gears toward stability will be your best bet.

Youll want just a bit of excess motion control with a mix of rigidity. These are best for those who have fairly normal pronation and would like to focus mainly on arch support with a bit more flexibility.

Where Do You Plan To Run

Road-running shoes;are designed for pavement and occasional forays onto packed surfaces with slight irregularities.

  • Light and flexible, they’re made to cushion or stabilize feet during repetitive strides on hard, even surfaces.
  • Best for people who run on sidewalks, road, treadmills or track.
  • Road-running shoes have flatter, smoother soles to create a consistent surface for running on paved roads.

Trail-running shoes;are designed for off-road routes with rocks, mud, roots or other obstacles.

  • They have bigger lugs than road-running shoes for better grip on uneven terrain.
  • They are sometimes fortified with plates underfoot to help protect your feet from rocks or sharp objects.
  • Theyre generally stiffer through the midsoles for more support on rugged trails and uneven surfaces.

Cross-training;shoes;are designed for gym workouts, cross-training or any balance activity where having more contact with the ground is preferred over a thick platform sole.;

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How Do I Choose The Right Shoe

Choosing the right shoe for your best run should help you run farther, faster, more comfortably – or all 3! Here are some tips:

1.); Visit a local store for a professional fitting! Use our Store Locator;to find a local running store, whose staff are incredibly knowledgeable about running and the gear that goes along with it. Your needs may change over time, so it’s a great idea to create a relationship with your local store staff for expert advice.

2.); Text with a running gear Guru through our Ask-A-Guru texting line. Send a text to 206-312-5114 from 6am to 5pm PST. Our team of Gurus is ready to help you explore your options, provide product advice and support, and help you find the styles that will best suit your needs.;

3.); Try a pair! Our Run Happy Promisemeans you can try a style and if it doesn’t work you can return them within 90 days!

The 5 Main Types Of Running Shoes

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Looking to learn more about the main types of running shoes?

Then you have come to the right place.

When it comes to your running gear, your sneakers are the most important piece.

But, finding the right sole-mate is easier said than done.

The whole process can be unnerving and might leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially when you are just starting out and/or dont know what type of kicks works the best for you.

Note Looking for the best Beginners Guide To Running?Then Check my Runners Blueprint System Here.

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Consider Where You Are Going To Run

Running on concrete and running on natural trails are very different beasts that require very different shoes.

Road shoes need to fight the hardest and harshest surface therefore their focus will be in maximizing the shock absorption, in various degrees, depending on the points above.

Trail running shoes need to focus on other characteristics such as traction, protection and breathability.

Tip #: Know What You’re Paying For

When it comes to running shoes, a higher price tag usually correlates with more technology and comfort features, but that doesnt mean you have to buy the most expensive shoes in order to enjoy a run. In a similar vein, opting for a very inexpensive pair may mean that the shoes aren’t designed with running in mind and may not hold up to the demands that running places on them.

Quality running shoes generally range in price from about $100 to $250. You should expect to pay in the $110 to $150 price range for running shoes that are very well suited to most runners daily needs.

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