What To Look For When Buying Running Shoes
Running shoes are not a T-shirt, and for finding the models that will suit you, prevent injuries and unpleasantness, you will need a lot of information also about yourself.
Proper running shoes can make the difference between enjoyable running and unnecessary injury, but how can you stand against a large selection of shoes from the best brands, and understand what fits your physical requirements and your running activity? It is not easy but possible.A better understanding of what we need to pay attention to when buying running shoes will help us finding the running shoes best fitted for us.For helping you not get confused when buying shoes, the following guidelines will help you choose the shoes that will fit your needs:
Neutral Vs Stability Running Shoes
Many running-shoe companies divide their shoes into two main categories: neutral and stability shoes. A neutral shoe wont affect your normal gait, but it will provide you with added support and cushion to protect your feet from the ground. Stability shoes, on the other hand, have denser foam along the arch of the foot. They may also have a stiffer heel, which reduces the foots side-to-side movement.
Everyones feet naturally pronate or supinate during each running stride. Pronation allows your foot to adapt to the landing surface, and supination propels you forward, according to podiatrist Paul Langer and physical therapist Jolan Browne. Both pronation and supination are biomechanically necessary for running . Running-shoe companies make two kinds of shoesstability and neutralbecause of the long-held idea that some peoples feet roll in too far and need correction. This is called overpronation, and it may contribute to pain in the feet, ankles, and knees.
Even if you do overpronate, the scientific jury is still out on whether shoes can actually reduce the risk of injury . Running shoes dont, and cant, prevent injuries, per se, said Colleen Brough, director of the Columbia RunLab.
Pronation allows your foot to adapt to the landing surface, and supination propels you forward.
Getting The Right Fit
Don’t Miss: When Should I Replace My Running Shoes
Finalwords Of Advice From Running Shoe Experts
We went into some running shoe stores and asked them for their golden advice on how to pick the right running shoes.
I do believe that the perfect shoe supports you where you need it but also allows your feet to move freely and naturally.
Currently, I have found two brands to cover a wide range of runners Asics and in some cases Brooks. Adidas and Hoka are great for neutral runners wanting a highly cushioned, light, and smooth ride with maximum foot room.
Atlanta Drummond: Runner, Gait Analysis Specialist
When Im serving someone I try and find out the customers history. Things like what type of running theyre doing is it for general fitness or are training for an event? Ultimately, runners should go for a comfortable shoe.
The gait analysis doesnt show the entire picture of a runner, things like shin rotation and hip position, it is a guide.
For this reason, a couple of brands are moving towards neutral, preferred motion shoe designs that allow the body to move in its natural way. Then, the runners work to strengthen their body to correct their running gait where necessary, rather than relying on the shoes.
Nick Newman: Runner, Runners Need Assistant Manager
Have You Had Your Gait Analysed
All Runners Need stores offer free video gait analysis as part of our comprehensive running shoe fitting service.
Using video technology to analyse your running style, our expert fitters can assess how much you pronate – thats the extent to which your foot naturally rolls inward when you run and where your foot strikes the ground.
They will then be able to recommend you a running shoe based on foot shape, terrain, pronation and personal preference from a range of top brands like New Balance and more.
It is important to remember that each shoe and brand will fit slightly differently even if the size is the same. You should have at least a thumb width between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe ideally for running.
Also Check: Who Makes The Best Walking Shoe
The Two Types Of Shoes That Are Fine To Use
There are two types of shoes that are great to use for pickleball. These shoes will give you the grip, stability, and structure that you need to be an effective pickleball player. The types that I recommend are court shoes and tennis shoes.
Court shoes
This is the best option for most pickleball players. What are court shoes exactly? Simply put, court shoes are athletic shoes designed for indoor court use. Here are some basics about court shoes:
- Parts of the sole will be rubber.
- Has stability on the sides.
- Bends at the toe box instead of in the middle.
- Is specifically designed for indoor court use.
- Not as bulky as tennis shoes.
See the rubber bottoms? Thats an indoor court shoe.
When we talk about court shoes, what were talking about is an all-purpose indoor gymnasium shoe. These types of shoes can be used for any indoor court sport like volleyball, badminton, racquetball, squash and of course, pickleball. A lot of people in the pickleball world recommend new players get court shoes because theyre used in so many sports, and thus, have already been heavily tested and reviewed. Theyre also less expensive than tennis shoes for the most part.
Tennis shoes
- The sole will be flat, but not have any rubber.
- Is heavier than most other shoes.
- Has very strong stability on the sides.
- Bends at the toe box instead of in the middle.
- Is specifically designed for tennis court use only.
The tennis shoes that I wear.
Do Salomon Shoes Run Small
The Salomon fit small like previous experiences with European sized footwear. In order to get the right fit, I needed to increase the size to 11.5, a size larger than what I normally wear.
Im not sure if this is due to the fact that my feet are a bit wider than average, or if its just a matter of the shoes being too big for me.
Either way, it was a pain in the ass to find a pair of shoes that fit me properly, and Im glad I had the opportunity to try them out.
Also Check: What Store Sells Clarks Shoes
Buying Running Shoes Frequently Asked Questions
Should running shoes be a size bigger?
Conventional wisdom holds that your running shoes should be about a size or half-size bigger than your dress or casual size. Theres a grain of truth to that, due to increased blood flow and swelling during and after running do make your feet expand, so your running shoes tend to be larger.
Can you wear running shoes every day?
Your shoes typically last 300 to 500 miles. Save them for when you run so you can use the full mileage while running. So It is recommended to wear your running shoes not more than 3 days per week for non-running activities up to 15 miles per week.
How often should you change your running shoes?
A good rule of thumb is to replace your running shoes every 300400 miles, depending on your running style, body weight, and the surface on which you run. Lighter runners can get new shoes at the upper end of the recommendation while heavier runners should consider replacement shoes closer to 300 miles.
How many pairs of running shoes should I have?
At a minimum, every runner should consider having at least two pairs of their main running shoes that they are actively using at one time and rotate different running shoes between workouts. Your shoes will last longer as your miles are spread across more than one pair of shoes. For runners who combine road and trail runnings, it is recommended to have at least one pair of road running shoes and one trail shoes.
What color running shoes should I get?
Is Trail Running Hard On Your Knees
The knee injuries of IT band syndrome, patellar tendonitis, and patellofemoral pain syndrome can be caused by the uphills and downhills of trailrunning. This is where the balance routine comes into play when it comes to prevention. How to Prevent IT Band Syndrome, Patella Tendonitis and Other Knee Pain in Trail Runners.
You May Like: Chloé Betty Rain Boots Sale
Defining Your Shoe Needs: Four Factors To Consider
To know how to pick the right running shoes, the first thing you want to be clear on is what you want from your running shoes.
It might sound obvious at first, but taking the time to think about your specific running needs and goals will make it easier to choose the right pair of shoes.
This will be important in selecting the type and various features of the shoe and will be useful to tell the assistant at the running store when you go and start your search.
There are four main questions you should ask yourself to help you define your running shoe needs:
How To Find A Good Running Shoe Store
Now you have a clear picture of what your criteria are, time to find a running store. This is key step in how to pick the right running shoes.
A good, multi-brand running store with interested, knowledgeable staff is worth its weight in gold.
While discount sports stores may stock the right shoe for you, their staff are often not trained in gait analysis or other expertise necessary to help customers identify the right running shoe for their needs.
Brand stores will have the latest shoes, but wont have the range of brands for your to choose from.
So unless you already know exactly the type of shoes you need, its recommended to head to a running store that sells several brands of shoes.
If youre not sure where these are, google a running shoe-specific store in your area or ask a friend for a recommendation.
Once inside, the staff will be able to guide you in choosing running shoes.
There is a myriad of different foot shapes and gait styles narrow feet, flat feet, narrow ankles, major pronation, and more. A good store assistant will take these into account and be able to steer you towards suitable running shoe options for each.
A good running store assistant will want to know a host of information before looking at a good shoe for you your running experience, your current mileage, injury history , and shoe history.
If they dont spend the time asking you these questions, its less likely theyll be accurate in guiding you on how to pick the right running shoes.
Read Also: Where To Donate Old Clothes And Shoes
Go To Your Local Running Store
Now that you have have an idea of what type of shoe you are looking for, it is time to hit your local running store! Here are some tips that will make your trip a little easier..1. Take your old shoes to show the salesperson2. Wear or ask about buying the right kind of socks to run in 3. Do Not just buy the latest and greatest shoe. Find what fits YOU the best.4. Have the salesperson measure BOTH feet. One foot is almost always slightly bigger. You want to fit the bigger foot so you don’t lose toenails on your run.Before you even try on any shoes, the salesperson should ask you, at minimum, the following questions.a) how long have you been running?b) What have you run in in the past? did you like them?c) Where do you do most of your running?d) How many miles a week would you say you average?e) Are you aware of any foot problems Based on your answers to these questions, the salesperson will be able to direct you to a few models of shoes that fit your specific needs
How Can You Tell You Need Wide Running Shoe Sizes
It seems obvious to say that you need a wide running shoe with wide feet, but you might not necessarily understand what makes wide shoes different from regular sizes if youve never bought them before.
Wide shoes are normally wider on the bottom section of the shoe, including the toe box, heel, and midsole whereas other shoe sizes scale primarily based on length.
As a result, runners with wide feet need a wider base to get the necessary support from the sole of their shoes and to get a comfortable fit.
You can usually tell youre wearing the wrong size by feeling the middle of your foot, which is constrained in normal running shoes, and your toes, which should have enough space to loosely wiggle in the toe box.
Sources consulted: healthline.com
You May Like: Where To Buy Shoes Online
Fit Id & Dynamic Pressue Mapping
Buying online isnt for everyone. To try on your gear before you buy it, visit a local Fleet Feet store for an in-person fitting experience.
We fit you for running shoes through our own fit id® outfitting process. The one-on-one process uses a 3D scanner to take precise measurements of your feet. This in combination with our *Dynamic Pressure Mapping system helps our highly trained Outfitters assess your foots path of motion and stride as you walk so they can find the perfect shoes for you. Then, using data points for each foot and decades of experience in the industry, we help you find the right gear for your unique feet and specific needs.
Want to try it for yourself? Find a Fleet Feet location near you.
*Pressure plates are available at select Fleet Feet stores
Sep 5 Key Factors To Consider When Buying Running Shoes
Running footwear is a multi billion pound industry and the choices available to the runner are mesmerising.
The science behind the marketing campaigns can be hard to find but there are some features inherent to running footwear that need consideration when making your purchase of your shiny new trainers and this guide is aimed at making your final decision a little more specific to you.
Before we get to the 5 key factors its worthwhile considering other factors outside of the trainer selection that are essential.
Running trainers in isolation will rarely provide the solution to an injury once its occurred, but can minimise some of the factors that could lead to the development of an injury.
Training errors such as consecutive running days and a high running volume are the biggest risk factors in running injury..you can either over train or under recover!
Gradual increases in mileage are vital in allowing the body to adapt to the increasing mechanical stresses placed upon it.
The choice of your trainers will be based on 2 main factors :
Minimise Injury Risk
Improve Performance
The running trainer purchase by itself is not going to cut your 10km time to a sub 40 minute session from 50 minutes
To improve performance you need to be able to gradually increase your training load and allow the body to adapt to the mechanical demands and the running shoe can be one variable in minimising injury risk.
Also Check: Mens Flip Flops For Beach
How Your Shoes Should Fit
Each part of the running shoe has a specific purpose and is designed to fit the foot a certain way. Even the slightest differentiation may affect your experience. Weve broken down the running shoes main elements so you can easily identify them and make sure each fits your foot properly.
Everything above the sole counts as part of your running shoes upper. Traditionally, shoe brands crafted their uppers with layers of fabrics and mesh sewn and glued together. Todays modern versions increasingly use knitting and 3D printing to create seamless one-piece fits that stretch and support in appropriate places. It should lay smooth wherever it touchesnot binding, chafing, or bunching anywhere.
The ankle collar is the wrap at the top of the shoe opening that holds the heel down in place. Some shoes use thick padding, while others rely more on the shape to cradle the ankle bone. Pay attention to whether your heel slips, how the padding interacts with the bones on the side of your ankles, and whether the curve on the back irritates your Achilles tendon.
Three Most Common Types Of Running Shoes
The next factor for us to consider is the type of feet you have and what type of running shoe corresponds to that.
People often think there are just three types of running shoes: neutral, stability, and motion control.
But thats not really correct any longer as we start to look at things like heel drop or even the plushness of the shoe and of course the new carbon fiber shoes.
The 3 commonly known types are designed to position the foot in a neutral stance to limit injuries and increase efficiency. What were referring to here is pronation while running.
While others simply offer a variety of personal preferences for speed, amount of cushioning or fit. If you are getting injured frequently then its worth doing a running gait analysis to see if your stride is the issue or changing shoes might help!
Also remember that as shoes breakdown they will change your form. So its important to know how long running shoes last!
Don’t Miss: Where Are Eileen Fisher Shoes Made
