How to Pick the Right Running Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Choosing the right running shoes can be a daunting task.
With so many brands, styles, and features to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect pair of shoes that meet your needs.
How do you pick?
The importance of shoe fit cannot be overstated. A bad fit can cause discomfort, pain, and even injury. It is crucial to get the right size, width, and shape for your feet.
Woah. Sounds like a lot, right? Let’s take it step-by-step.
Factors to Consider
Understanding your running needs is the first step in choosing the right running shoes.
Do you mostly run on the road, trails, or gravel paths?
Do you need more or less cushioning underfoot?
Do you prefer shoes that are flat or have an elevated heel?
Do you need stability?
These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself before making a purchase. Checking out different types of running shoes and their features beforehand can help you make an informed decision.
There are dozens of running shoe brands and there are an overwhelming selection of different models and styles.
In the end, the brand doesn’t matter. It’s whether the shoe provides what you need, and ultimately feels right on your foot. The right pair of running shoes should feel comfortable, supportive, and durable.
Try Before You Buy
It’s tempting to go online and get a good deal - but before you buy a shoe, you need to wear it, walk in it, and run around in it.
Find your local running shoe store. Not Foot Locker, or DSW!
The staff at your local running shoe store are knowledgeable, helpful, and usually runners themselves.
When you get settled, ask them the following questions:
Which brands are better for my specific feet?
Are my feet narrow, wide, have high arches/collapsed arches, or etc?
How many miles can I walk or run in these shoes before replacing them?
What is the heel/toe drop on these?
Do you recommend using the “heel lock” lacing method or a different method?
Can you show me how to do that?
Make sure to try at least 4-5 pairs of shoes in the store. Walk around in them, run around on the sidewalk, jump up and down in them!
Most importantly, don’t ignore anything! If there’s any pinching, rubbing, tightness or looseness, you’ll benefit from a better shoe. In the long run, the downsides of a bad-fitting shoe will escalate and drastically get worse.
The right shoe will feel like an extension of your foot - molding to your skin and providing a comfortable texture.
Tying it All Together
Picking out the shoes that work best for you might seem like a long and daunting process, but I’ve seen countless runners face injuries, unhealthy foot readjustments, and surgeries that could’ve been so easily prevented. I want to make sure you get off on the right foot - and run towards a better future.
When it comes to finding the best shoes for you, it all comes down to feel.
Try shoes before you buy them in a local running shoe store. Pay attention to factors such as stability, level of cushion, lack of slippage, and comfort.
And once you find the pair of shoes for you, get out and go for a walk or run and enjoy them!
If you’re ready, our program, “The Running Start” is for people who want to learn how to run in a supportive group environment, with expert coaching, and customizable training plans that actually work - helping you achieve the best version of YOURSELF.
To learn more, click here to schedule a call with Coach Colin
