If you’re considering purchasing some new running shoes, then consider the following before doing so.
What Type Of Ground Do You Run On?
If you primarily run on paved roads or sidewalks, then you should look for road shoes. These shoes are designed with extra padding when compared to racing shoes or trail shoes. This helps absorb shock, reducing the chances of injuring your knees or ankles.
If you run on trails that are muddy, on the other hand, you should look for running shoes that are specifically designed for trails. These shoes have deeper tread than traditional running shoes. They also have features that help stabilize your feet on the trail and that support your ankles. These are both important considerations when you are running on rough terrain. You shouldn’t wear the shoes on pavement, however, since the studded tread can be uncomfortable against the bottoms of your feet.
If you enjoy running on both paved surfaces and trails, you can find hybrid shoes. In essence, these shoes provide soft cushioning and extra traction, making them a good choice for both types of conditions.
What Type Of Gait Do You Have?
Today, technology has made it possible to quickly and easily analyze your running gait. Through the use of specialized videos, an expert can examine your running habits to determine how much your feet roll toward the inside as you are running. This is known as pronation. They can also determine which part of your foot is coming in contact with the ground first.
Are You Wearing The Right Socks?
At first, it may seem like your socks don’t matter. As it turns out, however, they can have a significant impact on how your shoes fit and how comfortable they are to wear – particularly when it is hot out. When you try on running shoes, make sure to wear whatever type of socks you usually wear when you run.
You may want to buy socks that are specially designed for running. Typically, these socks provide extra support at the arch and have built-in padding underneath the toes, the heel, and the ball of the foot.
Cotton socks are comfortable for everyday wear. However, they are generally a bad choice for running. Cotton has a tendency to hold onto moisture. That can increase the likelihood of getting blisters or sore spots since the excess moisture increases friction and generates additional heat.
When choosing socks, look for a pair that comes up higher than your shoes on the back of your heel. If not, they most likely will fall down when you run, bunching up at the back of your shoe and causing problems with blisters or hot spots.
What Is The Average Distance That You Run?
Marathon runners typically need different running shoes than people who run shorter distances. When running extremely long distances, look for a shoe that has a lot of cushioning. When running shorter distances, on the other hand, you should make flexibility your priority.
Try The Shoes Out Before You Buy Them
It is hard to determine how comfortable a running shoe really is when you are walking around on the soft carpet inside the shoe store. If you are lucky, the store where you are shopping will have a treadmill on hand that you can use to try the shoes out before you buy them. Check out these nice trainers from Sole Trader.
Avoid Getting Too Hung Up On The Brand
Fashion should be secondary when it comes to running shoes. Avoid going for shoes that are trendy or choosing a brand solely because it is popular.
Although it is important to go with a good brand, you should focus more on how the shoe fits and whether or not it is a good fit for your type of running.
Choosing The Right Running Shoes
All runners can benefit from a high-quality pair of running shoes. Ideally, the shoes should be supportive, flexible, and well-made so that they can take a beating.
Running shoes are grouped into five main categories. These include trail shoes, lightweight running shoes, stability control shoes, cushioned shoes, and motion control shoes.
Trail Running Shoes
Designed specifically for running on rough terrain, these shoes have a number of unique features. Typically, the outer soles are lugged, providing extra traction. They also may be lined with Gore-Tex to make them waterproof. In many cases, they have an extra wrapper around the midfoot to provide additional support. Durability is key with the shoes since they are exposed to a variety of harsh conditions.
The primary feature to look for when shopping for trail running shoes, however, is excellent traction. Typically, these shoes have tread that is much deeper than traditional running shoes. This helps keep them from slipping on muddy trails, loose rocks, or uneven terrain.
Lightweight Running Shoes
As you might guess, lightweight running shoes are lighter than traditional running shoes. As a result, they have a lot more flexibility. Because these shoes are so light, it almost feels like you aren’t wearing shoes at all when you have them on. They do, however, help cushion your feet. Wearing a pair of these shoes when running can help minimize fatigue and can reduce the amount of pain that you feel after your run is over.
Stability Control Running Shoes
These shoes are designed to minimize the amount of motion experienced around your ankle and your foot without impeding your movements. They typically have plenty of cushioning, making them comfortable to wear. They also provide medical support and are designed to be quite durable.
Cushioned Shoes
If your feet don’t roll to the inside enough or if they roll to the outside too much, cushioned shoes are a good choice. The extra cushioning acts as a shock absorber, reducing the amount of impact experienced by your joints.
Motion Control Running Shoes
if you have a tendency to overpronate, motion control running shoes are the best choice. These shoes help minimize foot rolling while at the same time absorbing shock. They have a relatively rigid design that helps stabilize the foot.
