Choosing running shoes can be a headache, but it should never be rushed as the wrong shoes can do more harm than good. Here are some very important points and reasons you can follow to make sure your running shoes are comfortable and right for you from the first step.
TRY THEM ON
Nowadays, ordering everything online is a quick and easy way to spend less time, shop more cheaply and see a wider choice. Despite the attractive range of colours and prices, if possible, you should definitely try on your running shoes before you buy. Try on several pairs side by side to find the right fit, as you’ll hopefully spend hours and miles in these shoes.
Be sure to put on a pair of regular socks that you would wear on a run or walk to mimic as closely as possible what it would feel like in real life. In addition, we recommend that you go shopping in the afternoon or evening, as this is when the human foot is larger. This avoids the problem of shoes that fit in the morning being half a size too small for the evening.
Once you’ve found a pair you like, there’s no problem ordering the same model online in the future.
TEST THEM BEFOREHAND
In the store, try to make the right movements for your running style or sport to get a feel for the shoe’s behaviour and pressure points on your foot. Also, don’t test the shoes on the carpet in the store as this can give a false sense of the sole and cushioning of the shoe.
Nowadays, the days of breaking in footwear are over, and sneakers shouldn’t be a long-term inconvenience when leaving the store. Take your time and don’t settle for the first pair you try on. If you know that your foot needs extra support because of a clubfoot or low arches, ask a member of staff for more information and they will be able to recommend shoes to suit your needs.
“GOOD OLD” MAY NOT ALWAYS BE BEST
If you’re stuck with your old model and want to buy the same but new, take the time to try alternatives. If necessary, talk to a customer service representative or a professional, as the range is changing and wide, and new models may be more suitable and comfortable for you.
LET YOUR TOES MOVE
When ordering online, the biggest problem is often finding the right size. Finding the right running shoe:
- comfortably supports your foot
- does not shake from the heel
- leaves 0.5-1 cm space from the longest toe
- Lets you move your toes in footwear
It is also important to take into account the shape of your feet, which many people know from wearing their everyday footwear. Normal footwear comes in both narrow and wide lasts – the same is true for running shoes. If you choose running shoes with a last that is too wide for your foot, you are at increased risk of injury because your foot moves more in lateral directions and the risk of missteps is higher. On the other hand, the problem with narrower lasts for wide feet is the discomfort, the change in running style and the restriction of blood flow to the foot.
LIFETIME OF FOOTWEAR
Bought your last pair of running shoes 5 years ago, but you run or walk 200 km in them every year? If so, we suggest you find new shoes now. On average, a decent pair of running shoes will last around 500-800 kilometres, after which you will need to buy a new pair. Such long distances deform and wear out the shoes enough that comfortable cushioned soles sag too much, which can lead to serious joint and health problems. So it’s a good idea to note down your training distances so you know when it’s the right time to think about new footwear.
LANDSCAPE
When buying running shoes, it’s very important to know where you’ll be running in them most of the time. For example, for off-road running, more patterned and sturdier running models have been designed to improve grip in poor terrain, provide more support for the foot and protect against the damage of variable terrain, which can include rocks and branches. At the same time, there are all-purpose running models that can cope with any terrain.
Depending on the range of products, it is possible to buy footwear for running on a ribbon all the way up to cross-country running, but be sure to think about consulting a service provider or expert.
PRICE
When choosing suitable and long-lasting running shoes, if possible, also consider a sufficient budget. The price of a standard but good quality pair of running shoes can be more than €100, which may seem a lot at first glance, but you should think of it as an investment for your feet and your health.
GOALS
Think about the goals you want to achieve with your sneakers. If you feel you want to run a marathon in them, or even compete against the clock in a five kilometre race, there will be a big difference in footwear choice. Lightweight running shoes will help you cover short distances quickly on race day, but they will wear out faster in normal marathon training and you won’t get to the marathon in the same pair. You also need a lot more shock absorption for long distances, which lighter shoes don’t offer. Although this is not the most important point for an amateur, in the long run it is worth thinking about it independently and asking for help if necessary.
We hope that these suggestions haven’t scared you off – for the average hobbyist or enthusiast, the most important thing is comfort, so that the footwear fits well and doesn’t strain the body. However, we would recommend that you ask a professional for help to take your training to the next level or to start a new hobby.
