Are you a runner? If so, you need to know how to choose the proper footwear. Choosing the right pair of running shoes will improve your performance, boost your safety, and even help you save money. After all, quality, durable supportive sneakers and running shoes don’t need to be replaced as often as a poor quality pair.
The following tips will help. Remember them the next time you’re looking for your next pair of running shoes.
Determine How You Run
Not all running footwear is the same. Different types of shoes are best for different types of running. Just as you wouldn’t wear a pair of comfortable sandals on a ski trip, you want to make sure your running shoes are suited to your style of running.
For instance, if you run offroad most of the time, you need trail running shoes, which are designed for maximum traction. That’s not necessary if you run on the road or other relatively flat and even surfaces.
Check Your Worn Shoes
Do you have a current pair of running shoes that’s fairly worn down? If so, it can give you a lot of information about the way you run.
Check the wear patterns on your shoes to find out how your feet tend to land. If the wear tends to be most noticeable around the ball of the foot, and a small area of the heel, you have a neutral pronation. Overpronation, which involves the arches of the feet turning down or inward to an excessive degree when they land on a surface, results in greater wear along a shoe’s inside edge. Supination, or underpronation, occurs when the foot doesn’t roll inward enough, putting excess strain on your ankles. Outer edge wear is a sign of supination.
There are running shoes designed specifically for people with neutral pronation, overpronation, and supination. However, the best option may actually be a minimalist shoe.
Minimalist footwear differs from traditional running shoes in several ways. The main difference, however, is that minimalist shoes are designed to recreate the experience of running barefoot. This offers many benefits, such as strengthening the muscles in your feet and lower legs.
It also promotes a more natural foot landing. Getting used to running in minimalist footwear may eventually help you avoid problems like supination or overpronation entirely.
Don’t Assume You’re the Same Size
This is a quick tip, but it’s important to remember. Checking your shoe size before buying a new pair is always essential. The size of your feet can change all throughout life, and even if it remains the same, manufacturers may have different standards for various shoe sizes.
Keep Fashion in Mind
Again, finding the right pair of running shoes can help you save money. That’s partially due to the fact that quality running footwear stays in good condition for a long time.
However, some running shoes look stylish enough to be worn during many activities. This means you could avoid buying a few extra pairs of shoes by using your running footwear more often.
That’s another reason to consider a minimalist shoe. Since minimalist footwear doesn’t need to offer the same cushioning and heel-to-toe drop as traditional running shoes, it doesn’t need to conform to the same design requirements. This gives designers greater freedom to create running shoes that boost your safety and performance while also looking great.
Remember these points if you’re in the market for a new pair of running shoes. This is an important investment. By following these tips, you’ll be much more likely to make the right choice.
