There are so many cool running shoes out in the market that claim to have the latest technology to give you a better run while protecting your feet that it can sometimes be so overwhelming when shopping for one. The following tips for buying running shoes will help you find the perfect pair that will make the whole experience somewhat easier and more enjoyable.
The first and probably the most important thing you need to know before buying any type of running shoes is your foot type. You can easily determine your foot type by doing the “wet test” where you moisten the bottom of your feet and make an imprint on a dark piece of paper.
If you have flat feet, you won’t see any arch. No inward curve is visible from your big toe to your heel on the “wet test” footprint. Flat-footed individuals tend to roll their feet inward or overpronate when they run so they will need running shoes with motion control and stability like Brooks Ariel running shoes.
Some may even need to wear orthotics. If you have high-arched feet, your footprint will show a large curve with a thin outer edge. Some with extremely high arches will see a gap between the ball and heel of their foot. If you happen to have high arches, your feet tend to roll outwards or supinate when you run.
Well-cushioned flexible supination running shoes that absorb shock is best for you. If you have a neutral foot, then you are like most people. You will notice a small inward curve in your footprint measuring not more than an inch. Normal-footed people have the luxury of choosing from a wide variety of running shoes. You don’t need to have a lot of motion control or stability so light weight running shoes would be ideal for you.
Next thing to do is to measure your feet to get the right-sized shoes. One of the smartest tips for buying running shoes is to buy later in the day or at night. Our feet normally swell during the day and just like running, our feet actually also swell and lengthen when we run.
So it is best to buy a pair of running shoes when our feet are at their largest. The perfect sized running shoe should be snug at the heel and have some wiggle room at the toe area. Allow a thumb’s length between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. You should also have a comfortable and secure fit through the midfoot.
If you are wearing any orthotics or inserts, bring these as well when you buy because you may have to choose a bigger size to accommodate them. If you have wide feet, choose wide width running shoes for better comfort.
It is best to buy your running shoes at a running specialty shop because these stores have running experts to help you choose the perfect running shoe for you. Bring along your old pair of running shoes, as this will give them a clue to your running style.
They will be able to recommend what shoe is best for you. Also, you must come prepared with your pair of running socks when you try out the different running shoes. Wear the socks you often use for running. Test run your running shoes before you buy them. Most running stores will allow you to run on a treadmill or around the block to make sure that the shoes are comfortable and don’t cause any pain.
Lastly, it is recommended that you buy more than one pair of running shoes. Alternate the shoes between workouts. You should also replace your shoes after 300 to 400 miles. Don’t keep them for longer than 6 months. Running on worn out shoes is a sure way to run yourself to an injury.
The quest for the perfect running shoes does not have to be so daunting. These tips for buying running shoes will surely help you in your search for the best running shoes to keep your feet well protected and hopefully injury-free.