What Is A Good Running Shoe For You?
Interested in starting up running? Or maybe you would like to find a good pair of shoes to replace your old ones? Whichever situation you are in, it is always important to consider what is a good running shoe to wear, for it can make such a huge difference on your athletic performance when it comes to running.
That said, in this article we will give you information on how you can tell a good running shoe from the others, as well as how to go about choosing it. We present to you our top-five strategies for determining a good pair for you to run in.
By taking into consideration our list, you will soon enough be able to run effectively and enjoyably in your next, best pair. Without further ado, let’s get started!
More...
1. It fits your feet.
This sounds like an obvious statement, but in anything case it is referring not only to shoe size, but also your foot’s shape in terms of arches.
To start, your shoe size does not necessarily correlate with your actual foot’s size. In fact, it is advisable to invest in a pair that is at least half a size bigger than your foot’s, just to make sure that there is enough room for your toes to breathe and move around in; after all, you would not want them to be cramped and uncomfortable!
On the other hand, knowing whether your foot has a high, medium, or low arch is crucial for purchasing a pair that can support it, so that you do not end up developing improper running form which can lead to injury. You can determine your arch type with a “wet test,” which can be found here.
With the wet test, you can see what your foot type is. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
- If the footprint has little to no definition in the center of the foot, then you have high arches.
- If the footprint has a solid definition, then you have medium arches.
- If the footprint has a deeply embedded definition, then you have low arches (also known as “flat feet”).
2. It has cushion and protection.
Since you will be doing a lot of pounding on the pavement, it is essential that your running shoe offers shock absorption to combat the pressure when it happens.
At the same time, however, it should not be overly-cushioned, for it can affect running form and lead to your feet becoming more complacent in striking the ground harder than with a medium or bare-cushioned shoe.
Striking too hard on the pavement while wearing highly-cushioned running shoes can also affect how you strike your heel when wearing other types of shoes (e.g. dress shoes, sandals, etc.). Since other shoes might not be as protective of the ground, you might end up hurting your feet in the process.
That being said, it is essential to have a balance between cushion and safety, as it is the way to go for keeping you safe and protected from possible injuries at hand.
For more information on cushioned shoes, check out this article here.
3. It is lightweight, but also protective.
Just like with #2, figuring out if you want a running shoe based on weight and cushion is an important factor for having a healthy running lifestyle. It goes without saying that, the more cushion there is, the heavier the shoe will be.
That said, you will need to decide if you require running shoes which offer more cushion, but tend to be clunkier to run in, or a more lightweight version that might not have as much protection built into it.
Either way, it depends on your foot type; a good rule of thumb is that, if you tend to have low arches (also known as “flat feet”), then more cushioned shoes are preferable. On the other hand, if you have medium arches, a more lightweight pair should suffice.
4. It caters to your running style.
The next question you will have to ask yourself is how much do you tend to run, in terms of distance and frequency: are you just an occasional, casual runner or are you in the process of training for an ultra-marathon?
By considering these factors, you can then go about finding a good pair to run in: for instance, if you tend to run occasionally, then a more-lightweight option might be better for you since it will not wear out too quickly. For long-distance and/or competitive runners, a more-cushioned one is better for durability and protective purposes.
5. It keeps your feet stable.
This is not just a matter of preventing your feet from sliding around inside of the shoe, but also supporting, even correcting, improper running form, should you have that problem.
For instance, if you tend to either under-pronate or over-pronate (which are caused by having high and low arches, respectively), then wearing running shoes that are specifically designed to counterbalance it is the way to go. As a result, you will be able to avoid common injuries like shin splints or plantar fasciitis.
Conclusion
All in all, when it comes to finding and purchasing running shoes, it is not simply a matter of looking at the aesthetics, name brand, or the price. Instead, you will have to look at the way it fits your feet, in terms of whether it is supportive and comfortable to run in.
Truly, determining a good running shoe is a bigger process than you might think, for aspects like cushion, foot arch type, and stability must be taken into consideration before purchasing them. While it can take some time before you settle on a pair, we guarantee that it will be worth it in the long run.
Enjoyed this article? Comment and share!
