What You Need To Know About Buying Running Shoes
What running shoes should I buy? Perhaps that is a question you are asking yourself as you are preparing to buy a pair of running shoes, whether for the first time or simply to replace an old pair.
Granted, the process can be daunting, but with a bit of research and knowing yourself in terms of foot structure and running ability, buying running shoes should not be a problem at all.
In this article, we are here to give you ways on how to go about obtaining that right pair. Soon enough, you will be running comfortably and better than ever before. Let’s get started!
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Things To Consider When Buying Running Shoes
1. Know Your Foot Size
Believe it or not, lots of people who buy running shoes end up buying the incorrect size for their feet. Whether it is too big or too small, wearing an improper size shoe can not only feel uncomfortable, but also hurt your feet, thereby leading to injury.
To measure, use a foot measurement and mark where your longest toe reaches out. From there, purchase half a size to a full size up, as you will need to allow your toes to move and breathe.
2. Know Your Foot Shape
In other words, you will need to know your foot’s arch: is it high, medium, or low? Ideally, a medium arch is the way to go, but most people tend to be on either end of the spectrum, either having high arches or low ones.
You can take the “Wet Test” to determine your foot arch: for instance, if you do not see an imprint in the middle of your foot, then you have high arches.
If there is a heavy imprint in the middle of your foot, then you have low arches. From there, you can determine the shoe that you will need to get. Give it a try!
3. Look At The Heel Support
Since you will be frequently pounding on both hard and soft surfaces, you will need running shoes which have good heel support. Especially if you are prone to flat footedness, having a substantial heel will help to absorb the shock from each step.
Two aspects to consider when finding a good heel support are firmness and flexibility: the heel needs to be solid enough to retain its shape after miles of wear and tear, but also be flexible enough to keep you comfortable when you run.
4. Evaluate Your Lifestyle
Are you an occasional runner who logs in just a few miles a couple of times per week? Or are you a semi-professional training to run the local 10K in the upcoming week?
Taking into consideration your running lifestyle can actually make a difference on the running shoe you purchase, and from there it will a worthwhile investment, monetarily and personally.
If you only run a little bit each week, then getting a lighter, more casual pair will do the trick, as you will not be wearing it down quickly, thus allowing you to run in it for a longer period of time.
On the other hand, if you work out a lot, then a heavier, more supportive shoe is better, as you will need it to last you for at least the first 300 to 500 miles you log in.
5. Consider Its Material
Essentially, this comes down to material: is the running shoe made from mesh, leather, or something else?
As a rule of thumb, a good running shoe is made from a combination of different materials, all of which are to keep the feet comfortable and breathing.
For instance, mesh is used to improve circulation within the shoe. As you will probably notice, there are small, see-through holes at the front of the shoe, near the toe cap; they allow air to pass through, as means of keeping the feet from getting stifled inside, as well as prevent odor from happening!
On the other hand, leather is essential for the durability of the running shoe. Since you will most likely be logging in at least some miles each week, your shoe will have to hold up through a variety of conditions, both easy and tough.
From concrete to dirt trails to grass, having running shoes made from partly leather will continue to last you a good amount of time while on the road.
6. Check Out Its Lightness
Ideally, having a more lightweight running shoe is good for faster turnovers with each stride that you take. At the same time, however, you also need to make sure that it is not too light, to the point that it cannot hold its durability for a long time.
In contrast, a heavyweight running shoe can be a good idea for longer, more frequent runs, but at the same time can be too burdensome and clunky, thereby weighing you down step by step.
That said, a good trick is to consider a light shoe, but also one that is just a bit heavier than the lightest one on the market.
Finding a balance between the two will lead to comfort and durability, which is the best combination that you can have for a pair of good running shoes.
Conclusion
All in all, buying a pair of running shoes that are suitable for your needs can be a bit of a challenge, as there are a variety of them to choose from.
However, by doing your research and looking at certain factors of the shoe, you can better determine if the pair you are eyeing will be a good fit for you.
Here are the main points to consider:
- Know your shoe size beforehand, as well as make sure you are aware of your foot’s arch.
- Find a heel that is both firm and flexible, able to hold its shape and also have shock absorbance, respectively.
- Look for a pair made from both mesh and leather material.
- Strike a balance between lightweight and durability.
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Happy running!
