Tips to choose the best running shoes

When it comes to any type of exercise program, running shoes can be a versatile choice to protect your feet and reduce the possible risk of injury. But selecting a pair of running shoes that best suits your unique foot shape is not as simple as it seems, and you could end up injuring yourself if you choose the wrong ones. Running shoes can either make or break your workout, so take the time to try different shoes and consider your options. We have some tips below to help you get started.

Don’t take your friends’ word for it

You might be tempted to heed your fitness friends’ recommendations and buy those shoes that they have faith in. After all, they ran a full-length marathon in those shoes without spraining their ankle or getting blisters, so why not get a pair for your workouts, right? Wrong! The shape of your feet and your strides are unlikely to be the same as those of your friends, so what works for them might not deliver the same results for you.

Try before you buy

Already have an ideal pair of shoes in mind? Good. Picked them up and tried them on? Great. But don’t rush to make a decision on purchasing them just yet. Make sure you take those shoes for a test drive by strolling and running around the store, or on the treadmill, for at least 30 seconds, in order to assess comfort before purchasing. The ideal shoes should feel comfortable as soon as you put them on and require little to no break-in.

Choose the ones with extra room

You don’t want your running shoes to be too tight, or else a one-hour run could feel like an eternity of pain, because your feet will likely swell during exercise. So don’t choose a pair that fits perfectly - aim for the ones that are either a half-size or one size larger than what you normally wear, so your feet and toes can move around without rubbing the inner surface.

Think twice before buying a pair online

Finding the right shoes for your feet without actually trying them on is nearly impossible. You can’t accurately measure the shoes’ comfort by observing them through your computer screen. It is better to visit a local sports shop in person, and try on at least two pairs so you can make a comparison and figure out which pair is the best fit.

Be prepared to invest some money

A good investment in running shoes goes a long way in ensuring comfort for your feet. Don’t favor one shoe over the other solely for the price. Some running shoes are more expensive than others because they are made with premium materials, have a better design, offer better cushion and last longer. Also, don’t hesitate to buy another pair to rotate into your workouts - you will prevent muscle and joint injuries by switching shoes regularly.

Looking for more tips about your fitness equipment? Get in touch with our expert instructors today.

Published with permission from FitnessAdvisory. Source.


Leave a comment!

You must be logged in to post a comment.