3 Key Things To Consider When Buying New Shoes
Don't just grab the pair your friend raves about—find ones suitable for your stride, foot and goals.
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In the world we live in today, it is easy to get caught up in wanting the latest and newest item. Whether it is the latest iPhone model, style of clothing or handbag, we want it. The same desire has also been found in the world of running. Everyone has the latest clothes, running technology and is in the middle of trying the latest form of energy beans. All of these things are different when it comes to the individual runner, but there is one thing that each runner has in common: shoes.
When searching for running shoes, it is important to keep in mind that everyone’s feet are different. It’s easy to go into your local shoe store and say, “I like these” but it’s not always about how the shoes look. It’s about the support they give you and how they fit your specific foot.
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Get Evaluated
First, it is important to get your foot evaluated by a foot specialist. The evaluation includes observing the foot and arch, running style and alignment of the ankle, knee and hips. By getting your foot evaluated, it allows you to become educated on which type of shoe is best for you and your specific needs to prevent injuries. One common issue found in runners is pronation, which is the inward movement of the foot as it rolls and creates the force of impact of the ground as you run. You want to make sure that if you are an overpronator, you purchase a shoe that works for you, just as you might purchase a different type of shoe for a more neutral stride. A run expert at your local running store can assist in watching you run and suggesting the best shoe for you.
Understand The Structure
The next thing to take into consideration is the arch in your foot. The arch is perhaps the most important structural feature of the foot. Its job is to absorb the amount of pressure our bodies thrust upon them with each stride we take. Each type of shoe has a slightly different arch. For example, certain shoes will accommodate running for people with a high arch, whereas others might cater to a runner with a low arch. If the arch of the foot isn’t supported properly it can lead to arch pain, heel pain, or even plantar fasciitis.
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Make Your Purchase
The third and final thing to understand when looking for running shoes is to be aware of the fact that the shoe is there to protect the foot. Many runners run on concrete and it can take a toll on your body. The shoe itself is there to protect the foot from the shock of hitting the ground. Each type of shoe has a level of variation on how much they protect the foot. Someone that has great form may not need the a shoe with more cushion, and they may prefer something built more for speed. Shoe consultant Evan Flowers at Big Peach Running Company in Atlanta says, “Don’t go cheap on a pair of shoes or a mattress; in the same way that you don’t want to be spending all night on an uncomfortable mattress, you don’t want to spend all day in a uncomfortable shoe—or at least, a nice 10-mile run in an uncomfortable shoe.”
Everyone is different when it comes to choosing the right shoe. The shoemakers know this and will always try to accommodate every type of runner. Whether you are a dedicated runner or just the occasional walker, it is always important to understand and know what type of running shoe is best for you.