How To Choose The Best Running Shoes

The fall is the time of year when the blistering heat of the months of July or August begin to fade. Temperatures begin to drop, trees begin to shed, and the air becomes cooler and lighter, making it easier to breathe fresh air. It is a time that some describe as “romantic”, as the cities and towns acquire a warm tone, bringing out the natural beauty of your surrounding, which you finally learn to appreciate like never before.

Exercises enthusiasts around the world see this as the perfect time to run. No more worrying about quick dehydration or reaching the next shade patch; the weather is appealing, cool and your exercise is fun.

Few things are as important to a runner as shoes. You can do without a lot of things despite the large number of items offered by the world of running in terms of clothing, accessories and devices. But your footwear is paramount.

When you are in search of the perfect running shoes, you might be tempted to select primarily based on fashion and look. However, choosing the best running shoes goes beyond just aesthetics. Maintaining healthy feet while running should be your main goal.

What to prioritize

Good running shoes must have three major characteristics, these are: comfort, stability and cushioning. When you test them, they should be comfortable to enter and good to walk in. If you feel discomfort from the beginning, it will hardly change afterwards. Don’t think that they will mold, soften, or enlarge. They should feel comfortable from the start.

Do not be seduced by color or appearance

You become a serious runner when you start choosing shoes for functionality and not aesthetics. When the color does not matter to you more than the quality or comfort. It’s definitely not wrong to look at aesthetics, but as earlier advised, do not prioritize fashion over the health of your feet.  If you’re the type who loves your shoes to blend with clothes, you can go for a neutral color that can be easily adapted with different shades: gray, black, white, or some that are multicolored.

Evaluate and know your foot type

Feet come in a variety of shapes, and knowing your foot type and shape is important in selecting the best running shoes for yourself. Podiatrists (and also shoe stores) have equipment that can be used to analyze your gait (your mode of walking/running.)

Another good way to determine the shape and type of your foot is to do a “wet test.” You wet your foot and step on a piece of brown/heavy paper.

If you discover that your footprint shows your entire sole, with little or no curve on the inside, it signifies that you have low arches (flat feet) and possible overpronation (where your feet roll inwards). Go for running shoes with motion-control feature and maximum support.

For those whose footprint shows a portion of their forefoot and heel, with a narrow connection between them, it is evident that you have high arches and your feet tend to roll outwards (underpronation). What you need is a cushioning shoe, which has a soft midsole.

For those whose footprint shows a distinct curve along the inside, it signifies that you have neutral arches. Go for stability shoes, which has the right mix of cushioning and support.

Different foot types come with different problems, which stems from not having enough orthopedic support when you stand or walk. Heel spurs and ingrown toenails are also foot issues that trouble a lot of people today. With proper advice from a qualified podiatrist, you can select and make use of an orthotics arc support that best suits your foot condition, giving you relief from a variety of foot problems.

Weight

The heavier the runner, the greater the impact between their feet and the ground. With so much running to do, you have to ensure that your shoe can support your weight. Failure to consider this can lead to rapid wear and tear of your shoes, which can possibly endanger your feet.

It is advised that heavier runners should go for shoes that are robust, have a good grip and give additional support to the sole, so as to reduce impact on the joints.

Surface of use

Someone who runs on a track is definitely not going to use the same shoes as someone who runs on uneven terrain (for example in the mountains.) Road or track running requires less traction and lighter weight, while trail running or running in natural terrain requires good traction, cushion and support.

The right size

This is a very important factor. Ensure that your running shoes are half a size larger than your normal size; this is necessary because your feet tend to swell while running which can cause cramping. After testing out your shoe, insert a finger between your foot and the heel of the shoe. Verify that there is a fingers width of space.