Running shoes have a huge impact on how comfortable you feel while running, whether you are jogging around your local track, trail running through a forest, or competing in a marathon.The right pair can help you to avoid accidents and injuries, while the wrong pair increases the likelihood of getting hurt.Buying the right pair of running shoes is an important decision for dedicated runners.For some helpful advice on how to buy the best running shoes for you, begin with Step 1.
Step 1: Specialty running stores are great to shop at.
If you're shopping for a new pair of running shoes, it's best to go to a specialty running store.The staff at specialty running stores will be more knowledgeable and able to spend more time with each individual customer.A good salesperson will ask a lot of questions about your running style and patterns in order to find the right shoe for you.If you're a road runner or a trail runner, they will ask you how many miles you run in a week.Several tests may be conducted by the salesperson to determine how you run.They can watch you run on a treadmill to see if you overpronate or supinate when your foot hits the ground.They can conduct an arch test to see if you have normal, high or fallen arches.The factors will help determine what type of running shoe is best for you.
Step 2: You should bring your shoes and socks.
If you're shopping for a new pair of running shoes, it's a good idea to bring any socks, inserts or shoes you already own, as these will help the sales assistant to identify your needs and also help you to choose a shoe that fits correctly.To confirm your running style, the sales assistant may look at the wear patterns on your old shoes.If the wear patterns are mostly concentrated on the inside edge of the shoe, this indicates that you tend to overpronate as you run.Stability or motion control shoes are usually required by overpronators.It's important to wear your regular socks and inserts when trying on new shoes, otherwise you risk buying a pair of shoes that seem to fit in the store, but feel too smart once you start running in them.When you're shopping for running shoes, you should wear your regular running clothes because you will feel more comfortable running on a treadmill or doing a lap around the store when the time comes to test them out.Don't buy running shoes when you're wearing a suit or sandals with no socks.
Step 3: Shop later in the day
Many people make the mistake of shopping for running shoes early in the morning, because they don't take the fact that your feet swell throughout the day into account.A shoe that fits in the morning may not be as comfortable come evening time.Your feet won't swell much after this time, so you should plan your shopping trip for some time after 4pm.When your feet swell while you run, you need to buy shoes that are comfortable.
Step 4: You should get your foot measured.
People assume that they know their foot size.Due to things like pregnancy and falling arches, the length and width of a person's foot tends to change over time.Each time you buy a new pair of shoes, you should have your foot measured.Your running shoes should be between a half and a full size bigger than your street shoes.Your feet will have more space to move as you run.It's important to remember that different brands have different design and materials.If you're a size 7 in Nike shoes, you may be a 7.5 in Reeboks.Running in shoes that are too small can cause blisters and blackened toenails, which is not fun.Don't worry about the size of your shoe, just buy a shoe that fits.
Step 5: You should be prepared to spend a small amount of money.
There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to how much you should spend on a pair of running shoes, but in general you can expect to pay between $70 and $120.The right running shoes will help you run comfortably while avoiding injuries and accidents.Buying a good pair of running shoes now will save you money in the long run.Don't buy a cheap pair of shoes just because you found them in the bargain basement.You shouldn't spend a lot of money on shoes that claim to have the latest in running technology.Neither option will be the perfect shoe for you.
Step 6: Make sure your toes are big.
Making sure your toes have enough room is one of the most important things to look for in a new pair of running shoes.The toes should be able to move from side to side.The toe should not be sitting on the edge of the insole when standing.The longest toe should be between the top of the shoe and the thumb.Stand up straight and have a sales assistant or friend measure this for you.You should be able to wiggle your toes up and down, as if playing the piano, if the top of the shoe doesn't fit too tightly.
Step 7: It's important to make sure the heel fits well.
The heels of running shoes can cause irritation if they are too loose or tight.The perfect running shoe will fit around your foot, but won't be too tight.If your shoes are not tied, you should be able to slip your foot out of the shoe without difficulty.If you have any doubts, you should trust your gut.Once you go for your first run, any slight issues you have while trying on shoes in the store will be amplified.
Step 8: The shoe's upper should be snug.
The upper of the shoe should feel secure around your instep, but it shouldn't feel tight or uncomfortable.If you feel any kind of pressure around your instep, the shoe is probably too small and you should try a bigger size.If the pressure is concentrated in the area beneath the laces, you may want to try lacing the shoe a different way.
Step 9: The flex point of the shoes should be checked.
The point at which the shoe bends while running is the flex point.The flex point of the shoe should match your foot's bending point.The flex point of a shoe can be checked by pressing the toe of the shoe onto the ground.The flex point is the point where the shoe bends.Arch pain can be caused by the flex point of the shoe not aligning with the foot.
Step 10: The right shoes are needed for your arches.
Knowing your arch type will help you determine what support level you need in a running shoe.People with flat arches need a shoe with more support and stability.It should feel as natural as possible.If your arch starts to hurt while testing out the shoe, it's probably because it has too much support.People with high arches may need a curved shoe.
Step 11: You should not buy fashionable shoes.
You shouldn't buy a pair of shoes just because they look good or feel good.Shoe manufacturers use these features to trick consumers into making an impulse purchase, without really considering if the shoe is the right choice for their needs.Buying a plain looking shoe that fits like a glove and provides your with the support you need, rather than a fashionable, pretty-looking shoe, will help you in the long run.
Step 12: It's a good idea to avoid tricks.
You should not buy into the idea that a shoe with special features will help you run faster or better.A lot of shoes claim to help you lose weight or cure an injury.According to experts, there is no significant difference between the shoes.A runner's risk of injury has not been proven to be reduced by minimalist shoes that mimic barefoot running.
Step 13: It's a good idea to test the shoes before buying.
It takes a shopper 10 to 15 seconds to pick out a new pair of running shoes.You should test out your new shoes for at least a few minutes before you make a decision.Try on both shoes and spend a few minutes tying them up.If you can, run on the treadmill at the store or do a lap around it to see how they feel, that's what you're buying them for, after all.When it comes to the number of pairs you try on, you should not limit yourself.A good sales assistant will be able to pick out a selection of running shoes that fit your needs, so take the time to try each of them on and choose the ones you like best.
Step 14: Don't give up on asking for deals.
Don't forget to ask before you pay, many specialty running stores offer deals and discounts to local running or track clubs.If you buy more than one pair of shoes at a time, you can get a 10% discount or a special reduced price.Some stores may require you to become a member in order to give you a discount.This can definitely be worth it if you were happy with the service and found a pair of shoes that you love.
Step 15: Don't buy your next pair too soon.
Good running shoes are only designed to last for 400 to 500 miles.For the average runner, your shoes will need to be replaced every six months.If the support has been worn out, you are at a higher risk of getting injured.You can keep track of when you're due for a new pair of running shoes by making a note of the date.