How to Choose Running Shoes – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

Running in the wrong shoes can be a recipe for disaster, especially if you plan on running distance or on uneven terrain.

A poor choice in footwear can cause foot pain, back pain, Achilles tendinitis, runner’s knee, and other conditions.

Consider the surface you will be running on – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

This will significantly influence what kind of shoe will be best for your foot. For instance, if you are running on a track or court specially designed to be flat and offer grip, you won’t need extra traction on your shoe. Generally:

Road/track running will require less traction and lighter weight.

Trail running should have good traction, support, and cushion for uneven ground.

Identify the kind of running you will do – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

It’s important that you don’t accidentally buy athletic shoes that aren’t designed expressly for running.

There are many different categories of athletic shoes, like training shoes or walking shoes, though these are no ideal for indoor, track, cross country, sprint, or distance running.

Receive a professional evaluation for your feet – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

Many specialty running stores now have equipment that can analyze your gait (how you walk/run) and your foot type.

This will help you to know whether or not you need support to prevent your foot from rolling inward (also called pronating). Though there are many different foot-types, the main three are:

Neutral footed runners, where your foot comes into contact with the ground toward the middle of the foot.

Overpronation, where your foot rolls inward too far.

Take your weight into account – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

The heavier you are, the greater the impact between your foot and the ground will be. This increase in impact may require you to purchase shoes with additional support, even if your foot-type is neutral and you normally would not be advised in that way.

You may want to bring this attention to your doctor or the expert helping you decide on your shoes, especially if you already feel foot, leg, or back pain.

Consult a doctor about injuries and physical impairments about Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

You may have an injury that influences your gait, or a physical impairment that does the same. In both these instances, you should check with your doctor as to what kind of shoes would offer the best support and running experience with you.

Go to a specialty running shoe store for your fit – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

Different designs in shoes can drastically change the fit and feel of it. Sometimes the materials used in making a shoe can make it feel uncomfortable, stiff, or heavy. Prevent this from happening by trying on many different pairs at a physical store.

Although buying shoes online can be affordable, there is no real substitute for trying on shoes in person.

The wrong choice in shoe can cause pain, injury, or discomfort.

Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

Try on your shoe later in the afternoon – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

This may sound silly, but over the course of the day, your feet become swollen from physical activity. By trying on your shoe later in the day, you will prevent buying a shoe that is too small. You might also consider:

Trying on shoes after a run. This will simulate the max size of your foot.

If you have orthotics or generic supports, bring these with you. These should be taken into consideration during your fitting.

Aim for shoes that are snug. – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

If you feel pinching or uncomfortable rubbing, that shoe is likely not your best fit. Over the course of your run, your feet will swell in size. Also, over the course of your running, the uncomfortable features will likely become worse with each mile, causing you unnecessary discomfort.

Tie the shoes and walk around after slipping them on your feet. Maybe even take a few laps around the store, if permitted. This way, you’ll have a better feel for fit of the shoe.

Consider a half-size larger. – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

The strain put on feet and the resulting swelling means that most runners have to buy a shoe that is a half size larger than their normal street shoe. A good rule of thumb is to test your shoe by:

Slide your foot forward in your shoe.

Insert a finger in between your foot and the heel of the shoe.

Verify there is a finger’s width of space to prevent your shoes from being cramped when towards the end of a run.

Ask questions about the features of your shoe – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

A good pair of running shoes can be expensive, so you might want to avoid paying extra for unnecessary features. Ask the shoe clerk helping you about features like:

Vents in the shoe.

The shape or configuration of the bottom of the shoe.

Transparent parts that show an “air bladder” for support.

Inquire about specializations within your shoe type – Arizona State Sun Devils NCAA2 Custom New 3D Sock This Season

Even if you are buying a specialty shoe, like a stability shoe or a motion control shoe, inside each of these categories are even more specializations. For example, a stability forefoot striking shoe will not serve a heel striker well.

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