When choosing shoes, it is obvious that many people will always go for style, forgetting that a good pair of shoes is more than just selecting good-looking shoes. You might choose a running pair of shoes because it is the current and trending style, but you might be doing yourself more harm than good. If the shoes do not fit you well, they might cause damage to your feet and joints. Whether you are a regular trainer or training for a race, choosing the best shoe is one of the reasons you will run efficiently and finish the race.
Buying running shoes can be overwhelming at times because you are not very sure which one will work well for you. You should keep in mind that a particular shoe might be the best for you but not for the other person. But no need to beat yourself so much because you can easily learn how to determine the best shoe for yourself. Below are explained factors that you should consider when purchasing running shoes.
Fit
This is where visiting the shop to buy running shoes becomes important instead of ordering online. Fitting in the shoe before buying it is necessary because you might find that shoes are created differently and hence vary in size. For example, a shoe number 40 might appear smaller or larger depending on the wearer. So when you order a particular shoe size online, it might not fit you perfectly, but by visiting the shop, you’ll ensure you get the perfect fit.
You ought to consider a tight-fitting shoe for running purposes. A shoe that is too big will make your feet slide, thus increasing the chances of having blisters and other injuries.
Heel Height
Did you know that lack of upward movement of your ankle joint can be a contributing factor to injury of your feet?
Before purchasing a running shoe, it is recommended that you visit a healthcare professional to perform a lunge test. A lunge test is making a person bend their knee over the foot and then measure the angle of their shin bone. This allows you to have information that will help you select a shoe with the right heel drop or height. A higher heel drop should be considered for running because it helps your feet to hit the ground first and this is how a lot of people run.
Cushioning
The shoe sole material is what determines the level of cushioning. Any impact force absorbing material that rests between you and the ground is of great advantage. Many shoe industries are looking for materials that will improve the quality of the shoes. It is an area that should be greatly considered because it relates to factors like body weight and biomechanics.
The function of shoe cushions is to absorb the weight of the body and also aid in protecting the joints. To choose the right running shoe, check the product description to see what type of floor each shoe is made for. A running shoe should be appropriately cushioned due to the hard grounds of running.
Outsole
Checking the outsole of your shoe is another factor that should not be left behind when choosing your running shoes. It is essential to check the surface type you’ll be running on and the outsole compatibility. There is always a difference between an outsole made for regular road trainers and those training in terrains.
At some point in life, you might have worn shoes with the wrong outsole and kept sliding around. It is for this reason you should read the product description carefully to understand the kind of shoe sole that will suit your running grounds.
Style
The style of a running shoe may not seem so important, but it is also a factor to think about. If the shoes don’t fit your style, it’s quite obvious that you will not like them and might end up not wearing them.
Flexibility
Make sure you check the overall flexibility of your running shoes. A flexible shoe will contribute to the comfort it will bring to your feet. If you visit the shoe shop, you should fit in the shoe and walk around to ensure it is comfortable. A comfortable shoe will prevent you from having injuries that may occur while running.
If you consider online running shoes, ensure that the store you’re ordering from has a return policy where you can return the shoe if it’s not according to your expectations.