Before I begin writing about this article, I thought that I would make one thing very clear right from the beginning. It is that there is no one size or shoe that fits all when it comes down to a running shoe. Phew! Since that’s out of the way. There is no single show that is a perfect fit for anyone. There is a massive amount of research that needs to be done before one should go ahead and purchase one for their requirements.
Some tips that would help you in your research towards your next running shoes are:
You should always choose a shoe that is designed for running
These sneakers looking shoes are one of the best things a runner can do for themselves. It is as important as their fitness levels and all the other activities that they do to remain fit and top of the line. Running shoes however look like sneakers, but they on their own contain specialized technology that is designed specifically to help you run. A major difference in between these two is that a normal sneaker wouldn’t assist the runner when it comes down to shock absorption from their rapid movement and run. Unlike sneakers, running shoes are designed to safeguard the runner from injuries with the help of special cushioning that is embedded into a running shoe.
With that being said, you shouldn’t be carrying out other chores in your running shoes. These shoes cost a bit more than a regular sneaker. Hence these should be kept just for running.
Running shoes aren’t always cheap!
When it comes down to running shoes, it is always advisable to spend a bit extra for the added features a manufacturer offers in their production unit. But that doesn’t at all means that you should be breaking your bank for picking up a suitable pair for your running needs. On the other hand, if you choose to go for the most inexpensive pair, then the phrase “you get what you pay for “is highly applicable here.
Majority of the running shoes that are decent for use are in
the price range of $110 to $300. The expected price that you should aim to pay
for a decent pair is in the range of $150 to $200.
There Is no such requirement that one should go for a branded running shoe
pair. It is not always necessary that the unbranded ones aren’t up to the mark.
Most of the times, if you do your own due diligence on the product, you may end
up with a bargain. A high price tag doesn’t necessarily mean that what you’re
getting is a gem.
The most important factor? FIT
If the only thing that one should take care of before purchasing their running shoes is? I would say HOW IT FITS YOUR FEET. A running shoe that isn’t fitting well can massively cause you to change your stride and thus resulting in injury. Now we wouldn’t want that, now would we.
Must be thinking now what those tips are that would ensure you to pick the best possible shoe that fits? These are as under:
- Not to sound like a doctor, but the research says that our feet tend to swell a bit during the day. Knowing this, going for running shoes shopping that would fit wouldn’t be ideal. So, it is always advisable to go for shoe shopping in the afternoon or even better, in the evening.
- Feet also tend to spread as you run. Forming a slight claw. To accommodate this, your shoe should have approximately one thumb width distance between the end of your foot and the end of the shoe that you are about to buy.
- Your foot should always be centred on the platform (insole). It should not be moving when you walk or take steps. The pair should wrap comfortably around your feet and should not pinch or tingle you when you wear them.
- Standard show widths for men are D and B for women. But some shoes may accommodate both wider and narrow feet.
- Under no circumstances should your new pair be rubbing up against your skin. This would eventually cause you to blister and cause infection and rashes.
What running shoes do I need?
A good everyday running shoe is the advisable shoe type for your daily runs. These should last you up to 600 miles. Not saying that this is a ball-park figure, but realistically everyday running shoes are made to last for that long.
Lightweight running shoes are designed specifically for runners that are into faster paced workout and or race events. These shoes weigh a lot lighter than the everyday running shoes and tend to wear out a lot quicker than the latter. These should last you anywhere between 200 to 500 miles.
Racing flats are designed for speed and stability. Less cushioning, ultra-lightweight and tend to wear out quickly, these shoes typically last anywhere between 100 to 300 miles.
Trail running shoes are designed for sportsmen who prefer dirt over a normal terrain. The added benefit of these type of running shoes is that they have lugs on the bottom of the shoe that provides traction and grip. These shoes also have a much better design and durable upper in order to withstand the terrains that they are designed for. Some train-running shoes come installed with a rock-plate, Gore-Tex finish, much deeper lugs and other technical additions that help the runner withstand the onslaughts of the terrain.
Some other factors one should keep in mind before purchasing runner shoes
Stack height
This has to do purely with what a runner prefers in terms of feel when they run. STACK HEIGHT’ can be of two type. One (1) is the heel stack height and second (2) is the toe stack height. In literal terms, it is referred to as the opacity of the material used between your foot when nestled in the shoe and the ground. Various type of stack heights is
- Barefoot
- Minimally cushioned
- Maximal
- Greatly cushioned
Most of the running shoes that are available in the market today; fall in the mid of the stack-height spectrum length.
Heel-Toe Drop
This is also commonly called as the ‘SLOPE” of the running shoe. This has a great impact on how you feel when you are on the run with your shoes on. This jargon describes the difference between the amount of material under the heel and the amount of material under your own foot.
Pronation
There are two major classifications of any running-shoes.
- Neutral
- Stability
Almost 80% of the running shoes manufactured worldwide fall under the “A” category, i.e. Neutral shoes. These shoes are suitable fore most of the runners around the world.
Stability running shoes compromise of a technology that is designed to correct the overpronation. There are a couple of ways to determine whether you are over-pronated or not.
Conclusion
To summarize this topic, I hope you found it useful. A word of advice though, coming from someone who reviews shoes a lot. If a pair of shoe fits the other person, that doesn’t mean that you would have the same feel and experience when you wear it on as well. Therefore, always do your own due diligence before you buy your next pair.
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