Running is wonderful cardiovascular exercise and a popular workout choice for men and women. Just as a carpenter requires the right tools for his trade, the right pair of running shoes is essential for both the casual and the serious runner. There are some things to consider when purchasing a running shoe.
How far and often will you be running? If you run no more than 10 miles per week than a basic running shoe will be just fine. If you are training for a marathon, consider making a true investment in your running shoes for optimal performance.
What type of arch do you have on your foot? If you have a higher arch, then a shoe with more of a curved shape is optimal for you. If you have what I like to call an inbetween arch (not too high or too low), a semi curved shoe might be the best idea. Then, if you have a low arch (closer to a flat foot), you need to purchase a straighter shoe.
Understand pronation, which is the rolling of the foot from heel to toe through the foot strike. A proper or neutral pronation is hitting the outside of the heel and up to ball of your foot evenly across the front. This is how your foot reduces the stress of impact. Underpronation means that the outside of your foot takes most of the shock instead of finishing in the neutral position. Overpronation is too much roll across from the outside to the inside of your foot.
To determine your level of pronation, look at the shoes you walk or run in. Look at the wear patterns on your shoe. If your wear pattern is:
On the medial (inside) side then you Overpronate
On the lateral (outside) side then you Underpronate
Uniform across the forefoot then you have a Neutral Stride
Where do you run most often? Most people run on pavement or sidewalks, so most running shoes are designed with this in mind. If you are a trail runner then you need to be looking for a different type of shoe.
As you go shopping for your shoes, go in the late afternoon, because this is the time that your feet will be at their peak size. When you put the shoe on make sure that there is a full thumb width between the end of the shoe and your longest toe. You want the toes to be able to move freely and this allows for that. Your heel should not slip out of the shoe when you walk, and the sole should be freely flexible with the foot.
Go to a store that specializes in running shoes or at least to a sporting goods store. The sales associates will be able to help you make a decision on the best shoe for you.
If you are an avid runner you may want to consider buying multiple pairs. In doing so you can rotate them and reduce the stress on the shoe itself. Even so, you want to replace you shoes every six months or so.
Do consider price so your budget isn't blown, but don't sacrifice comfort and durability in the process.
Runners have a wide selection of styles, colors and levels of comfort from which to choose when looking at running shoes. Remember, whether you are a casual runner or a serious runner, comfort and excellent support are essential for the best performance!
How far and often will you be running? If you run no more than 10 miles per week than a basic running shoe will be just fine. If you are training for a marathon, consider making a true investment in your running shoes for optimal performance.
What type of arch do you have on your foot? If you have a higher arch, then a shoe with more of a curved shape is optimal for you. If you have what I like to call an inbetween arch (not too high or too low), a semi curved shoe might be the best idea. Then, if you have a low arch (closer to a flat foot), you need to purchase a straighter shoe.
Understand pronation, which is the rolling of the foot from heel to toe through the foot strike. A proper or neutral pronation is hitting the outside of the heel and up to ball of your foot evenly across the front. This is how your foot reduces the stress of impact. Underpronation means that the outside of your foot takes most of the shock instead of finishing in the neutral position. Overpronation is too much roll across from the outside to the inside of your foot.
To determine your level of pronation, look at the shoes you walk or run in. Look at the wear patterns on your shoe. If your wear pattern is:
On the medial (inside) side then you Overpronate
On the lateral (outside) side then you Underpronate
Uniform across the forefoot then you have a Neutral Stride
Where do you run most often? Most people run on pavement or sidewalks, so most running shoes are designed with this in mind. If you are a trail runner then you need to be looking for a different type of shoe.
As you go shopping for your shoes, go in the late afternoon, because this is the time that your feet will be at their peak size. When you put the shoe on make sure that there is a full thumb width between the end of the shoe and your longest toe. You want the toes to be able to move freely and this allows for that. Your heel should not slip out of the shoe when you walk, and the sole should be freely flexible with the foot.
Go to a store that specializes in running shoes or at least to a sporting goods store. The sales associates will be able to help you make a decision on the best shoe for you.
If you are an avid runner you may want to consider buying multiple pairs. In doing so you can rotate them and reduce the stress on the shoe itself. Even so, you want to replace you shoes every six months or so.
Do consider price so your budget isn't blown, but don't sacrifice comfort and durability in the process.
Runners have a wide selection of styles, colors and levels of comfort from which to choose when looking at running shoes. Remember, whether you are a casual runner or a serious runner, comfort and excellent support are essential for the best performance!
About the Author:
Doctor Weir's office is located at 2112 116th Ave NE, Suite A, Bellevue WA, 98004 .
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