Choosing the Right Running Shoe

Are you in the market for a new pair of running shoes?  If so, there are several things you need to keep in mind when trying to decide upon the shoes that are right for you.  Here’s a look at a few of the things you need to keep in mind.

The Cushioning of the Shoe

The cushioning of the shoe is important because this is the part of the shoe that absorbs the shock as you run.  Every time your foot hits the ground, it sends a shock through your body and your joints.  Therefore, in order to minimize the impact of your run, be certain your shoe has plenty of cushion.

The Shoe’s Tread

Just as a tire needs to have a good tread, so does your running shoe.  At the same time, you need to pay careful attention to the thickness of the tread.  If you are planning to run on trails, for example, you will need a different tread than you will need if running on the road.  In addition, you should pay attention to where you tend to wear your tread the most when running.  Do you tend to wear the tread more at the forefoot or the heal?  Whichever it is, choose a shoe with a thicker tread in the area where you experience the most wear.

The Flexibility of the Shoe

Having a very stiff shoe can make running quite uncomfortable.  Therefore, you should look for a shoe with a greater amount of flexibility.  Remember, your shoe needs to flex with each of your strides.  While a little stiffness can be good, too much can be painful.

Remember, the bottom line is to find a shoe that is comfortable and that provides you with plenty of proper support, so take the time to try on many different shoes so you can find the ones that are best for you!