Choosing the “right” running shoes for fitness
activities is an important decision. Whether a seasoned runner or
a novice, wearing a shoe that properly fits your foot type and provides
you with sufficient protection will mean the difference between a
great running experience, or potential foot related injury. As many
as 56% of the 30 million runners in America, have injuries from improper
shoe selection.
It can be quite confusing to sort through the choices
and options that are available today. Just as one size does NOT fit
all, one type of athletic shoe may be suitable for your friend but
not for you.
Consider the activity that you will be engaged in. Will
you be walking briskly, jogging, doing marathons?
What is your foot type? There are 3 main types.
 |
If your imprint covers most of the feet (not much
arch at all) then you have flat feet. You are among the 60% of
the population in America with flat feet. |
 |
If you show a wide arch and narrow line of your outer foot then
you have high arches. You are among the 30% of the population
of in America with a high instep. |
 |
If your imprint has a medium arch then congratulations. You
are among the 10% of the population in America with the ideal
foot. |
Determining your foot type is easy. Wet your foot and
then walk on a dark piece of paper. You should see the outline created
and be able to decide what your type is.
Typically, running shoes come in three shapes (straight,
semi-curved and curved) which correspond to the three types of prints
revealed by the wet test.
Buying shoes based on your foot type:
1) For the flat-footed person, buy a shoe that is rigid and stable.
This will prevent your ankles from bending inward or outward and it
will protect you. "Stability" shoes are for those with low-arched
feet that have a slight curve. Choose a "straight side".
2) If you have high arches, look for a very cushioned
shoe. High arched feet lack much shock absorption so you’ll
want that cushioning. "Cushioned" shoes best suit those
with high-arched feet. Choose a "curved shape".
3) For the medium arch or ideal foot, choose the combination
of both stability and cushioning for your feet. "Motion control"
shoes are usually suited for people with low-arched, straight feet.
Choose a "semi curved shape".
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When you try on a shoe it should be snug but not
tight and there should be approximately a 1/2-inch between your
longest toe and the front of your running shoe
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Try on the shoes at the end of the day, when your
feet are at their largest due to standing and walking from place
to place. Bring the socks that you intend to wear with the shoes
to ensure a proper fit.
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Bring a pairof old shoes with you when you go shopping.
Shoe wear will assist the salesperson in determining your degree
of pronation.
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If you wear orthotics, bring them also so you can
see determine how the shoe fits with the orthotic inside.
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Expect to replace your running shoes after 300 –
500 miles of running.
It is false economy to buy running shoes at the clearance
bin just to save a few dollars. You may end up getting a pair of
running shoes that are malformed for your foot, too heavy or too
light, or just plain do not fit right. This can be dangerous and
may even potentially cause injury to your feet, legs, hips, or even
your back. What you need to start running is the right shoe, not
the cheapest.
Determining the correct running shoe takes a bit of time and once
you have found a make that suits your foot, then stay with it. A
knowledgeable salesperson at a store specializing in footwear for
runners should be consulted for your first pair.
If you have already determined the running shoe model
that works best for you, and are ready to shop online, click here
for high quality athletic shoes at BlueFireSports
They offer a top notch selection of every kind of running
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