Finding the perfect running shoes that fit your budget can be challenging. It’s possible you do not know what to look for in a good design or what elements to prioritise.
Here are some of the most important factors to pick while selecting the best running shoe for your feet type.
1. Determine Your Foot’s Arch and Breadth.
High-arched feet, flat feet, and neutral feet are the three most common arch types. When you walk, your feet pronate because your arches are neutral or medium. If your arch is neutral, you should look for shoes with supportive midsoles and good stability in the heel.
If you have a low arch, your whole foot is probably touching the ground as you walk. Therefore, this might lead to muscular tension and joint pain. If this describes you, look for shoes with better arch support. See a podiatrist if you have doubts before purchasing a pair of running shoes.
Experts in sports medicine agree that high arches can cause undue stress on the body’s musculoskeletal system. High arches also mean poor shock absorption, so getting running shoes with enough cushioning to compensate is important.
2. Focus on Your Running Form and Style.
Is proper running form something you have ever given any consideration to? If you have not researched running styles, you could buy shoes without considering how they affect your gait.
People often fall into one of three categories while running: heel runners, midfoot runners and toe runners. To what extent your running shoe is padded depends on how you typically run. For example, a runner who strikes the ground with their heel needs a shoe that provides more cushioning.
Most professional half-marathon runners tend to strike the ground with their heels first, so it stands to reason that this is the area where cushioning would be most welcome. If you want to improve your running form, focus on your foot’s contact with the ground.
3. Take Pronation into Account
When you run, your foot and ankle go through a natural action called pronation. If you tend to roll your ankles inward when running, you may benefit from wearing a shoe with more midfoot or arch support. This inward rolling is a normal aspect of your body’s motion. However, sports experts believe that differing foot kinds may impact the level to which your foot rolls inward.
Some runners have severe forms of overpronation due to their foot structure. A runner with high arches may experience underpronation, whereby a little foot roll is experienced as they land. However, excessive rolling can be problematic when you have flat feet, leading to overpronating. If your arch is neutral, your foot will likely roll in a healthy position.
4. Select the Perfect Shoes Today
You are well on your way to finding the right pair of shoes now that you know your foot type and the characteristics to look for in a pair. Always keep in mind the following ideas while trying on shoes:
- Running shoes should be tried on in the evening when your foot will be at its fullest.
- Get into your running shoes, stockings, and any orthotics or braces you usually use.
- Raise your feet and measure both the length and breadth of the shoe.
- Ensure the shoe fits properly and provides the necessary support by doing a series of heel raises, walks, and jogs.
- Take your time and ensure the shoe fits and feels well at the shop since that is how it will feel while running.
A reputable running store like Runners Need has the ideal shoe for your foot type.