Finding The Right Shoe
Finding the right running shoe may set the stage for your entire running experience. New runners, please please please, do NOT go to a big box store and buy a running shoe off the shelf. Find your local running store and get properly fitted for a running shoe that fits your foot, gate and the best shoe for your running needs.
When a new runner complains of shin splints or some achy pain when they run, the first thing I ask is if they were properly fitted for their shoes. This is also true when the running shoe gets worn down. An ill fitting running shoe can cause havoc on your runs.
TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT SHOE
Function Over Fashion. I can’t count how many ugly, and I mean UGLY pairs of running shoes I have. Just my luck, the ugliest shoe of the bunch my local running store brings out to try, is always the one that feels the best. Running is not a fashion show. Please let looks go when it comes to running. Function over fashion!
Get fitted. This is so important. Many running stores offer feet and gate scans free to find the perfect shoe for you. Ask to jog in the shoe. Most stores will let you take them out for a little test drive.
Try on running shoes with the socks you run in. I could write an entire article on socks alone, but I will save that. Socks are important too. Bring your running socks with you to the store.
Shoe Specificity. If you are running on roads, you want to wear a shoe for road running. If you are running on trails, you want a shoe suited for trails. Most running stores (depending on where you live) will have more road runners. But, if you are new to trail running, the type of trail you run on may dictate the type of trail runner you need. Your local running store should be equipped to help you determine the best trail shoe for your trails.
Replace your shoes. This is always a big question, when should I replace my shoes. They usually say a good rule of thumb is 250 - 500 miles. However, I feel that people wear through their shoes differently. If you are heavy pounder, you may wear through your shoes much earlier than 200 miles. Look at the bottom of your shoe, if you can see where you strike the ground, worn away on the shoe, then yes - time for new shoes. Also if you start to feel something creeping, pain or aching, and it has been a while, you probably need new shoes.
Now, get yourself to the run store, find those ugly runners, and get outside to enjoy the run!