Choosing Your Best Running Shoe

As you set out to perform your workout sessions, one thing that you’ll want to take into consideration is which running shoes you’re using. Having a good running shoe is vital to not only ensure that you’re able to perform your best, but also for making sure that you’re well supported and are at a decreased risk of injury.

If you aren’t wearing properly fitted running shoes that are supportive, you could be at a greater risk of suffering from knee or back pain, as well as you could potentially have a greater likelihood of rolling your ankle as you go about your daily activities.

To help you choose the best running shoe, we have a few important tips in mind.  Make sure that you follow these next time you’re purchasing a new pair.

Bring Your Typical Workout Socks

The very first quick tip to remember when choosing a running shoe is to make sure that you wear the same socks you normally wear when working out.

Many people don’t go into the store prepared and while they may carry a pair of socks for you to wear, if they’re much thinner or thicker than what you use, this could in fact influence the fit of the shoe.  While you may not think it will make that much of a difference, the truth is that even small changes in the fit could totally influence how you feel when using the shoe.

Know The Running Shoe Variations

The second thing that you’ll want to make sure you either read up on or ask a shoe specialist in the store is what different variations are available.  You can get shoes that are specifically designed for cross training, so if you plan to do some running mixed in with weight training, this will likely be the route to go.

On the other hand, if you’re a long distance runner, there’s shoes for that.  If you want to be logging miles upon miles on your treadmill, you need a shoe that’s going to go the distance.

Likewise, if you’re someone who does a lot of interval sprints, then a sprinting shoe that’s more light weight with high shock absorption will be a smarter move.

Jump Around In Store

The third quick tip to remember is that you should always jump around and get moving in the store. While you obviously can’t take the shoes out for a run, you can simulate some of the common movements that you perform to see how they feel.

Don’t just stand up and take a step or two around.  That isn’t going to give you enough of a sense of how they really feel on your foot.

Remember that as the shoe heats up slightly, it could change the feel of it, so try and be in them for at least five minutes to get an accurate view of things.

Consider Your Pronation

Finally, also make sure to consider your pronation.  If you have a high degree of pronation, you’ll need a shoe that accommodates to this.  If you don’t, you could be in for some serious knee problems down the road, so it’s vital that you get this checked out.

A good shoe specialist will be able to help you out with this, so shop around until you find a store that has one.

So there you have the few important things to remember as you purchase your new pair of running shoes.  Choosing carefully will ensure that you not only get the best results from your sessions, but feel great as you go about them as well.

For more information on using a treadmill as you go about your workouts and staying safe, be sure to check out our article on Treadmill Safety.