How to buy running shoes presents a dilemma for many athletes. Do you need to find top quality running shoes? Are you confused by the many styles that are available?
Most people tend to choose shoes according to what the newest models are on the market. Those high priced celebrities are able to sway consumers and frequently convince them to try a particular type of running shoe just by using extensive marketing campaigns.
There are some basic factors and features that you must take in consideration when you want to know how to buy running shoes that really fit.
The truth about which styles of footwear make the best running shoes is fairly simple. You have to understand your feet and style of running before you select any type of athletic footwear. In other words match your shoe to your foot, stride and running style before you buy.
How to choose running shoes is more than just looking at one or two of the features. To do this right you have to figure out exactly what you need, and why.
Stability Shoe Designs
A stability shoe is a design for those with over-pronation problems. This type of footwear provides additional support to the medial portion of your foot and helps keep your feet and ankles from rolling over during exercise or running.
Motion Control Shoes
People with very low arches, flat feet or over-pronated feet can benefit from motion control running shoes. These shoes counterbalance that over-pronated stride and prevent the foot from rolling inward and forward as you walk, jog or run.
As you learn how to choose running shoes you will find out that this type of athletic footwear provides additional foot support.
Moderate to severe forms of over pronation are the kind of foot problems that are well suited for motion control shoes. Runners with bigger builds, larger feet or heavier bodies can also benefit from using these types of shoes.
Dedicated Racing Shoes
Look for racing shoes when you need a running shoe with an ultra-light design. These shoes are best for people who have a biomechanically correct running stride.
They will not usually provide maximum foot and arch support for those with weak ankles or over-pronated feet.
Cushioned Running Shoes
Those cushioned shoes are intended to be used by a runner whose feet strike the ground in a specific manner.
A training shoe with a minimum amount of cushioned support along the side of the arch and a maximum amount of cushioning along the midsole can be very comfortable, but they are meant for someone with moderate or high arches and those individuals who are not bothered with over-pronation of their feet.
Individuals who have problems with over pronation are not well suited for these running shoes.
Footwear For Running The Outdoor Trails
These are shoe styles that give you more traction and stability on off road paths if you know how to buy running shoes correctly.
If you prefer the challenge of running on rougher surfaces then these low-to-the-ground shoes can offer you rugged style, weather resistant construction and better traction as you tackle those ‘roads less traveled’.
Buying Shoes For Marathon Performance Training
Almost anyone can use performance training shoes. This is a light-weight style of footwear that is considered ideal for marathon events or for long-distance endurance runs. The soles should be very durable and styled for both traction and balance.
These running shoes must meet several demands including your foot type (normal arch, high arches or flat feet). The marathon training shoe should also be one that matches your foot strike. For instance does your stride end with a heel strike, a mid-foot strike or a forward (forefoot) strike.
Also look at your normal running stride. Do you have a Supinater, Pronater or Neutral stride? Match the shoe to your foot type, running strike and your running stride and you will undoubtedly find the best marathon training shoes for your needs.
Any pair of shoes you buy for a long distance even need to be purchased a minimum of 5-8 weeks ahead of time. This will give you time to log at least 100 miles or more on the running shoes before you put them to the ultimate distance test.
Missteps And Mistakes To Avoid
Of course many people choose the latest trends in footwear but this is exactly where you can get into some serious trouble. Making a decision about running shoes needs to be based on facts and research not colors and ‘cool’ features.
There is not much need to study how to buy running shoes that suit your needs if you don’t follow the suggestions.
Among the most common mistakes that people make in regard to athletic running shoes are the following missteps:
- Buying a shoe that is too narrow or too wide for your foot.
- Making a decision based solely on which style is the most expensive is not how to buy running shoes that are going to deliver performance and comfort.
- Wearing your running shoes for other activities.
- Sizing your foot early in the day instead of later in the afternoon.
- Caving in to peer-pressure or name brand appeal.
- Failing to match the shoe design to the demands of your feet and running style.
- Purchasing shoes that are a size too small.
- Making a purchase of running shoes and assuming they will feel more comfortable over time.
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