One of the great benefits of taking up running as a sport an fitness regimen is that you don’t need to invest in a lot of equipment. In fact, all youll really need is a good pair of running shoes.
Choosing a pair of running shoes that are right for you could be intimidating because of the sheer number of choices that are available to you. Below are some tips you can follow to make choosing the right running shoes easier.
Determine your foot shape
There are different kinds of foot shapes. To find out what shape your feet are, simply measure the height of the arch on your feet. Doing this is easy. Just wet the soles of your feet and then stand firmly on a paper bag. After a few minutes step off and look at the marks your feet left. You’ll immediately see how deep or shallow your arches are. There are three different types of arches – normal, shallow and deep. Look for shoes that are complement your foot shape. If you have shallow arches, buy shoes that offer motion-control. Those with normal arches should get shoes that offer stability. People with high arches should buy shoes that offer added protection and cushioning to the feet.
Find out footfall
The way the foot falls on the ground when running differs with every person. This is an important factor in looking for running shoes. To determine how your feet fall, just look at the soles of your old shoes. The worn spots on the soles are where your feet would usually land first when walking or running. The worn areas are where the most pressure and force is exerted on your feet when running.
Consider how long you run
The amount of time you run will also determine the kind of shoes you should get. Running shoes are divided into two categories – basic models and elite models. If you do intense running for a relatively long duration then elite models are worth the price of the investment. It is going to withstand the abuse more and will be more economical in the long term. For recreational runners basic models are more than enough.
Shop at stores that offer variety
The best way to determine if a running shoe is perfect for you is to fit it. Got to a store that offers a wide variety of brands and models. Fitting the shoe will immediately give you feedback on the fit and how it feels when running. Ask if yo can do some practice runs inside the store to determine how it will feel when you’re already running.
The right size matters
Make sure that your shoe is a perfect fit for you, or has a little room. Tight fitting shoes will make your feet hurt and could most probably injure you as well.
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