Running is widely considered a great all-around exercise for physical conditioning. It is partly a weight-bearing exercise to strengthen the lower body’s bones and muscles and cardio, to improve overall fitness. The benefits of running are fantastic, but if you aren’t running correctly, this exercise has a downside. Everyone has a different shape and form, differentiating the impact our entire lower body absorbs during an intense running session, especially the feet. Studies indicate that 4 out of 5 runners are at risk of injury simply because they don’t have the right pair of shoes to support them. Since the pursuit for better footwear began, the advancement in technology and decades of research data has enabled the best offering of performance footwear to date. Today manufacturers offer an extensive line-up of running shoes specifically designed for the human body to gain more speed while reducing the risk of injuries, enveloped in the most comfortable format achievable. Here are some factors we should be mindful of when getting a new pair of running shoes to ensure all your runs are safe and comfortable.
The Fit
We all instinctively look for while getting a new pair of shoes is the right fit. However, it can get a little tricky if you are looking for a good pair of running shoes. The rule of thumb is making sure it fits well. Running over a long period expands the toes giving them flatter and wider shape. Make sure that the end of the shoe is wide enough for your toes to stretch sideways comfortably with extra room forward, about the size of a thumb, to avoid stubbing your toes inside the shoes. The heels and the middle section of the foot should have a snug fit to maintain a consistent impact on the soles and prevent sliding, reducing the risk of injuries. It is also better to have a good idea of the socks you will be wearing and what lacing can be implemented to improve the overall fit.
Gait
For those who don’t know, Gait means the pattern of movement of our limbs during exercise. Gait or pronation refers to how our feet land on the ground during impact and push off while walking and running. It might seem like an exaggeration or a marketing gimmick at first but picking the right pair of running shoes that supports our Gait makes a difference in our performance, endurance and risk of injury for our legs. Most people spend their entire lives believing they are not runners simply because they never found a good pair of shoes to support their pronation. It would be best to have the experts at a shoe store analyse your Gait and pronation to know what shoes are available for you to pick from. You can also find out if you are a supinator, overpronator or neutral runner by spending a couple of minutes online. It’s an invaluable piece of information to have.
Design
A glance at the shoe aisle is enough to realise that different shoes come in different shapes and forms. Rest assured, it serves more purpose than just improving overall aesthetics. Top footwear manufacturers engineered running shoes from the ground up to give that extra bit of fit, comfort, and edge in performance for athletes and running enthusiasts. This includes almost every aspect of the shoe, from the choice of its upper material and heel cushioning, midsole, outsole and toe drop, including the flex and grooves along with its weight. Spending a few minutes understanding these offerings from different brands will help immensely make a conscious decision while picking your ideal running pair.
Terrain
Knowing the surface where you will be accumulating your mileage is as crucial as your choice of shoes. Different terrain brings different challenges for the performance and longevity of your cherished running pair. You will find an assortment of running shoes designed for diverse landscapes like the city asphalt, running track, off the road or trail running for simple overall training purposes. Having the right pair for the suitable surface will help avoid accidents and injuries while also allowing you to get the best out of your running shoes in terms of performance and comfort.
When choosing the right pair of performance shoes, it is always a good idea to try on the pair to see how they feel. A proper fit should feel snug in the heel and midfoot, with wiggle room around the toes. Check for correct length and width by pressing your thumb down next to the ball of your foot and around the toes. A good fit should allow for half to an entire thumb’s width of space. Don’t feel shy to hop around and take a few steps and strides during the try-on and ask the experts at your shoe store for advice.
Stringer Sports Store, Australia, is home to running shoes from the best footwear manufacturers in the world. Stringer Sports has unparalleled sports shoes and other sports apparel for men, women and children. Browse through their offerings to find the best pair of shoes that best fits your needs at the best prices anywhere, at Stringer Sports Store.
