So you’ve decided to get into running. You’ve got comfortable shorts, a shirt that wicks away sweat, your music, and your shoes. Hold on just a second! Did you pull a smelly old pair of sneakers out of your closet or drop by the store and pick out a generic athletic shoe? Choosing the correct pair of running shoes is important if you’re going to do it without pain or discomfort. Here’s what you need to know to get off on the right foot.
Not all running shoes are created equal.
As you peruse the aisles at your local footwear store, you’ll likely notice that running shoes are divided into three different categories. Road-running shoes are made to cushion your feet while running on hard surfaces. Trail-running shoes will give you the support and stability you need for dealing with moving over rocky or root-filled trails. Meanwhile, cross-training shoes are excellent for moving around in the gym. Think about the kind of running you’ll be doing and choose accordingly.
Finding the right fit is important.
When you try on a running shoe, it should fit snug around the heel and insole, but it shouldn’t be tight or overly loose. You should be able to slip the shoe off if you have it laced up – but not if it’s tied. If you can pinch about 1/4 inch of material around the edge of the shoe’s upper and have a thumb’s width of space between your big toe and the end of the shoe, you have the perfect amount of room in the width and length.
It’s ok to look dumb while choosing the right shoe.
You won’t simply be standing in these shoes after you buy them, so why would you do that to try them on? Go for a quick jog around the inside of the store to see how they feel. This is the best way to know if they offer essential arch support or pinch in unexpected areas. People might look at you like you’re crazy, but it’ll be well worth it when you’re sprinting around the city in shoes that feel absolutely amazing.
