If you are planning on taking up running whether for leisure or sport, having the right pair of supportive shoes is essential. Running in incorrect or unsupportive shoes can cause pain and damage to your feet and legs, and chances are that you won’t be able to carry on running for as long or as fast as you’d like to in the wrong shoes due to discomfort. Better to invest in a well-fitted pair of shoes that are specifically designed for running and avoid any damage or pain down the line. We’ve put together a simple guide on how to pick the right pair of running shoes for you.
Foot Shape
When you’re looking for that perfect pair of shoes, considering the shape of your feet is essential. Professionals know that looking at a runner’s foot is the best indication for the type of shoes which they should be wearing, which is why it’s always a good idea to get professionally fitted when choosing your first pair of running shoes. There are three main foot types: flat, high arched and neutral. As a result of this variety of foot shapes, companies such as Asics runners online Australia have developed different types of running shoes models to ensure that every type of runner is accommodated for.
Lightweight
With a large increase of attention on minimalist and even barefoot inspired running footwear, many runner are even wondering if they should ditch the kicks altogether. In fact, lighter shoes are best for running, as they don’t add weight to your feet and can help you to run in comfort for longer. However, if you’re thinking of transitioning to lighter shoes, it’s important that you make a gradual transition and not go directly from a stability shoe to a minimal shoe as the dramatic change so suddenly could cause injury. Give your bones, tendons and muscles the time to develop the strength that they need in order to adjust to the new type of shoe.
Analysing Gait
If you go to a professional specialised running shoe store to be fitted for new shoes, the sales staff may watch you running on a treadmill in order to visually analyse your foot strike. This is an essential part of finding the right pair of running shoes, and enables you to achieve the goal of finding a shoe which can correct any over pronation as well as assist with shock absorption. If you have a neutral foot strike, the right pair of running shoes can help to complement this.
Seek Advice
If you are looking for running shoes in order to begin training and running professionally, the best thing to do before you buy is to seek advice from a trained professional such as a sports medicine doctor, personal trainer or podiatrist. They will be able to perform gait analysis which addresses any injury or form related issues to ensure that the shoes which you choose are the best for supporting your feet and keeping you safe whilst you run.
Choosing the right pair of running shoes is essential if you want to make sure that you can get the most out of your workout. Avoid injury or harm to your bones, muscles and tendons by investing in a good pair of running shoes on professional advice.