LOOKING TO BUY some running shoes this winter but have no clue about what you should look for?
Entering a dedicated running shop can be daunting as you’re confronted with all makes, all shapes, all sizes and all prices of running shoe. It was always far simpler before, wasn’t it?
But follow these simple few steps and we’ll help you pick up what you’re looking for.
First off, realise that all feet are different Some are wide and short, more narrow and long. There is an infinite amount of variations and accordingly, running shoes also differ greatly.
Be prepared to spend money: Like most things, you get what you pay for. Better runners will fit better, feel better, last longer, and keep you injury-free. Better runners also cost more. Shock, horror.
Become aware of what type of arches you have: The arches of your feet need to be looked at in detail, preferably by a qualified salesperson who knows what he’s doing and what he’s looking for. An unsupported arch could lag and even fall, and this can be painful and detrimental to performance. You will either have flat feet (low arches), normal feet or high arches.
Get your feet measured every time: Your feet change shape, not by much, but they do grow, so just because you were a 10 before doesn’t mean you are a 10 now. Don’t rush into a shop and pick up the first ones you see. Feet expand during exercise too so be aware of this. You need a little wiggle room to allow for this.
Have the salesperson do a running analysis for you: He’ll watch you run, either outside, on a mat or on treadmill, and determine your running style. He’ll observe whether you’re over-pronating (your foot rolls inward) or supinating (your foot rolls outward) when your foot strikes the ground. From this information he/she can prescribe the best shoes for you.
Bring your current running shoes to the shop: This will give the salesperson more information about how you run. So if you are wearing the shoes more on one side he/she can suggest a certain type of shoe, one that is perhaps more hard-wearing.
Forget appearance! We want you to stay injury-free and enjoy your running. We’re not so keen on how you look. You’ll look a lot better leading the pack in a local 10k wearing some shoes that fit you and you feel great in, rather than at the back of the bunch in some fancy cheap pair.
A lot of….how do I say this….rubbish ….in this article. Who are the score getting to write these…staff in running shops? For a reasoned look at selecting running footwear and why you don’t have a spend a fortune, read this instead …. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/11243944/Are-expensive-running-trainers-a-waste-of-money.html
Unless you’re planning on running about 70miles a week this is all rubbish. If you’re just starting out put on any pair of runners you have and drive on. If you get a few sores or blisters (which most do anyway at the start anyway) buy a jar of Vaseline
Let the truth be known that although it’s probably not possible to do in this country it’s better to run barefoot .This is why you’ll find that most running shoes are getting lighter and thinner and closer to wearing nothing because the sports companies know this for a fact but continue to rip people off because of a brand name !
Absolutely. We are expected to shell out hundreds for the latest nike gimmick. Have you read ‘Born to Run’ by Christopher Mcdougall? Some great tales on this theme. This article is nothing more than an advertisement for the established running brands.
And finish it off with some Cobraw