Did you know wearing the wrong sneaker can cause a runner’s knee or tendinitis? You can prevent these harmful injuries by choosing the right sneaker. If you need to buy running shoes, keep reading.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best running shoes. Will you run on trails or sprint run? You’ll also find out how to determine your foot arch type.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
Table of Contents
Don’t Buy the Wrong Style or Size
Sometimes, shoppers will make the mistake of letting someone else decide what athletic shoes work best for them. Don’t let the salesperson determine what fits best if you don’t think the sneaker fits right.
Walk around the store. See how the sneakers feel. Do you find they are too tight or uncomfortable around your heel? If you’re still confused about choosing the right pair of sneakers or running shoes, check out the official website of “Loom Footwear”, where you can view a completely new range of best shoes for flat feet, with perfect cushioning, design and built quality. This sports sneaker manufacturer uses high-quality slip resistant rubber soles, Merino wool, H2-Go layer comprising waterproofing material that makes any shoe the perfect footwear for high-endurance sports activity like running or sprinting.
Some shoppers will buy a sneaker that is too tight, but it still might not stretch out. Most of the time, the sneaker won’t stretch. You should find a shoe that fits well and isn’t too tight or loose.
When Will You Use These Sneakers?
Since you want running sneakers, you should reserve your new purchase for running. Try to avoid wearing these sneakers around town or when on the weekend.
For running, you’ll need a supportive and high-quality sneaker. Some people look for multi-functional sneakers to use for playing tennis, running, and walking.
But if you run a lot, you should buy sneakers primarily for running. If you want some sneakers to wear every day, pick up another pair. Click for more sneaker options.
Do You Have Any Injuries?
Before shopping for your sneakers, and whether you’ll need running shoe insoles as well, you should consider your current condition.
Do you experience heel or arch pain? Have you suffered from blisters, hammertoes, or bunions? Any past injury history like knee or hip issues should also get considered.
Identify Your Arch
Before shopping for sneakers, you’ll need to determine your arch size.
How do you do this? You will wet the bottom of your feet, then step on a piece of paper or paper towel. This will reveal your foot’s imprint and arch.
Flat feet will have non-visible or low arches. They leave imprints that look like the entire sole of your foot. This kind of arch is likely to overpronate and is flexible.
Medium arches will show an imprint that reveals the forefoot and heel connected by a wide band. Runners will have a semi-flexible angle.
A high arch is when the heel and forefoot connect in a narrow band. High-arched feet tend to be rigid and don’t pronate enough to absorb impact.
Runners with high arches might prefer neutral running sneakers with a lot of cushioning.
How Should Running Sneakers Fit?
Before shopping for new running sneakers, you should know how the sneaker fits.
For long-distance running, you’ll need a little bit of space between your toe and the top of the sneaker. This little space will allow your feet to expand but not jam your toes.
If you don’t have room, you could hurt your feet. As you run, your feet will swell.
Yet, in some cases, you might want a snug-fitting sneaker. For trail running or speed training, get a snug sneaker. You want your foot to fit securely to focus on agility.
What About Neutral Sneakers?
Do you have medium arches? You might want to get neutral runners.
Neutral running sneakers will also help runners who have high arches and supination. Supination is also known as underpronation. Foot supination occurs when your foot rolls outward toward the exterior edge of your feet.
Neutral running sneakers will provide midsole cushioning and support to absorb shocks.
Stability Running Sneakers
Stability sneakers are for moderate or mild overpronation runners with flat or low arches. They have midsole cushioning and medial support.
The sneakers will distribute the impact of running to help alleviate overpronation. Overpronation is when the arch of the foot collapses inward or downward.
What About Motion Control Running Sneakers?
These sneakers are a top choice for runners who deal with severe or moderate overpronation.
Motion control sneakers have flatter outsoles and built-in support. This will help work against excessive pronation and ends up stabilizing the foot.
If you aren’t sure about the fit you need, consider talking to an expert. They will point out what kind of sneaker you need.
What About Gait?
Before shopping for running sneakers, you’ll also want to consider your gait. Your running gait refers to how your feet strike and leave the ground as you walk or run.
Gait will help determine what area of your feet touches the ground as you move. This will impact what running shoe you end up buying.
Notice the Ankle Collar
When shopping for new running shoes, you’ll want to inspect the ankle collar. It’s the cushioned wrap near the top of the sneaker where you’ll put your foot and hold your heel in place.
An ankle wrap should feel comfortable and secure. You shouldn’t be able to easily slip your foot out of the ankle wrap. But the ankle wrap shouldn’t squeeze your Achilles tendon. This could cause a major blister.
How to Choose the Best Running Shoes
Was this guide helpful on how to choose the best running shoes? You’ll need to find comfortable shoes for running that won’t hurt your knees. Choose sneakers that suit your arch style and particular running style.
Need more fitness and health topics like this guide? We have lots of helpful articles like this one on the blog.
