A good pair of shoes for running can help improve your performance, make your run more comfortable, and protect you from injuries. This is why experts usually advise individuals to invest in a good pair of shoes for running. Getting a good pair of running shoes should not be a challenge if you have already done it before. This is because you will know exactly what to look for.
However, if you are a beginner, you may get challenged at first. Below is a guide for getting the best running shoes as a beginner;
Understand the basic terms
When purchasing a pair of running shoes, you will encounter some technical terms that are important. So, one of the first things you must do is to understand the meanings of these terms so you are not left stranded from the word go. Some key terms used when choosing shoes for running are:
- Cushioning – this is the layer of padding that sits between your foot and the ground. It is like a cloud on which your feet sit when you wear the shoes. Cushioning creates the difference between walking barefoot and wearing shoes by preventing your feet from feeling every crack and rock on the road as you walk or run. The cushioning of a running shoe can differ from thin to thick, depending on the shoe design and type.
- Heal-to-toe drop – this is the height difference of the shoe bed between the heel and the toe. It is sometimes referred to as the drop and it affects how highly your heel rests as compared to the front of your feet when you wear the shoes.
- Traction – this is the grip a shoe has on the surface that allows a runner to propel forward and maintain momentum. Traction allows runners to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground to prevent slipping and sliding when running or walking.
- Pronation – this is the natural movement of your feet when you are walking or running. A runner can have neutral, over, or under pronation, which affects the choice of shoes. overpronation occurs when your walk leads to flattened arches causing tension on your foot as you walk.
Once you have understood the basic terms, you can go on with the selection process by considering the elements below:
How well does the shoe fit?
One of the first things you must consider as a first time buyer of shoes for running is the fit. You need to get a pair that wraps snugly around your foot. Make sure to consider how the shoe fits your midfoot and heel. Also, make sure to remember that your feet tend to expand when you run or walk. Therefore, consider a pair that leaves room for expansion but is not too big that it is uncomfortable or leaves room for injuries. Besides the length of the shoes, when it comes to the fit of the shoes, you also have to consider the width. The sides of the shoe should wrap properly around your feet when you tie the laces. Additionally, you must make sure that the shoe’s toe box has enough space for wiggle and for your toes to spread out.
When purchasing shoes for running for the first time, you first have to set aside the shoe size that you are used to. In other words, assume that you do not know your shoe size and ask for help to get the perfect size for a good fit. You can also try out various sizes to see how they feel.
How much support and comfort does the shoe offer?
Two of the leading benefits of shoes for running are comfort and support. So, it makes sense that you have to ensure that the shoes offer ample comfort and support. Elements like the cushioning and fit of the shoes affect their comfort. The traction is also something you have to consider that affects the comfort of the shoes. When considering the support and comfort of your shoes for running, you have to start by looking into the purpose of the shoes, then the design.
What is the intended purpose of the shoes?
This is perhaps the most important element that will help you make the perfect choice when purchasing shoes for running for the first time. If you want to wear the shoes to the gym, then you will do well with stability shoes. On the other hand, if you want a pair for running outdoors or racing, you will do well with a pair of trail or racing shoes, respectively. You can always talk to an expert and explain your need so they can help you make an ideal choice.
Final words
If you are purchasing shoes for running for the first time, you may also have a hard time knowing where to get the shoes. You can always get a pair from Runners Need. Here, you will get shoes for different running needs.
