Buying the right running shoes is an essential part of your preparation as a runner and choosing running shoes is not about looking good or some magical properties of these shoes that make you run faster it’s about providing protection for your feet, ankles and joints.
Professional runners know the importance of selecting the right running shoes to absorb the impact on the body caused by running, particularly the effects and damage that can be done to long distance runners on the heel and arches of the feet, the ankle, knee and hip joints and the tendons and ligaments of the of the feet and legs. Many of us will have suffered the classic hamstring pull but did you know this could be as much to do with your footwear as warm-up and stretching?
Choosing running shoes can be difficult on your own and if possible why not go to a professional store for advice, there are many stores that now offer an analysis of your running technique to provide the best footwear for you.
Choosing running shoes
Finding the right running shoes is all about the shape of your foot and your weight distribution as you run.
High-arched feet can result in you supinate or underpronate which results in the foot rolling outwards as you run which means it’s best to find a shoe with a ‘flexible’ or cushioned midsole for extra support.
Flat feet require‘stability’ or ‘motion control’ shoes which help control the direction and movement of the feet as you run, often this condition can lead to injury when running with the incorrect shoes.
Normal or ‘neutral’ feet are the lucky ones and don’t require anything other than a good quality supportive running shoe.