5 TIPS TO BUY THE RIGHT RUNNING SHOES

You’re at a shoe store, and you see the most beautiful pair of running shoes in your life. You immediately buy it without giving it another thought. And what do you end up with? Sore feet, blisters, ingrown toenails, discomfort, etc.

When you’re out buying new running shoes, make sure to buy a pair that comforts your feet and is made for a particular activity, like running. We give you 5 ways to buy the right running shoes so you can make a wise decision when you’re trying them on at the store.

1. TAKE TIME TO SHOP

When shopping for running shoes, take as much time as you need to get a pair. Try on as many shoes as you need to find the ideal one for your foot shape. Don’t rush into buying the first pair you had your eyes on because you need to have them in your closet. Try on multiple shoe sizes that don’t squeeze your toes. Take a walk around the store and see how your feet feel when you’re moving.

Make sure that the shoes you’re trying on fit for what you want to do in them. If you’re buying walking shoes and you want to run in them, get ready to welcome your feet with inducing pain. Instead of a regular shoe store, go to a running specialty store where experts can analyze your feet and get the proper running or walking shoes you need.

You can also analyze your feet by yourself! Take the wet test and measure your feet at the comfort of your own home to find out your foot shape and shoe size.

Before shopping for new running shoes, get familiarized with your foot shape, the shoes needed for it, and your shoe size.

Don’t be surprised when your new running shoes start to ache you at first. Your feet are slowly breaking into them, and feeling some pain is normal. If your feet don’t stop hurting till then, consider changing the shoes or visiting a podiatrist.

2. STUDY THE RUNNING SHOES’ ANATOMY

Study the running shoes’ anatomy to see if they fit your foot shape. 

When you pick up the first shoes you see, take the time to study their components to see if they’re a good fit for your feet. Look at the shoes’ midsoles (the middle cushioning layer for shock absorption), the outsoles (your shoes’ bottoms for grip), and the inners for heel support. If neither of the components works for your foot shape, don’t buy the pair at all.

There’s another way to figure out whether or not the footwear is beneficial—the twist test. This test is made to ensure that the shoes you want to buy have the needed support for your feet. The test is self-explanatory: twist your shoes. If your shoes remain stiff, then you’re given the green light to buy them. If they twist, what you have in your hand is a pair that won’t do your feet any favors. Here’s how to do the twist test below:

Test running shoes with the twist test to see if they’re good enough to be worn.

3. IGNORE EMINENT BRANDS

We get how eminent brands like Nike and Adidas must complete your closet because they hold a big name and design beautiful shoes. Like we’ve mentioned in numerous blog posts, DON’T PRIORITIZE FASHION OVER COMFORT. These brands don’t take the time to think about you and the features needed for your feet—they only care about getting their shoes out there and distract you with their designs.

If you want running shoes that can actually aid you in running, prioritize fit over fashion. Make sure that these shoes work with your feet and give you the necessary protection and comfort when you’re in motion.

4. THINK ABOUT YOUR RUNNING STYLE AND WEIGHT

Consider buying the proper jogging shoes based on your running style and weight.

Another tip to consider when buying new running shoes is your running style and weight.

Every runner has a running style of his/her own. In other words, every person runs at a certain speed and distance. If you’re a light runner, get shoes that last up to 805 kilometers (equal to 500 miles). If you’re a heavy runner, your jogging shoes must last up to 482 kilometers (equal to 300 miles).

Running shoes’ shape changes based on your weight too. If you’re heavier than the ideal weight, your shoes can break apart. To support your weight, you must get shoes that include extra support. If you’re doubtful about your weight’s effect on your footwear, ask a clerk or shoe technician to see if the shoes you choose work for your build.

5. THINK ABOUT THE WEATHER AND THE PATH

The weather and the trail you run on are vital to consider when buying running shoes.

Like buying specific shoes for a specific activity, buy a pair that’s designed to handle all kinds of weather conditions and paths. For example, wearing a pair of running shoes in winter without waterproofing will get your shoes and feet very wet. Not only will you get sick, but you’ll slip and your shoes will get damaged and cracked. Check out more running gears that you should wear for specific weather conditions right here.

So, how should you buy the right running shoes? 1. Take your time when you’re shopping, 2. Study the running shoes’ anatomy, 3. Don’t buy a pair of Nike shoes just because it’s name is out there, 4. Buy your shoes based on your running style and weight, and 5. Buy the shoes based on weather and path.

For more shoe care tips, click here. If you want more running tips, we have a full 101 waiting for you.