Running is an activity that requires special gear and clothing. It would help if you had a running outfit to make the experience more enjoyable and comfortable. It would be great if you also had the right pair of running shoes. The shoes will protect you from injuries and support the type of running you do. There are different types of running shoes on the market that you must understand as you shop for the best one.
Types of running shoes
Below are some of the most popular types of running shoes:
- Motion control running shoes- These are intended for people whose feet roll excessively inwards when running and heavy runners with flat feet and low arches.
- Stability running shoes- These are ideal for typical runners with a regular running gait and standard shaped feet.
- Cushioned running shoes- Also known as neutral running shoes, these are ideal for people with high arches and those whose feet do not run inwards enough when running. They are often lighter.
Note that there are also shoes that are categorized based on the type of running. Here are the available categories:
- Trail running shoes
- Racing shoes
- Long-distance running shoes
- Road running shoes
How to choose the best type of running shoes
Now that you know the different types of running shoes available on the market, the next step is to choose the best one. The following are some tips that will guide you towards making the right choice:
Consider your running location and terrain
One of the first things you have to look into is where you will be running. You may want to ask yourself questions like, do you mostly run on the road, gravel paths, or trails? Your answer will determine the ideal type of running shoes you should acquire.
Consider the type of running you will be doing
Other than the location where you plan to run, another element to consider is the type of running you will be doing. There are three types in this case; casual, long-distance, and racing. A standard extra cushioned pair of running shoes will do the trick for casual running. On the other hand, for long-distance running, you will need a pair of shoes that can withstand wear and tear and one that is adequately padded to prevent injuries. Finally, you will need a lightweight but durable pair of running shoes for racing.
Determine how much underfoot cushioning you require
The role of underfoot cushioning for running shoes is to protect your feet and give you comfort as you run. The cushioning is the material placed beneath the midsole. However, not all shoes feature the same amount of underfoot cushioning. Shoes with a lot of cushioning will make you feel like you are running on the cloud. On the other hand, when the cushioning is reduced, you will feel the ground more.
Ensure that the shoes fit properly
Something else you must consider is the fit of the shoes. Your running shoes need to be a little bigger than your everyday shoes. If the shoe is too tight, it could cause injuries when running. On the other hand, if it is too loose, it could come off and hurt you in the process. When determining the right size for your running shoes, you must consider two factors. The first one is the length. Your running shoes should fit your foot length perfectly and have at least a thumb’s worth of space in the front for your feet to move freely when running.
The second factor is the width. The shoe must also have enough width space to accommodate your foot, even if it swells from too much running. It should not feel like it is too tight or pinching your foot. It is worth noting that the shoe sizes may vary between brands. Therefore, you don’t need to get caught up with a specific size. Instead, try on the shoes and ensure that they fit correctly.
Determine the kind of support you require
The form and amount of support you require are also worth looking into. For most people, running shoes with neutral support do the trick. However, some people may need more support for side-to-side movement or keep their feet from rolling too far to the inside or outside.
Conclusion
The information above will help you pick the best running shoes for men and women. However, you must also understand that the brand of shoes you pick will also influence many elements like the shoes’ life span, their size, and their design. Therefore, you may also want to look into the quality of the brand from which you wish to get your running shoes.