Choosing the best running shoe for yourself is not an easy task and it is an overwhelming task for sure. If you are looking for the perfect shoe for running then let me tell you that there is no shoe in the world that can be perfect for you. You will find some flaws in it for sure.
However, you can get the best shoe for you. When we buy shoe from the store, every shoe looks comfortable to use. We cannot decide which one we should take. Same goes to when we try to purchase online. Every shoe looks good.
But the actual problem starts when we take the shoe in the field. When we prepare ourselves for running and start running, problems start to come out. That is why we need to choose the shoe very carefully. But the problem is that you don’t know how to pick running shoes for you.
Well, that is very common, especially if you are doing it for the first time or if you do not have enough experience at all. But let me tell you one thing that choosing the best one for you is not rocket science. Even you can choose it perfectly if you read this article carefully and follow the steps I am going to tell you. So without further time-waste, let’s get started. Here we go.
You can check our article about Benefits of Running Shoes.
Check Out the Shoe Type
The first thing you have to think about is the shoe types. Maybe you are thinking that every type of running shoe is the same. But the thing is there are several types of running shoes out there and every type has a different use. That means even if you are looking for only running shoe, you have to choose from a different type. Also, in normal walking, sports, or moving, you might need to move side to side, you might need to jump, or create a good pressure on the shoe. But in running, you go straight forward and that is why the shoe is designed to go straight.
Cushioned Running Shoe
For the underpronate runners, it is important that his or her shoe is well-cushioned. Now the question is why you need a well-cushioned shoe if you are a underpronate. Well, the thing is if you are underpronate, either your feet roll outward too much or do not roll inward. In that case, the cushioned shoe ensures that you get a good shock absorption so that your feet remain good and calm.
Motion Control Running Shoe
Another type of shoe is motion control shoe. Actually, this is the type that is perfect for the people who have overpronation. This type of shoe is designed to control or reduce excessive rolling action and thus provides the best shock absorption facility to the overpronate feet. Basically, this is the most rigid type of shoe.
Lightweight Shoe
As the name implies, this is the type of shoe that is most lightweight. The shoe is so lightweight that sometimes, you will feel that you are wearing nothing. The shoe comes with more flexibility as well as cushioning. The shoe is designed to offer the best comfort anyone can have while running. It reduces the pain after the run. So if you have any problem with your feet where you have pain after the running, you can try this type of shoes.
Stability Type
This is the middle position between motion control and cushioned shoe. It offers stability, cushioning and most importantly medical support. This type of shoes is designed to reduce the excess motion of your ankle as well as your feet without restricting the movement much.
Trail Running Shoe
This type of running shoe is completely different. This types of shoes are designed to give you the best support while running on any kind of rough track including hard pack, fell, soft pack, or a combination. Generally, this type of shoe is more durable as well as harder than others to protect your feet. This type of shoe offers the maximum traction you can have so that you can easily run on the rough and tough terrain.
These are some basic types of running shoe. Now based on your need, you should choose one from these types.
Fitting is Most Important
The next thing you need to check is the fitting. If the fitting is not good, you should not pick that pair of shoe. The reason is that if the shoe does not fit well to your feet, you will not get enough comfort as well as control over your feet.
If the shoe is wider than your feet, you will feel lost all the time and cannot control the feet at all. The same thing will happen if you choose a bigger size for you. On the other hand, if you choose a tight or smaller sized shoe for you then you will end up with blisters.
That is why it is really important to pick the right shoe that can fit best to your feet and you have the best control over your feet and at the same time you have no blister.
Check the Materials
Materials are the most important thing while picking the running shoe. Actually, it is the most important thing to look for any kind of shoe. The reason is that these materials control everything. The comfort of the shoe, the durability, softness, stability, and all the other things completely depend on the materials. If the materials are good, you will have a good comfort, good stability, and long-lasting durability. On the other hand, if the materials are not good, you will have nothing.
There are several types of materials in the shoe. The first type is the body. When it comes to the materials of the body, there are several types of materials as well. You might get the shoe that is made of leather, textile or synthetic. Since most of the running shoes have to be lightweight, they are generally made of synthetic leather.
Synthetic leather is good. It is lightweight, durable and it offers easy cleaning. Also, it is waterproof as well.
Also, the sole is important.You need to check the materials of the sole as well. The sole determine the durability, traction, and comfort of your feet. Your feet will land on the sole. So make sure the sole is soft enough to get maximum comfort.The rubber sole is the best in that case. It is durable and offers great traction.
The insole is also important. You need to check the materials of the insole as well. Generally, all the insoles are made of EVA.
The Features of the Running Shoes
When picking the running shoe, you should check the features. Different shoes have different features and you should look for the features that you need. Here are some features of the running shoe.
Lace-up Facility
The lace-up facility ensures you that you get a good fitting. Also, it helps you to adjust the fitting. We have already discussed how important it is to be fit to your feet. So make sure your shoe has the lace-up facility.
Breathability
While running, your feet become hot and sometimes sweaty. In that case, you cannot feel good for sure. That is why your shoe has to be breathable. Breathability means that your shoe let the air go out and let the fresh air come in. If your shoe is breathable, it will keep your feet dry, cool and fresh all the time.
Waterproof
You might need to run on any condition. It might be a little bit of wet road or it might be in the rain. In that case, your shoe will get wet for sure. Also, sometimes, your shoe gets wet. In these cases, your shoe has to be waterproof. Otherwise, your feet will get wet and you will not feel good at all. You need to remain dry and warm all the time to keep your feet good.
Traction
Traction is another important feature to look for. Since you are buying a running shoe, you will need traction on the field for sure. Without good traction, you cannot get good control over your feet and at the same time, you cannot move as expected. Also, there is a chance that you will slip on the wet road. That is why it is really important to look for the shoe that offers good traction.
Cushion Collar and Tongue
Cushion and collar tongue make sure that you get good comfort all the time. Also, the collar helps you wear the shoe easily. If you choose a shoe that does not offer cushion collar, chances are really high that you will not get the expected comfort from your shoe. So pick wisely.
Shock Absorption
While running, you put pressure on the shoe. Now if the shoe cannot take the pressure, it will either break down or it will create pain in your feet . That is why you need such a pair of shoes that can handle this pressure. The shoes that have shock absorption feature can handle this pressure easily and at the same time keep your feet protected. That is why you should look for this feature when choosing the running shoes.
Inside Space
You should have a shoe that has enough space inside. I am not talking about the loose-fitting. I am talking about the inside movement of your feet. If the shoe does not have enough space, you cannot move your feet inside and it will make your feet painful. So check this out before choosing the running shoe for you.
Sole
The sole determine the quality, comfort, and durability of your shoes. There are basically two types of the sole in the shoe. One is midsole or inner sole and the other is outsole. The insole determines the comfort you are going to get from the shoe since your feet will be on the midsole. Make sure you have chosen a shoe that offers cushioned midsole.
Along with that, the outsole determines the durability as well as traction of the shoe. You should go for a rubber outsole. It offers great traction and at the same time, it offers good durability.
Cushioning
Cushioning is the thing that determines how comfortable you will feel when wearing the shoe. You should have the cushion in the upper, in the midsole, it the footbed, and in the collar as well as tongue. If you have a good cushioning, you will feel comfortable all day. Also, it will protect your feet as well.
Comfort
This is the most important part. You should have a pair of shoes that is comfortable. If you get a comfortable shoe, you can wear this all day long. On the other hand, if your shoe is not comfortable, it is impossible to wear it and enjoy while your running. So be careful about this.
You will Get What You Pay for
The last thing to consider is price. Remember, you will get what you pay for. In the running shoe category, finding a good pair of shoes at a cheaper price is almost impossible. That is why you should have a good budget when searching for the best running shoe. Otherwise, you might not get what you want.
Conclusion
A pair of running shoes can make a difference in your running experience. You might not like running, but if you have a good pair of shoes, you will start enjoying running for sure. That is why you have to choose running shoes very carefully. As I said, there is a difference between normal shoes and running shoes.
I have tried my best to make you understand what to look for while choosing the best running shoe for you. I hope even if you are a newbie in this field, you can choose the best one for you. Best of luck.
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