When it comes to running, the first thing you need to do is choose the right pair of running shoes. People are generally under the impression that the costliest shoes of the top brands are the best. This is a huge misconception. You should choose the pair which gives you the perfect fit after examining your feet, your stride and your running style. A wrong pair of running shoes will make you feel highly uncomfortable and you could end up with painful ankles, heels or shin pain.

Here is a detailed guide that will help you choose your running shoes.


There are two basic criteria for choosing the right shoes in order to reach your goal: the frequency (the number and the length) and your pace.

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1. The Frequency Of Your Running Sessions

The number of sessions is a good indicator to determine your running profile: intensive regular runner or rider? Your pace will then guide you to find shoes to fill.

INTENSIVE OR REGULAR RUNNER?


If you are used to running more than three times a week whether it is for training or preparing for a race, it is preferable to choose footwear with good cushioning that will ensure maximum comfort. Your pace will then determine the most suitable footwear for your needs.


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2. The Intensity Of Your Running Sessions

For long runs or competitions from 10 to 12km/h

You are planning to complete more than three long outings per week at a speed of less than 12km/h? Preferably choose footwear with good cushioning that will reduce the shock waves and ensure maximum comfort. The stability of the footwear will also be important for supporting your feet throughout your long outings.

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For slightly faster running and competitions (faster than 12 km/h)

We suggest slightly more lightweight shoes. These have a more dynamic structure, providing better boost.

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For achieving personal best times with speeds >14km/h

If you enjoy running fast and achieving personal best times, you will regularly be running faster than 14km/h during your running or training sessions. An ultra-light ,fast and dynamic shoe will come in very useful for beating your personal best time. It is a perfect complement to the other models depending on the type of outing and session. I recommend this type of model for lighter runners. This will be a good complement to the other two models, depending on your type of running and training session.


3. Know Yourself
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Before you buy your pair of running shoes, you should know a few things about yourself such as your body weight, how often do you run / plan to run, etc. The most important thing is knowing your stride which plays a major role in comfortable and safe running.

Know your body weight: For a runner, your body weight matters a lot because every step that you take while running puts two to three times of your body weight onto your feet, joints and muscles. If your shoes don’t have proper cushioning, the shock waves would get transmitted directly to your feet and joints resulting in heel and joint pains.

Know your running frequency: If you are running 4 to 5 days a week, then you should go for shoes having advanced cushioning and support. If you run once a week for a distance of around 5 kms, then you can go with the basic shoes with basic cushioning.

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4. Know Your Stride

Human feet are categorized into three different types (Neutral, Over-pronation and Under-pronation). Each of these types of feet have a different running style and requires a different set of shoes. The details are explained below:‍

  • Neutral:

‍In this type of stride the heel strikes the ground first followed by the forefoot and toes. Due to this, the entire weight of the body is distributed evenly on the feet. The shoes that are recommended for such runners should be a neutral shoes having better heel cushioning and medial support.

  • Over-Pronated:‍

In this type of stride the inner heel strikes the ground first followed by the big toe. The foot rolls inward while running due to which it is difficult in stabilizing the body. The shoes that are recommended for such type of runners should have stability or motion control.

  • Under-pronated:

Under-pronation is the exact opposite of over-pronation. In this case, the outer heel strikes the ground first followed by little toe and the foot rolls outward. The shoes that are recommended for such type of runners should have cushioning and quick heel to toe traction (flexibility).
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5. Know Your Running Surface

Running surfaces are broadly divided into three different categorizes. The shoes for each of these surfaces are designed differently as per the usage. Hence, it is extremely important to know on which surface you are going to use it. The details of each of these categories are explained below:

  • Road running or plain surface running

These shoes are designed for running on plain surfaces with slight irregularities. These are very light shoes having good cushioning, flexibility and stability as per the stride requirement.

  • Trail running or rough surface running

These shoes are designed for rough surfaces having lots of ups and downs and rocks such as hills and natural terrain. It has good support, stability and a rugged sole to protect your feet from sharp rocks. It also has good traction for better grip.

  • Treadmill running or indoor running‍

These shoes are designed for running on treadmill and indoor activity. These are very light, flexible and has soft soles with good ventilation.


‍EXPERT TIPS

  • Purchase timing: It is always suggested to buy running shoes at the end of the day because continuous movement of your legs throughout the day makes your feet swell. Your shoes should fit you when they are at their maximum size. While running too, your feet would swell and it should not feel uncomfortable at that time.
  • Toe rules: You should always go for shoes having a gap of at-least ½ to 1 inch between your big toe and the front end of the shoes. While running, your feet slides insides the shoe so you should have enough space for it in order to avoid black nail which could be really painful.


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