Those who buy shoes for running, exercising, or other physical activities tend to focus a lot on shoes after purchasing them. We talk about comfort and fit, and we’re quick to blame these factors for any minor discomfort in our feet, legs, hips, and especially lower backs. We also look for ways to make our shoes last longer, as discussed in our ‘Tips for Longer Lasting Shoes.’
Another thing we need to look at, however, is choosing the right shoes before buying them. We know it sounds obvious, but even the most seasoned athletes sometimes rush the process. In this post, we’ll give you four suggestions for ensuring you get the best shoes –– and avoid having to return them later!
Assess fit
Unfortunately, walking around the store for five seconds isn’t enough to determine if a shoe will fit well and serve you during a 42km marathon. According to this list from Verywell Health, it’s best to have your feet measured at least twice a year and ensure the person measuring includes the length, width, and arch length (as opposed to just a single size). It’s also a good idea to have your feet measured later in the day when you’ve been upright the longest. Don’t forget to wear the right socks that you normally wear while running, too, so that you can assess fit as it will be when you’re out walking or running.
Visit an actual running shoe store
If you go to a common athletic shoe or apparel store, you’ll often get an employee who doesn’t necessarily know their stuff. This is nothing against those employees –– they just don’t tend to be specialists. However, if you go to a specialist runners’ store, the staff tends to be more knowledgeable. You can still buy shoes wherever you like, but speaking to a professional first will help you figure out what shoes are best for you. In some cases, you can even get a free gait analysis, which, as Forbes explains, is beneficial to runners. It helps to reveal how you move so that you can make adjustments to optimize your exercise – including by choosing shoes that fit your style.
Hit the podcasts
Today there are podcasts that educate us on pretty much everything — and rest assured, this includes shoes. Naturally, there are many options, and it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Podcasts like Inside Running are great for general running tips, while SoleSavy’s podcast is for pure sneaker talk. Listening to a combination of these podcasts will keep you informed about new running shoes, what different running shoes are good for, and even how to keep yourself in the best running shape.
Visit YouTube
Like podcasts, YouTube is packed with running shoe reviews, new sneaker unboxings, and videos regarding running form. It’s an excellent resource for those who prefer seeing what’s happening rather than simply listening to a podcast. Some videos can show you shoes in action, which might be helpful if you plan on buying a pair online without trying them on first. Additionally, you can find good tips from private personal training Calgary on how to avoid and treat common shoe-induced injuries such as blisters, corns, and strains due to a lack of support. There’s something for everyone, so don’t be afraid to try out a bunch of different channels to see which ones are most relevant for you.
Choosing the best running sneakers is no easy feat, but with the help of free resources around you, you’re sure to get the shoes that fit your needs. Feel free to ask questions to the professional runners’ shoe store staff if you have any doubts, and try on as many shoes as possible. A post on Fitday explains that you must choose the right shoes to avoid injury and ensure that your running performance is at its peak.