Picking the Right Running Shoe

There is no doubt about it, with the amazing variety and the availability of current running shoes at the moment choosing the right running shoe (and if you don’t know what you doing) can be a daunting task.

If all you are wishing to do is buy something trendy and that looks good then the problem isn’t so great. However if you need the correct pair of shoes for serious sport then you have to view the whole process differently.

If you are buying shoes for serious purposes then there are certain basic criteria with which it will help if you knew about.

Firstly you have to understand that if you are road running then depending on how your foot strikes the ground this affects your susceptibility to injury. This also determines the shoe type that you should choose. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all. All sorts of different shoes are designed for specific foot strikes.

Having established therefeor that your foot strike is a central part of the right technique and to match it is essential that you get the right shoe. How do you match your foot strike to the right shoe?

Another important aspect of running shoes is understanding exactly what is shoe cushioning.

Lastly you have to decide do you need a performance shoe, racing shoes or a trail shoe and how you correctly match your body frame size in relation to shoe selection.

It’s a bit more complicated than just getting big shoes for big feet.

Choosing properly running shoe shoes as they say, starts with a discussion of how your feet move when they are in contact with the ground or what is called the foot strike.

If you choose shoes that encourage your feet to maintain a neutral position from impact through to push off you are likely to increase the risk of running related injuries. It makes sense really to try and allow some sort of footwear that is going to hopefully mimic the natural movement offyour feet in relation to the ground.

Conversely if you happen to have shoes that allow your feet to roll excessively inwardly or outwardly then you are likely to increase the likelihood of injury. This last point is essential in fact it is very easy to keep shoes for longer than you actually should do, because you are fond of them. This is not meant in the sense of falling in love with them for the fact that shoes are old and comfortable and on the surface feel good.

If the side supports of the shoe are too loose and the heel too worn then the end product is that your foot is going to move within the shoe and you are going to injure yourself sooner rather than later.

As has been mentioned before, the goal and the target when you’re choosing the correct running shoe for you is to find the right shoe that encourages your feet to maintain a neutral position throughout the entire cycle from touchdown to push off.

Scott James
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/picking-the-right-running-shoe-140268.html

4 Responses to “Picking the Right Running Shoe”

  1. JohnDoe says:

    How do I pick the right size running shoe? How is a properly fitting shoe supposed to fit?
    I am looking forward to buying my first pair of Nike Shox. But I seem to have a hard time trying to figure out how these shoes are supposed to fit and feel. How much room am I supposed to have at the end for movement? How should my feet fit in them? I am terrified to buy a pair just to go running and find them to be uncomfortable. Experts please help. My work boot is a size 10 and that feels comfortable.

  2. Wild Mangie says:

    just becuz the pros have them doesnt mean they will work for you, I went to a less popular shoe store where they found the demensions of your foot and how you run and those shoes where the best i had ever gotten so i suggest you go to one of those type shoe stores
    References :

  3. jp says:

    Hi there– you need to know a few things about your form before you buy. First, consider your arch — do you have a high arch or low arch — some shoes are designed with arch size in mind. Typically people with lower arches tend to pronators. Pronation has to do with your footstrike. Look at the wear on your current shoes and take your current shoes into the running shop. If you’re a pronator, you need a stability shoe. If you’re strike is normal (or if you supponate), you don’t want a stability shoe.

    Another thing to consider is how puch padding (shock absorbtion) you need. If your knees are fine, you don’t need a heavy shoe with lots of shock absorption. A lighter shoe may be more helpful when running long distances. If you need significantly more cushion, you may want a slightly heavier shoe.

    Hope this helps. Glad you’re running!
    References :

  4. JennyJo says:

    The guy before me is right about making sure you get a shoe that suits your gate. But when it comes to shock absorption, running shoes now-a-days are all comparable. I really don’t recommend the shox. If you have a "perfect" foot strike, meaning you are neutral, then you can maybe pull it of. I’d suggest going to a running store.

    But sense your question isn’t about what shoes to get but what size… a good rule of thumb is to get a half size bigger in your running shoes. Never wear the same size as your casual shoe. A lot of times when I fit people, I even go a full size up (thats usually when women wear their shoes too small). But for you I’d say 10.5. If you can, try them on and jog in them in the store.
    References :

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