Are you wearing the right running shoes?

Nothing beats the feeling of wearing a perfectly fit running shoe.

When it’s time to buy a new pair of running shoes, brand, style and colour all matter. But what’s even more important is the actual fit of the shoe. Forget about price. If you focus on bagging a bargain runner on the discount table, then it will most likely lead to an injury. You need to buy the right shoe for your individual foot, regardless if it’s the most expensive or the cheapest as long as support is there.

I don’t blame you if you feel somewhat confused when entering sports stores looking for your ideal shoe. There are so many special high-tech features each running shoe claims to have that you’re left questioning if the feature has any benefit in your life. But if you stick to a few of the following tips, locating your perfect runner will be a much easier task.

Firstly, it’s vital to determine the shape of your foot. Are you neutral, do you overpronate or underpronate? The simplest way to find out your foot type and arch shape is by doing a wet test. This involves wetting the bottom of each foot and standing on a paper bag or flat dry surface for one minute. By doing so, your wet footprint will indicate what you need to look for in a shoe in terms of cushioning, motion-control and stability.

If the outline of your entire foot is visible, including your arch, then you overprononate; more commonly known as being flatfooted. If some of your arch is showing, you have a neutral arch. Those with only a tiny sliver of you foot showing where the arch is means you underpronate.

Overpronaters should opt for motion-control or stability running shoes for extra stability. These types of shoes will prevent you from rolling in too much. Underpronaters who typically have a high arch do not pronate enough and therefore need to choose cushioned running shoes. Neutral arched feet can choose either stability or cushioned running shoes; it all depends on the fit of your individual shoe.

As mentioned previously, the perfect fit is everything to a shoe. Without the right fit, you could suffer a blown-own knee or serious shin, hip or foot problem and it just isn’t worth the risk. That’s why you need to take the time out to find the right fit for you. If a shoe is uncomfortable, you likely will not wear it again anyway and will waste your money.

In a nutshell, a great fitting running shoe will feel snug, but not tight. No rubbing should occur, nor should you feel any irritation when worn. Ensure there is enough space between your toe and front of the shoe and do not be afraid to walk around the store and put the pair to the test in terms of comfort.