What to Look for When Buying New Running Shoes

What comes to your mind when you think of running? The right pair of shoes, no? Of course, the right pair of running shoes can be a deciding factor of whether you love running or absolutely hate it.

Also, the right pair of shoes not only make running more enjoyable but also prevents injuries and improves overall performance (but let’s be real, we all love a good pair of shoes for the looks as well). There are also recovery shoes that are trending these days.

Well, there’s a common misconception that the most expensive shoes from the top brands are the best. But the truth is, there are many other factors that play an important role in determining which running shoes are best for YOU. Let’s dive more into the details.

Things to Look for When Choosing Running Shoes

When you’re looking to purchase some new running shoes, what should you pay attention to when you try them on? Below is a list you’ll want to check off before pulling out your credit card.

1. SIZING OF THE SHOES

If your shoes are not of perfect size, the chances of getting injured are increased (also, you can end up with massive blisters). So, whenever you purchase a new pair of shoes, check the fitting properly and even have a store clerk double check to ensure they are the perfect fit.

2. LEVEL OF CUSHIONING

If the cushioning is minimal, you may feel the ground while running. If you’re into barefoot running, that may be a good thing. But if there is a lot of cushioning, you may feel higher off the ground, the shoes may feel heavy, and the extra cushioning could change your running mechanics. Therefore, picking the right running shoe completely depends on what’s comfortable for you and how you run.

3. SURFACE YOU’LL BE RUNNING ON

The nature of use also matters when you’re choosing new running shoes. Basically, there are three types of running shoes out there — road running, trail running, and treadmill running. Each shoe is designed differently as per how the shoe needs to perform. Picking the right shoe is critical to improving your performance, lessening the likelihood of injuries, and making the overall experience more enjoyable.

Related Article: Fast Feet = Fast Metabolism?

4. FREQUENCY AND INTENSITY OF RUNNING SESSION

How many times you go out for a run or your number of running sessions per week also plays a role in deciding what kind of shoes you need. If you are someone who runs nearly every day and for long durations, it may be better for you to go for running shoes with good cushioning. The intensity of the running session also affects the type of shoes you need to choose.