Running is a well-liked and efficient exercise, but it’s crucial to have the proper equipment, especially when it comes to your shoes. The incorrect footwear can lead to discomfort, agony, and even injuries. Because of this, it’s important to pick a pair of running shoes that fits your foot, running gait, and overall fitness objectives.
Everyone deserves the greatest running shoes for their needs and tastes, in our opinion at Decathlon. In this article, we’ll share our professional advice on how to pick the best running shoes so you may reach your fitness objectives without getting hurt or uncomfortable.
Understand Your Foot Type
The first step in choosing the best running shoes is figuring out your foot type. For each of the three fundamental foot types—neutral, overpronation, and under pronation—a distinct style of shoe is needed.
- Neutral foot type: Your foot strikes the ground evenly and your arch doesn’t collapse too much or too little if you have a neutral foot type. A shoe that offers support and cushioning for your natural foot movement is what you need.
- Overpronation foot type: As you run, your foot rolls inward too much if you have an overpronation foot type. Your feet and legs are put under additional stress, which might hurt them. To give you stability and control, you should wear shoes with a strong midsole.
- Underpronation foot type: If you have an under pronation foot type, your foot will roll outward excessively as you run. Your feet may absorb greater trauma as a result, which may result in injury. To absorb shock and support your foot, you’ll need shoes with increased cushioning and flexibility.
Consider Your Running Style
While selecting the best running shoes, your running style is equally as crucial to take into account as your foot type. Heel, midfoot, and forefoot strikes are the three primary running gaits.
- Heel strike: If you run with your heel first, you are a heel striker. This causes your heel a lot of stress and over time may result in injury. To absorb shock, you’ll need a shoe with additional padding in the heel area.
- Midfoot strike: As you run, if you have a midfoot strike, you will land in the middle of your foot. This running technique is more effective and is easier on your feet and legs. You need a shoe with consistent midsole cushioning.
- Forefoot strike: As you run, if you have a forefoot strike, you will land on the balls of your feet. While still an effective running technique, this one places additional strain on your Achilles tendon and calves. To absorb shock, you’ll want a shoe with additional padding at the front.
Assess the Shoe’s Fit and Comfort
When selecting running shoes, fit and comfort are essential. You can use the following advice to choose the appropriate size and material for your feet:
- Get measured: To discover the correct size and width of your feet, have a professional measure them. It’s crucial to get measured frequently because your feet might alter over time.
- Try them on before buying: Always try on running shoes. To ensure a comfortable fit, put on the kind of socks you intend to use while running and strolling about the store.
- Look for room: The toe box should have enough room for your toes to move around without feeling crowded. Moreover, you need space around your heels to avoid slipping.
Look for Durability and Longevity
To get the most out of your investment, durability and longevity are crucial considerations when selecting running shoes. To assist you to pick a shoe that will last, consider the following advice:
- Opt for high-quality materials: Shoes with high-quality materials are more likely to survive longer, such as those with sturdy rubber bottoms and sturdy top materials.
- Inspect the stitching: If the stitching is loose, the shoe may come apart more rapidly. Make sure the stitching is firm and secure.
- Take into account the type of running you’ll be doing: If you’re going to be running on trails or other difficult terrains a lot, seek shoes with tough outsoles and reinforced uppers.
The appropriate running shoes can significantly alter your running experience. You can choose the ideal shoe for your requirements by knowing your foot type, taking into account your running style, evaluating the shoe’s fit and comfort, and looking for durability and longevity. Our specialists at Decathlon walk you through the process and assist you in locating a shoe that satisfies all of your needs.
The appropriate shoes can have a significant impact on your performance and comfort, regardless of how experienced you are with running or how new you are to it. You can rely on Decathlon to assist you in locating the ideal set of running shoes for your requirements.