Many running shoes will usually feel comfortable when you’re trying them on there at the shoe store. Often times you won’t feel anything wrong with them at first fitting. However, in reality, the true test comes after you’ve put them to work for several miles or so. You will soon come to realize that the perfect pair of running shoes has a lot more to do with how your feet are shaped and the running style you use rather than what logo the product happens to be branding. Let’s take a look below at how you can find the best pair of shoes for yourself.
1. Understand Pronation
The way your feet roll from heel to toe via your foot strikes is what is commonly referred to as pronation. Initially, a neutral or proper foot strike pattern is to strike using the outside of your heels while evenly moving up to the balls of your feet. This is how the stress of impact is reduced by your feet. Understanding these concepts will help you a great deal when finding the right shoes for yourself. When you’re rolling a lot to the inside during your foot strikes then that’s known as overpronation. Rolling on the outside too much, on the other hand, is called underpronation
2. Determine Your Foot Type
In order to know what your foot type is, the easiest way you can determine this is by taking the so-called “wet-test” to check the height of your arch. You do this test by wetting both your feet and then standing on paper bags for about ten seconds or so. After the time is up, step off the bags and look at the imprint that’s formed on them. Your arch is normal if along your foot’s inside there happens to be a distinct curve. Your arch is low if there isn’t much of any curve on the imprint and it’s high when the arch’s curve is very noticeable.
3. Understand Some Running Shoe Features
The stability and cushioning layer between the outsole and uppers is called the midsole. It’s arguably one of the most important features you need to really understand when finding the right workout shoe for yourself. High-quality running shoes usually use ethylene vinyl acetate foam for the midsole. Many will only have a single layer but those that offer particular flex patterns may have multiple layers inserted to them. When it comes to the outsoles of good running shoes, you’ll find that the heels are manufactured using rugged carbon rubber. This primarily affects the foot strike.
Following these few simple steps herein highlighted above when looking for the ideal workout shoes will help you avoid having to go through what in many cases can prove to be an overwhelming shopping experience. You’re also likelier to get shoes that’ll fit all your specific needs and requirements ensuring you get runs that are as enjoyable as they can possibly be. You really don’t have to throw the dice and take a gamble when it comes to shoes of this nature. Hopefully, this article has shown you why.