How to Select the Perfect Running Shoes

Which are the perfect running shoes for me? Have you ever found yourself wondering in a shoe store or surfing the net for hours for a pair of running shoes?

When making you decision you should know that there are different shapes of feet and that foot motion differs from individual to individual. With so many styles, brands and shapes of running shoes in the market today, it is important to find the best fit for your feet and your needs. This has pushed companies to develop running shoes that are suitable for different things and the intensity of the intended training. Running shoes should therefore be selected after a careful consideration.

The looks and attractiveness should be the least of your considerations. Sometimes a good pair of running shoes you select is worth the price tagged if you can really afford it. It’s also best to spend a little more money in order to get a good pair for your feet. However, the following can guide you on how to find the perfect running equipment and especially running shoes for yourself.

Select Perfect Running Shoes #1 – What’s your foot type?

Before deciding on what type of running shoes to buy for your running, it’s wise that you are well conversant with your foot type. Carefully select shoes that fit the length and width of your feet based on your foot characteristic. Different foot types fit different types of shoes.

Wet test can be used to determine your foot type. There are basically three distinct types of foot types.

1. Normal arch feet

For a normal foot imprint upon taking a wet test, then you are a mild-pronator. In this case your heels and forefront are connected by a wide band. For a normal arch athlete, the heels of your feet do roll inwards excessively to absorb excess shock from your body weight while running. Runners with normal arch are bio-mechanically efficient, cushioned shoes with pronation control features must be considered.

2. Low arch feet

This foot results to over-pronation, because the foot before rolling back, strikes the outside of your heel, after every stride. For serious pronators, motion control shoes can deliver the best outcome for them.

3. High arch feet

Feet of such type leave an imprint showing a narrow connection between your heels and the fore feet. This foot type is not an effective shock absorber as it is under-pronated. For these people, the best pair should be cushioned for a high rigid foot with a high arch.

Select perfect running shoes #2 – What’s the size of your feet?

This is the most common mistake in the selection of running shoes. Picking the wrong size for your feet is quite a disaster. Before making a payment or ordering online, be specific on your shoes size. Wearing small shoes or larger shoes is likely to cause more injuries to your feet when running for some miles. A smaller size will cause circulation problems while larger pairs can make your ankles unstable.

Select perfect running shoes #3 – How much is your body weight?

The rate at which your shoes wear relies mostly on the amount of pressure applied by your body weight. A considerable force is applied on each shoe every time you take a step. You should therefore consider shoes designed for runners based also on their body weight. This will increase your stability and will set a proper center of gravity when running.

Select perfect running shoes #4 – What’s the nature of the surface you are running on?

This is extremely important. Running shoes must be selected in order to cope with certain terrains and environments. Running shoes for rough terrains are well cushioned balancing terrain differences and decreasing the impact on your back and bones. For example, you can use lighter running shoes with thinner soles for indoor or treadmill running.

In addition to the 4 factors, here’s a quick guide referring to five finger technology:

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding various types of running shoes. Technologically, these shoes differ by cushioning, support and arch control features. A lot of types of running shoes try to copy the natural feel and cadence of running barefoot. This has led to development of new technologies and brands. The five fingers technology is one of them.

Here are some pros and cons referring to this running shoes technology – please add your own comments from your experience of using such running shoes:

Pros: makes you feel more natural, less weight-lighter.
Cons: more difficult to select the right size, some people wear such shoes without socks causing blisters and foul smell, no cushioning.

Just think that a good pair of running shoes can make your running exercises a delight, can prevent injuries (while running or after, considering muscles solicitation), get you to the perfect shape and can increase your running efficiency. Consider these factors before going for the nice blue or red shinny running shoes and your running experience will improve considerably.