Choosing the Perfect Running Shoe
By Sara Butler
Your feet work really hard for you. By the time you reach 50, you will have walked about 75,000 miles -- or maybe a little more if you regularly visit Walt Disney World. If you're a runner, then you put even more demand on your feet and if you run into problems with them, then you may find that your entire body (and running form) is thrown out of whack. That's why runners must invest time to find the right running shoe. Here are a few pointers to help you get started.
Before You Buy
Before you ever step foot in a store, it's important to answer a few important questions about yourself such as:
- What kind of runner are you?
- Do you jog or run?
- What surface do you work out on -- treadmill, trails, or asphalt?
- Are you training for a special event?
It's also important to know your body type as well as your running style. Both of these things will have a big impact on the way you run, how your foot strikes the ground, the motion of your stride, and how much stress and strain you place on your feet -- and the shoes in the process. You should also consider any past injuries you may have issues with such as shin splints, blisters, and plantar fasciitis. If you choose the right running shoe, then you can lower your risk of these injuries occurring again.
At the Shop
When you get to the shop and start trying on shoes, here are a few things to be aware of:
- The whole fit - Most people don't look past the toe box for shoes that fit well. You should make sure your entire foot fits on the sole of the shoe as well as the fit of the toe box.
- Go later in the day - Your feet tend to be at their largest at the end of the day, so it'll pay to do your shopping then for the most accurate fit.
- Bring your old shoes - Bringing your old shoes along can help the salesperson help you to find the right shoe. They can look at the wear of the shoe to determine what type of shoe may work best.
- Get your feet measured - You may think you know what size you wear, but since feet change throughout life, you may want to have it double-checked. Not to mention that fit can differ from brand to brand, so get those feet measured professionally in the store.
Part of staying healthy when you jog or run is treating your feet right. Visit a specialty running shoe store to get started!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denton, Tex.