By now, you should all have an understanding of the type of foot you have and the type of shoe you need. If you are still confused or would like a more detailed biomechanical analysis of your foot or gait pattern, feel free to contact us at Elite Sports Physical Therapy at 510.656.3777.
For those ready to take the plunge, let me give you a few more tips about purchasing the right running shoe for you.
1) Go shopping for shoes around the time you would run- Feet swell a little bit during the day with our weight resting upon them as we go about our business. So if you normally run in the evenings or afternoon, don't buy a pair of running shoes first thing in the morning.
2) Try the running shoes on with the socks you will run in- Don't wear dress socks to try on running shoes if you are stopping by on the way home from work. If you wear ultra-thin moisture wicking socks when you run, don't try on running shoes on a day you are wearing tube socks. Try and get as close to the feel you will have when you run. This will give you the most accurate picture of whether or not the shoe is appropriate for you.
3) Bring your orthotics with you- If you wear orthotics when you run, be sure to bring them with you. You will have to take into account the space the orthotic will occupy in the shoe.
4) Try on both shoes- Their could be a slight difference in the way each shoe is made or even in your foot size. Some people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Be sure both of your feet are comfortable before you seal the deal with the shoe store.
5) Try running in the shoe if possible- You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it right? So why would you just walk around in a shoe if you need to see how it feels when you run? Some stores, especially running specialty stores, may have a treadmill or track for you to try a light jog in the shoes before you purchase them.
6) Try on more than one model of shoe- Once you know your type of foot and shoe, try on several different models to see which one fits the best. Every manufacturer makes slight tweaks on their models, even if they claim to be the same shoe type. See which one is the most comfortable for your foot.
7) Try to go to a running specialty store- As mentioned above, some of these stores focus on making sure you have the right shoe for your foot, so that you can get the most enjoyment possible out of running. Many of these stores are owned or managed by experienced runners. Buying a good pair of running shoes at a big box retailer is like buying a bike or golf clubs at Walmart. No offense to Walmart, but if you want the highest quality gear, you probably have to go to a specialty store. Look online for a retailer near you.
I hope this guide provides you some helpful hints on how to ensure you have the best fitting shoe for your foot. And remember, shoes have life to them as well. Once you have found the right shoe, that doesn't mean you stick with it until the sole falls off or the bottoms are so worn there is no tracion. Studies show that after 100 miles of running, a shoe loses about 10% of it's shock absorbing properties. After 400 miles, the shoe loses 80% of it's shock absorption.
So next time you think of hanging onto a pair of shoes because they still "look OK," ask yourself this: Would it be better to invest another $80-100 on a pair of new shoes when the time is right or to save the money and have to go see the doctor after continuing to run in my old shoes? If you ask me, I'd pick the new shoes!!!
For those ready to take the plunge, let me give you a few more tips about purchasing the right running shoe for you.
1) Go shopping for shoes around the time you would run- Feet swell a little bit during the day with our weight resting upon them as we go about our business. So if you normally run in the evenings or afternoon, don't buy a pair of running shoes first thing in the morning.
2) Try the running shoes on with the socks you will run in- Don't wear dress socks to try on running shoes if you are stopping by on the way home from work. If you wear ultra-thin moisture wicking socks when you run, don't try on running shoes on a day you are wearing tube socks. Try and get as close to the feel you will have when you run. This will give you the most accurate picture of whether or not the shoe is appropriate for you.
3) Bring your orthotics with you- If you wear orthotics when you run, be sure to bring them with you. You will have to take into account the space the orthotic will occupy in the shoe.4) Try on both shoes- Their could be a slight difference in the way each shoe is made or even in your foot size. Some people have one foot slightly larger than the other. Be sure both of your feet are comfortable before you seal the deal with the shoe store.
5) Try running in the shoe if possible- You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it right? So why would you just walk around in a shoe if you need to see how it feels when you run? Some stores, especially running specialty stores, may have a treadmill or track for you to try a light jog in the shoes before you purchase them.
6) Try on more than one model of shoe- Once you know your type of foot and shoe, try on several different models to see which one fits the best. Every manufacturer makes slight tweaks on their models, even if they claim to be the same shoe type. See which one is the most comfortable for your foot.7) Try to go to a running specialty store- As mentioned above, some of these stores focus on making sure you have the right shoe for your foot, so that you can get the most enjoyment possible out of running. Many of these stores are owned or managed by experienced runners. Buying a good pair of running shoes at a big box retailer is like buying a bike or golf clubs at Walmart. No offense to Walmart, but if you want the highest quality gear, you probably have to go to a specialty store. Look online for a retailer near you.
I hope this guide provides you some helpful hints on how to ensure you have the best fitting shoe for your foot. And remember, shoes have life to them as well. Once you have found the right shoe, that doesn't mean you stick with it until the sole falls off or the bottoms are so worn there is no tracion. Studies show that after 100 miles of running, a shoe loses about 10% of it's shock absorbing properties. After 400 miles, the shoe loses 80% of it's shock absorption. So next time you think of hanging onto a pair of shoes because they still "look OK," ask yourself this: Would it be better to invest another $80-100 on a pair of new shoes when the time is right or to save the money and have to go see the doctor after continuing to run in my old shoes? If you ask me, I'd pick the new shoes!!!
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