All running shoes are not the same. They can change your speed. Besides, they can also impact your joints, back and knees. So, selecting the correct running shoes is important. In the store, you may see hundreds of shoes, with seemingly no difference. Follow the steps given below to choose the right shoes, to enable you to run like an Olympic athlete.
- Locate a quality shoe store near your place. Always choose a speciality store as the staff there would be trained to aid you select the right shoes. To find the store, check magazines for joggers, the yellow pages, or ask some friends who are into jogging and running.
- Check the soles of your used running shoes. Mark the areas where the shoes are worn out from contact with the ground. This would enlighten you about the need for thick soles to protect your feet.
- Keep the used shoes side-by-side. If they tilt towards the middle, your new shoes need more stability. If the old shoes tilt towards the outside, the new shoes need good shock absorption, as the arches in your feet may be high.
- Notice the marks on the top of the used shoes. Check if there is an outline of your toes. If you have also experienced some discomfort while running, you need wider or larger shoes.
- If you run regularly for long distances, you need expensive running shoes. But, if you are a beginner or novice at jogging, a basic model would suffice. The money spent on the running shoes depends on the intensity of your running.
- Take your old pair of shoes to the store. The staff may be able to “read” them and guide you appropriately. This would ensure you get quality running shoes that are good value for your money.
- Take a trial jog in the new shoes. Many stores let customers jog in the new shoes to get a feel. So, jog for a few minutes to check if you feel comfortable. This would save you future regrets.
- Don’t be miserly in buying the best running shoes. And, after you get the right pair, don’t put them away. Go for a jog as soon as possible and break them in right away.
