Choosing a sneaker for running is one of the most important parts of your running journey. Your goal is never to buy a “cute” sneaker, the latest trend, or what everyone else has.
Running shoes should be kept for running as they will offer more support, and “gym shoes” are usually dependant on the person’s foot, are less cushiony, and are more for side-to-side movement and stability. Again that will depend on the person’s needs. It is something people laugh at until they actually run in the perfect fit for them!
As a runner I don’t pick out my shoes, I leave that to the professionals. Aerobics First is where I always send everyone as they are AMAZING!!! If you live in Nova Scotia check them out!!
When they test your feet to fit you in your perfect shoe they are looking for:
- Arches – do they have arch issues, high arches, etc.?
- Do they turn their feet in or out? (a shoe can help in correcting this) *”pronate” means the foot turns inward, and “supinate” meaning the foot turns outwards
- Do they have a neutral foot? (i.e., they don’t need anything corrective) If we run in a neutral shoe and we pronate (feet turn in as we move) we run the chances of having hips, knees, and other joints suffering from serious problems down the road.
Most people are wearing the wrong shoes!
You may say, “well I haven’t had these issues yet…” BUT you also have not run on payment three times a week for weeks yet!
Some people get lucky and are fine and others can have serious effects that keep them from enjoying running.
Another key factor with sneakers, they are good for 3 to 6 months… If you run a lot, they usually last 3 months. If you run once a week and use them solely for running, they can last longer usually up to 6 months. These are guidelines and sometimes can be shifted shorter or longer depending on the situation. Some sneakers may look very new but have no cushioning left in them. It also depends on how hard you are on your feet. If you squeeze your core well and bounce lightly when you run, there is a better chance they last longer.
One of the MOST important aspects of a great shoe they must be a size larger then you would normally wear. Most people find this awkward at first but then slowly see a huge change in circulation. Your feet could be cramping due to laces tided to tight or your shoes not allowing your feet to expand and breathe as you run.
Your feet expand as you workout, they become larger aka inflamed, and need to breathe and work just like any muscle in your body does when it is being used. Most of us restrict that movement and blood flow to and around our feet. You will get used to a size larger shoe just as you will to adapting to running overtime. Of course, some of these rules vary per person but are just a guideline for your running journey.
Also think about:
- do my calves hurt?
- do my feet hurt when I run?
- do I experience tingling or numb feet?
- do I find my feet are cramping?
- do my knees or other joints hurt a lot when I run?
If my shoes are too tight or not the right fit, it can cause all of these problems. Which in turn, usually harms the body or mentally takes a toll on you which will cause you to possibly give up on running!
People take better care of their clothes, personal belongings, cars, etc. then they do their bodies a lot of the time. Spend that extra time and care in keeping yourself injury-free and you will get to accomplish and try some pretty cool things.
Trainer Facts 🙂 A little real talk with Jen lol.