Choosing the right running shoe

Born to run or training to be a badass on the track, it’s fair to admire a runner being spoilt for his choice of good shoes. Considering any shoe to be as good as its wearer; the choice of a good shoe makes the foundation of a runner’s life rock strong where he breaks his own records and establishes his own bests. What works best for one, may make life of another miserable or vice a versa; as the requirement of one person differs from another and so does your foot type and landing.

Getting down to ground zero and knowing the basics, below is the anatomy of a basic running shoe:

Anatomy of a Basic Running Shoe

Know Your Foot Type:

Gait Analysis is more than just the study of your feet; giving essential information about your running style. Gait analysis matches the runner’s degree of pronation with the correct shoe type, with an aim of counter-balancing over or underpronation, helping reduce the risk of injury and improving running efficiency.

Pronation is the natural inward roll of the foot as the outside part of the heel strikes the ground. Overpronation is when the feet roll inward too much and underpronation (or supination) is where the feet don’t roll inward enough.

1. Overpronators should look for a shoe with a lot of motion control.
2. Supinators should look for a shoe that has better than normal cushioning for added shock absorption, as well as flexibility. Many supinators feel more comfortable with a semi-curved or curved last, due to the shape of their foot.

Shopping Tips:

Ensure to pay attention to the below, while you are out shopping for your running shoe:

1. Go for a shoe shopping preferably in the afternoon or after a workout for a perfect fit shoe. Yes, it is true that our feet get larger in the afternoon and swell up after a good intensive work out!
2. As our feet are not of the same size, try on both shoes and walk and jog around the store for a few minutes; climb stairs.
3. Don’t rush. You are making an investment on your shoes. Try on a couple of different models and make a good comparison.
4. Try on shoes with socks you plan on wearing.
5. Allow a half-inch in front of your longest toe when you stand up.
6. Do not skimp. Emphasis should be on comfort rather than on price or brand.
7. The toe box should allow your toes room to move around.
8. The lacing area and tongue should be sufficiently padded.
9. The sole should flex easily where your foot flexes.
10. The mid-part of the shoe when laced should hold your foot snugly so that it doesn't slide forward and jam your toes with each step.
11. The heel counter should be padded and notched and fit snugly so your heel won't slip and rub.
12. Opt for a lighter weight shoe.

The search for the right shoe begins at a right store. Visit the good specialty running store with competent salespeople who are trained in the latest shoe designs and the high performance ones available in the market. Finding the right shoe will require you to take a wide range of factors into consideration and it may be a while before you find the perfect one for you.

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