Are you planning to run for the first time and need a new pair of running shoes? And maybe you have read some information around but you don’t know how to orient yourself to choose the right one for you?
You came across the right article. In this article, I would like to share with you some tips for finding the best running shoes for beginners.
Let me start by telling you that there is no absolute best running shoe: everyone has their own needs.
There are tons of characteristics, such as running biomechanics, weight, the surface you’re running on, and of course the shape of your feet, which can make a shoe great for some, and terrible for others.
In this article, I will tell you about the various types of running shoes on the market and how to choose the best running shoe for your body, your athletic condition, and your goals.
Types of running shoes
To understand how to find the perfect shoe for you who are starting to run, I decided to initially divide running shoes into two main categories: stable and neutral.
Stable running
shoes Stability shoes (commonly also called anti-injury shoes) are recommended for pronator runners (i.e. for those who run with the weight shifted to the inside of the foot) and for those who generally have low or low arches of the feet. normal. In fact, this type of runner tends to need a shoe with a combination of support and good cushioning of the midsole, which only stability running shoes are able to offer.
Neutral running shoes
Recommended for most runners, neutral running shoes have little or no support and can feature minimal or maximum cushioning. These shoes are best for runners with minimal pronation and high or normal foot arches.
Other types of shoes
Within the stable and neutral shoe categories, there are several sub-categories depending on what you want from a running shoe. However, most of the shoes you’ll find on store shelves share some common traits; most will have a similar profile, will have a certain amount of cushioning throughout the sole, a drop (i.e. the difference in height between heel and toe) between 4 and 12mm, a standard lacing system and, above all, a destination of very varied use.
On the two ends of the spectrum of running shoes, however, there are big differences. At one end there are performance shoes (0 to 4mm drop) for those who like to run shorter and faster distances, while on the other you can find very cushioned shoes designed for those who usually travel very long distances. Inside the performance shoes there are also minimalist shoes, with little or no cushioning that usually adapt to light runners and with efficient running mechanics.
Then of course there are the trail shoes, which share all the traits indicated above, but differ in the fact that the sole of the shoe is designed to adapt to rough and rough terrain such as mud and rocks, requiring more aggressive treads that guarantee greater traction. The easiest comparison is that of car tires: a Formula 1 car has “smooth” tires for good grip on the track, while an off-roader has large and aggressive tires for greater grip on rough terrain.
Size
Size If you were wondering “what is the right size for your next running shoes?” what would you reply? I guess if you use size 41 sneakers or walking shoes, your answer will be “41”, right? Well, most of the time, the 41 might fit you a little tight. Now I’ll explain why.
When you run, your foot makes different efforts than when you are walking or standing still. The foot will therefore need more space inside the shoe which is why you will generally need half (or even one) more.
If you have a running shoe shop near your home, you can try on the shoes before buying them, but if you decide to make your purchase online, I recommend that you do it on a site that allows you to make a free return and read all the reviews for understand if the shoe size corresponds to reality or if it fits particularly narrow or wide.
Comfort
If your new shoes aren’t comfortable, your workouts will be hellish, so feeling comfortable should be your first concern. So if you plan to try on the shoe before you buy it, have fun running up and down the store to see if it fits your foot shape and is particularly comfortable. If not, set it aside and try another one.
How often should I change my shoes?
From personal experience I recommend that you change your running shoes after 6 months or 500 km. The reason is simple: the cushioning of running shoes is ensured by the foam present in the sole which, after constant use, loses its elasticity and becomes less reactive.
If you are starting to run, exceeding 500 km may seem like an infinity, but it is worth keeping a diary of your runs to track the kilometers you have run; it will help you track your progress as you train, and you will be able to accurately judge when your shoes will need to be replaced.
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Conclusions
Well, I hope I’ve given you some insights into choosing your next pair of running shoes. If you need more information, leave a comment!
Good workout!
Hi, I am Brian, Lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, and Went to The University of Texas at Austin, I am a shoe lover & know the inside out of shoes. I am well aware of the qualities of top-quality boots. That’s what I’m sharing with the reader of About Shoes/boots/footwear. Read More Here
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