Buying Running Shoes? Get the Right Fit to Avoid Foot Injuries
by Ida Carroll
Your go-to running shoes have begun to show signs of wear, and you are thinking about hitting the athletes' store to get yourself a new pair. Before you proceed, it is essential to know that the kind of shoes you select doesn't just affect your running capabilities; they can also protect you from or expose you to foot problems. Wearing the wrong shoes will hurt your feet and cause problems such as heel pain, shin splints, blisters, corns and ingrown toenails. This means that buying sports shoes requires more than looking for the classiest pair in the store. You need to take the following measures to ensure that you get quality shoes in the right fit.
Shop in the evening
Your feet are at their biggest in the evening after you have been running and walking. This is the best time to shop for running shoes, as you will get shoes that will accommodate your feet even when they have grown a bit after a long, tiring day. Carry your old running shoes and visit a store that has salespeople with experience in providing customer service to runners. The salesperson should examine your old shoes' soles so that they can determine your running pattern and help you get the best shoes. Also, ask them to measure your foot size. Just because your old shoe is a size five doesn't mean that this is the right size at the moment. Your foot may have grown, and getting smaller-sized shoes will affect your comfort level throughout the day.
Try on several pairs
Have an open mind as you visit the store. This will allow you to be open to different types of shoes that would be potentially ideal for your sporting activities. As you find the best shoes, make sure that you try on both of them to assess how they feel on the right and left foot. Ensure that there is enough space in the shoe for your foot to expand as you run. Also, consider getting shoes that have adequate space in the toe box so that your toes can fully stretch and not curl up when you put on the shoes.
Test your new shoes
Once you find a pair that you love, take the shoes for a test run. Walk on a firm, uncarpeted surface to feel whether your feet have adequate support. Break into a short jog or run and feel how your toes and heels fit in the new shoes. The shoes should feel stable and comfortable. If not, find another pair and go through the same test process again.
Buying the right running shoes is the key to keeping foot problems at bay. Follow these tips and don't hesitate to consult a podiatrist if you have problems determining the best running shoes.
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About Me
If you are like me, you have probably been in embarrassed in the past about having thick, yellow or otherwise unsightly toenails. You may have even suffered pain from your toenails. Those statements used to describe me, but with the help of my family and podiatrist, my toenails have returned to a strong, clear and beautiful state. The journey wasn't always easy, and it forced me to ask a lot of questions and do a lot of research. As a result, I learned everything you can find in these blog posts. I see other people with painful looking toenails on the street, and I want to help them with some pointers, but walking up to strangers – however well intentioned – is a bit beyond my comfort levels so I decided to create this blog. I hope it helps and entertains you!