If you're a beginning runner, you might not know that's it's incredibly important to invest in good running shoes. These tips will help you choose wisely and take proper care of your feet.
To start, you need to understand that running shoes are not an option--they are mandatory if you want to avoid injury. While good running shoes are expensive, they are essential for protecting your joints. If you're smart, you'll replace your running shoes when you hit 350 miles of running (about 4-6 months for most runners) and will only wear them to run. If you are heavier, you’ll need to replace shoes more often. Your shoes will last longer if you run on a treadmill or a track instead of asphalt.
When about to buy new shoes, do this test. Get your feet wet, and then make a footprint on the floor or a piece of paper, paying attention to your footprint (when standing). If your footprint is wide and full, you need arch support. If you see a curvy footprint, you have good arches.
Look at the bottom of your most commonly worn shoes to see where you are wearing them out the most, and try to remember if you've ever experienced stress on either side of your ankles. You want to look for signs of overpronation or underpronation. If your feet tend to shift your weight inward, you need shoes that will help with overpronation; if you have issues with the opposite, you need help with underpronation. If you have joint issues, you’ll probably need ankle stabilizing running shoes that also provide a lot of cushion.
Check also to see how roomy of a toebox you will need. Your toes will swell as you run, especially in the warmer months, so make sure you have a lot of room around your toes while still having a snug fit around the ankles. It's common to buy running shoes in a size larger than your everyday shoes.
Take good care of your feet, and you’ll be running injury-free!
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