You might be new to the world of running and trying to act on that article you read that offered fitness tips for moms you find in your favorite parent blog. Or, maybe you are a seasoned runner with a few big races under your belt — either way, shopping for running shoes has practically become a workout itself! There are so many types of foam, soles and other features to consider that it’s understandable if you’ve been making some common mistakes when selecting a pair.
To get to the bottom of how to pick out a pair of running shoes, we talked to a few running shoe experts to learn more about what mistakes our readers should avoid when buying running shoes. Take a look at the list below and you’ll be one step closer to the right pair of shoes.
- You outwear your shoes.
The first mistake many runners make when buying running shoes is not bothering to shop for new shoes at all. We all like to pretend that worn out shoes are now custom fit to our feet but that is completely false. On the contrary, you are doing more than just limiting your performance you are actually putting yourself at risk for injury. The American Association of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends that you replace your running shoes after 300 to 500 miles but many runners don’t keep track of their mileage and so they often wait too long.
It is actually best to transition into a new pair while the current pair is still good. By alternating pairs of running shoes, you can break in your new ones and phase out your old ones at the same time to prevent injury. Buying new shoes can be a hassle, but it’s completely necessary– especially when you play a sport that needs to run a lot like football or basketball, you definitely need to choose the right shoe for your sport. It does not only help you reduce the risk of injury, but also help you play better. Try shopping at smaller retail stores if you’re looking for a good price. You can still get great brands that you love and save some money.
- You use an inaccurate foot measurement.
If you haven’t had your foot sized properly by a shoe store associate then it’s very likely you are using an incorrect measurement of your foot. When your foot is measured at a shoe store they will use something called the Brannick device. This offers a more precise measurement because it measures the width of your foot and length of your arch, in addition to the heel-to-toe length.
Most runners forget to consider their arch length, but some experts believe this is the most important aspect to consider. Every pair of running shoes will flex in a particular spot and you want to match up the place where your foot arches with where the shoe flexes. According to an article published by the New York Times, improperly sizing your athletic shoes can cause a host of foot injuries and lead to unnecessary damage to your feet and ankles.
- You mix up width and volume.
When a shoe feels tight, the first thing people think is that they need a wider shoe but that’s not usually the case. People often confuse the width of the shoe with the volume, or the space inside the shoe.
To get the right volume, you want to use your fingers to measure the space between the top two eyelets. Once you’ve tied your leases you should be able to fit two fingers between the eyelets. If only one finger fits, then the shoe will feel too tight, and if three fingers fit then the shoe will feel too loose. Wearing running shoes with the correct volume will add comfort and prevent injury.
- You don’t think your feet can grow.
You should be getting your foot measured whenever you need a new pair of running shoes. Often enough a runner will find that their usual shoe size feels too tight, which is why it is important to use a current measurement. Our feet actually grow when the muscles stretch to better support our body and they do not return to size.
It might be hard to imagine that your feet are growing, but they are. On top of that shoe sizes are closer in length and you might think. There is only an eighth of an inch difference between a half shoe size and only a quarter of an inch between full sizes. The difference between a half-size isn’t very much but it could be the difference in feeling comfortable and preventing injury when you run.
- You cave under peer pressure.
While there are many features to consider when buying running shoes, what your friends think is not one of them. Sometimes when people ask their friends their focus ends up being on the wrong things to consider about buying shoes. Instead of thinking about how the fit feels and how they will function, you might be more worried about how they look or whether they are in style. That’s why many runners choose to buy their shoes online, free of any peer pressure. You are the one wearing them after all, so get the pair that works the best for you!
