Running is a simple sport. Left foot, right foot, repeat. The only specific sport equipment you'll need to run properly is a good pair of running shoes. More often than not, the differences won't be that many and you will have a premium running shoe for a fraction of the price. There is nothing worse than running in a shoe that is too small (no, they won't "give in and feel better"), too big, too narrow, or with a heel that rubs and blisters you. Take the time to try both shoes on, and if possible, have a little run in the shop or on a treadmill. The most important thing in a shoe is the fit and feel. Each brand will fit slightly differently and even within a brand, each shoe will fit slightly differently. The best shoe is the shoe that fits so well you cannot feel it. When buying a running shoe it’s also important to have cushioning, not just in the heel but the forefoot too if you are increasing your distance. It’s the fit. It’s always best to play safe and try them on before you buy. Finding a shoe that matches your requirements can be tough and boring. Make a list of what you are looking for, along the lines of “I am running on road, I overpronate [rolling the foot inwards as it strikes the ground], I am doing 50+ kilometers a week”. In that instance you would need a well-cushioned support shoe. Once you have found a shoe/brand you like, it’s best to stick to that brand as they suit your foot and you are familiar with the fit.
Have you ever walked in a shoe that was too small, too large, too wide, too narrow, too shallow, in which your heel would slip off…? These issues while running are annoying, painful and plain dangerous!
Here are a few tips and suggestions about finding the right fit:
None of these are rocket-science, but sometimes these things get overlooked – while they should be the first factors in deciding what shoe to wear.
Article is provided by MBT UK Physiological Footwear. For more updates about MBT follow us on Facebook, Twitter , Google+ and also subscribe our Youtube Channel.
Have you ever walked in a shoe that was too small, too large, too wide, too narrow, too shallow, in which your heel would slip off…? These issues while running are annoying, painful and plain dangerous!
Here are a few tips and suggestions about finding the right fit:
- Make sure the heel is securely locked in. Try lacing the shoe so that the heel is well secured but not so tight that you canS’t wiggle your toes.
- Leave half a centimeter “empty” over the big toe. Your foot swells during exercise and you need to allow some space for the foot to grow.
- Lace it tight enough for your foot not to wiggle inside it, but it should be possible for you to do so without cutting your circulation off.
- Breathability. Most running shoes feature a mesh material on the top to allow your foot to breathe. But… match the breathability to the conditions you foresee to run in… If you are going to run on cold, rainy winter mornings, maybe a less breathable shoe is better. If you are running in the summer, maybe that anti-rain treatment is going to give you discomfort. Make sure the breathability of the shoe you choose that matches the weather you are planning to run in. Open mesh helps you cool your feet especially in hot climates, but you wouldn't want it if you run on cold winter mornings.
- Make sure the heel is not slipping. The shoe should not be small, but if your heel keeps slipping out, you need to revisit your lacing or choose a different shoe.
- When checking for the size, wear the same kind of socks you will be using for running and leave half a centimeter or space between your big toe and the end of the shoe. Feet swell during exercise and a shoe that is "just right" in the shop, will most likely feel too small during a run.
- Laces should be tight so that the shoe doesn't move around, but not so tight that you cut off circulation.
None of these are rocket-science, but sometimes these things get overlooked – while they should be the first factors in deciding what shoe to wear.
Article is provided by MBT UK Physiological Footwear. For more updates about MBT follow us on Facebook, Twitter , Google+ and also subscribe our Youtube Channel.