Whether training for a competition or running for fun, a suitable pair of road running shoes give your body a proper foundation. The right shoes can also help prevent injuries and fun the running process. The right pair of shoes should fit well and match your running style in the long run.
The following are things to consider when choosing a pair of running shoes.
- What is your Objective?
It is essential to know your objective when looking for the best running shoes. Usually, your goals should fall into speed, distance, or comfort.
The first objective is speed, running to be the fastest. To achieve this objective, you need to get a light and responsive shoe, lightweight but slightly less supportive. You will need to get a shoe that will be comfortable for you as you run.
If you want to take part in long distance running, you should look for a pair of shoes with proper support. This will ensure that your foot strike and ankles are in the right position during your run.
The last objective is comfort. Do you want to be comfortable on hard surfaces? For this goal, look for cushioning, and despite the best running shoes having some cushioning features, others exchange a lightweight feel for cushioned comfort.
- How is your Foot Strike?
You need to establish the type of runner you consider your foot strike. If you are a forefoot runner, your running needs are different from a midfoot or heel striker runner’s. Knowing how your foot hits the floor to narrow your choices when looking for the right road running shoes is good. This will also help ensure your shoes serve you for a long time.
An easy way to know your foot strike is to take a pair of your current running shoes and see where the sole mostly wears down. If the back of the shoe has lost a lot of tread and grip, it means that you are a heel striker and if the damage is on the sides and the middle, you are a midfoot striker. You may notice the most wear and tear at the front, which means you are a forefoot runner. Although not conclusive, this is a simple way to check how you run.
Alternatively, you can check here for a professional gait analysis of how your foot hits the floor to help you choose the best running shoes.
- Recovery, Racing or Training?
When looking at your objectives, you should also consider how you intend to use the shoe. For example, a training shoe is used more often than a competition shoe, hence will have a shorter lifespan. Your competition shoe is only used for racing or in important training sessions.
A road running recovery shoe often has extra cushioning to provide sufficient support as you slide back into training following an injury, race or tough training session.
It is advisable to alternate at least two pairs of shoes because each works slightly different muscle fibres. Having several shoes also prolongs their life as you do not use one pair every day. When choosing the best running shoes, consider their use and your objectives, which will make the choosing process easier.
- Look for Reviews
There is a lot of information online to help you buy new shoes and reviews about the shoe’s performance. There is more information nowadays compared to a decade ago. You can obtain this information from prominent runners by following them on social media or downloading run apps.
However, different people may have varied experiences and opinions about the same pair of running shoes. To find good reviews about the best running shoes, look for a few major websites, athletes, and shoe awards. Use these sources to obtain the information you require to decide the right shoe for you.
A good pair of running shoes will probably have a good review from all the credible athletes and websites you’ve chosen. This will help you decide on the right running shoe to buy.