One of the greatest determinants of safe and effective running and work out is the kind of shoes you are wearing.
You do not need to run for a competition to require good shoes. Running is a great form of exercise. It reduces blood pressure, sheds unwanted weight, and increases lung capacity. However, running with good shoes with not only prevents injury, it will also make you comfortable and enhance your speed.
Benefits of proper running shoes
- Safety: Great running shoes must reduce the risk of injury. Injuries can result from falling, hitting your foot against an obstacle, or from overuse. Overuse injuries include tendonitis and joint pain.
- Comfortability: Great running shoes make you comfortable so that you don’t run in pains. Wearing comfortable shoes ensures that pressure is reduced on your ankle, heel and toes.
- Enhanced performance: Great running shoes do not only protect and make you comfortable, they also enhance your ability to run. It may not be important to you if you are not running for a competition but if you want to win the race, you must be fast. To be fast enough, you have to wear the right shoes
How to identify great running shoes
Below are a few features common to great running shoes:
- Weight: Great running shoes should be light. Shoes that feel heavy will slow you down and make you tired fast. According to Shoefinale, the average weight of good running shoes should be approximately 2 lbs.
- Perfect fit: Your feet should fit perfectly well into your running shoes for a safe, effective and comfortable run. To get a perfect fit, you have to consider the length, width and weight of the shoes.
- Mid-sole cushioning: The mid-sole is the area between the ball and heel of the foot. When there is a good cushioning in the mid-sole, stress is reduced on your heel, toes and ankle.
- Stability: Balanced shoes prevent injury and ensure the comfort of the runner. Vertical ankle support enhances lateral stability which is important for every runner.
Tips for buying shoes
- Avoid buying shoes at night- you might be buying undersized shoes. This is because your feet usually expand in the day.
- Trace the outline of your shoe and draw it on a platform. Do not pick shoes that do not fit into the outline. This ensures that you buy shoes with perfect fit.
- Make sure you wear the shoes you have picked right there in the store. Make sure you have an inch of space between your toes and the shoe end.
- Stand with the shoes and walk around to test comfort and stability.
- Make sure the shoes you have picked have the right features. Check the sole and the overall design.
If you are running, you need to wear shoes. If you are wearing shoes to run, they should be good shoes.
