Many of us choose sneakers based off of color, brand, and popularity. Maybe you didn’t choose the best running sneaker because of the ugly color covering the entire sole or maybe you bought your sneaker based off of other people wearing it at your local gym. These are all common reasons for purchasing a specific shoe, but is it really the best way to go about caring for your lower body?
Go to a local running store!
Local running stores are the best. You will get paired one-on-one with an expert in the field who will help find the best shoe fit for you. See if they offer any special deals too as they usually do. You could start by telling them a little bit about your running history and some personal goals. As a bonus, they can help set you up on a good training plan and you’ll be supporting a local business!
Do some research!
There are some great running articles and magazines with a ton of content. Runner’s World Magazine provides great feedback on the best shoes to buy for the best type of foot. They can also help you figure out if you pronate, supinate, run on your toes, or run on your heels. They will most likely have a promotional code hidden in the magazine, so look out for that as well!
Find your fit!
If there is a certain brand you like, stick with it! All companies have shoe options with different levels of support and comfort. Just because your friend wears a certain shoe, that doesn’t mean you should wear the same one. Everyone has a different form and stride when they run, which makes it hard to compare shoe selections with your partner. Spend a few hours figuring out the best fit for you. Your feet and legs will thank you in the long run!
Wherever you go to find the perfect pair, remember that everyone is different so make sure you speak up! Don’t focus on one brand or one shoe. Keep an open mind in the beginning as you narrow down your options. This should be a fun experience and with more knowledge, you’ll be able to help a fellow runner out with a shoe selection in no time.
