Which running shoe should I buy?

GaitScanChoosing which running shoe is best for you can be quite overwhelming, especially when there are so many options out on the market and so much information floating around online.  Road running, trail running, cross training, stability shoes, motion control shoes – the list could go on and on! So here are our tips for selecting the best running shoe for yourself;

  • Where will you be running? Running shoes can be made with different surfaces to withstand different obstacles. There are usually three major categories in which people do most of their running:

1. Pavement/packed surfaces (go with light and flexible runners with cushioning at the heel)

2. Off road (think rocks, mud, long grass etc, these runners have a more rigid sole and tread)

3. Gym based surfaces. Generally speaking for gym based work you want a shoe that has less of an elevation from the ground, thus less of a platform.

  • What’s your foot type? Pick up your old pair of shoes and have a look at the wear pattern on them. There are a few ‘typical’ wear patterns:
  1. The overpronator – this is when you have worn out the inner edges of your shoes and indicates that you have an exaggerated form of the foots natural inward roll (if this is you, you may be experiencing  heel, knee or hip pain)
  2. Neutral pronation – this will show even wearing out on the central part of the ball of the foot as well as some wearing out on the outer edges of the heel. This is classified as the most ‘normal’.
  3. Supination – this will show wearing out on the outer edges of the shoe both on the balls and heels. It could indicate you have a reduced ability to tolerate impact/force loading (which may explain why you have sore shins or calves – if this sounds like you come in and get assessed)
  • Don’t forget these important things when trying on your running shoes:
  1. If you normally wear orthotics you must bring them and have them inside the running shoe when you are trying it on. Having an orthotic in a running shoe will greatly change the dynamics. Eg – if you are an over pronator and wear orthotics for this yet buy a running shoes to help alleviate over pronation then you may be getting too much correction and this will cause problems.
  2. The type of fit you need will change depending on the type of shoe you buy. If you choose a barefoot or minimalist running shoe (minimal cushioning and encourages midfoot strike rather than heel strike) the heel and toes should be snug like a glove. For more cushioned shoes you will need some more room length wise to allow the foot to move more.

If you need any help or have questions about your running shoes make sure to come in and see us!