The Importance of Good Running Shoes for Your Workouts
One of the best ways to stay safe when working out is to wear the right kind of shoe for the activity you are engaging in. Running is a cheap way to get fit, that burns a lot of calories, but it is high-impact, which means the right running shoes are a must.
Investing in a supportive running shoe suited to your feet can help you to prevent foot and ankle damage and other injuries, and make your workout an enjoyable one instead of a torture session.
The essentials in a running shoe
Not all sports shoes are created equal. There are ones for almost every purpose you can think of, such as walking, cross-training and running. Proper running shoes need to have good cushioned and shock-absorption where the foot strikes the ground. If you’ve ever tried to run in dress shoes, you know how painful it can be, and how quickly.
There are many different brands of running shoes, at a range of price points. Most expensive doesn’t mean best.
First, put on clean socks of the type you usually wear for working out. Avoid thick tube socks, however, as the cotton does not wick away moisture, gets soggy, and can cause blisters.
Shop for your shoes at the end of the day when your feet will be most swollen. Go into a store that specializes in running shoes if you have one near you, and get both feet measured. Also look at the arch in your foot. Some people have non arch, that is, flat feet, and others have high arches that need to be supported.
The salesperson should be able to make recommendations based on what they see. Try on both shoes. Don’t be afraid to walk around in them, and test them for flexibility. You should be able to bend them, otherwise they are too stiff and could cause injury, but they should not be too flexible, or else they will not be supportive enough.
Check the fit in the toe area. You should have at least half an inch at the front to wiggle your big toe, or else you could get black toenails from bruising as your toes slide up and down in the shoe.
Choosing a proper shoe can help to protect you against common injuries associated with running, so be sure to try them on in person, or shop at an online store with free shipping in both directions.
