shoe for you

How To Choose The Best Running Shoes – Part 2

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types of shoes

If you’re new to the running world and unsure of where to start, don’t sweat it (no pun intended).  If you are on the search for the types of shoes best for running, I highly recommend you click here to read, “How To Choose The Best Running Shoes – Part 1”. 

By now you have determined:

  1. The type of foot arch you have
  2. Whether you over- or under-pronate when you walk or run
  3. The appropriate shoe category

After reading Part 1 of my article, you will have a little more confidence in your ability to pick out the types of shoes that are right for you.  Remember, most seasonal workers at a department store that sell runners are equipped to get you the desired size and not much more.  So, if you require a little more assistance or input from a gait and biomechanical perspective, I would recommend going to a store that deals exclusively with runners.  They have staff that may be able to offer more insight from a runner’s perspective.

So, You’re In The Store, Looking At The Wall Of Different Types Of Shoes, What’s Next?

Follow these steps to help you pick the correct runner for you.

1. Try on shoes at the end of the day

Our feet normally swell by the end of the day.  This is important when trying on shoes so that you don’t pick a shoe that is too small for your foot.  Tight or small shoes will affect circulation and may cause blisters and foot irritation.  Especially after a run.

2. Bring your custom orthotics with you

If a health professional has recommended and made orthotics for you because of a condition related to your feet, bring these with you.  Especially if you are planning on running while wearing the orthotics.  Better yet, ask your orthotic office to make you a pair designed specifically for a running shoe.  These will differ from a standard orthotic used for every day use.

Click here to read, “Custom-Made vs. Over-The-Counter”.

3. Moderate-severe over-pronator?  Pick a stability shoe!

If you already know that you over-pronate when you run, consider picking a motion control shoe with moderate stability.  These shoes have special internal construction with material to help control excessive pronation.  When you press into the inside of the shoe, you may notice one side “softer” than the other.  However, most people will not be able to tell the difference.  Sometimes shoe manufacturers display different colours on the outside of the shoe to indicate different material being used.  But this isn’t always the case and unethical which is why you should only buy from an authentic shoe store.  Also, keep in mind if you under-pronate, search for a “neutral” shoe.

4. Check the ankle collar and heel

The ankle collar is the part that wraps around your Achilles tendon and holds the heel in place.  Check that the inside padding properly supports your heel and prevents your foot from slipping out.  Consider a different shoe if the collar feels uncomfortable on your Achilles tendon. If not, you may irritate the tendon once you start running.  The heel counter is generally made of a rigid material at the rear foot.  This is to help centre the heel for support.  Make sure that you can’t collapse the heel by pressing down on it from the back. (Minimalist shoes have no heel counter to allow for more freedom).

5. Check the toe box and pick the correct size

When you put the shoe on make sure your toes have free movement and can flex and spread comfortably.  Remember, mommy isn’t buying these shoes for you.  Avoid buying a shoe that is too big, so it ‘lasts many years’.  If you’re a serious runner, your shoes will last you 1 or maybe 2 seasons.  This all depends on the mileage you accumulate.   Also, a large shoe will cause your foot to slip back and forth which will predispose you to injury. 

Don’t assume your size.  Different types of shoes may vary on size and fit.  For example, I wear a whole size smaller for dress shoes than I do for runners.  If you’re unsure, get measured in the store.  This is a common mistake a newbie makes.  They either pick a shoe that is too big (maybe it’s on clearance?) or too small (maybe it looks fashionable?).  These days, shoe manufacturers are making uppers (the material above the sole that covers the foot) in a variety of material that is comfortable, stretchy, and breathable.  Therefore, pick a shoe that allows the toes to move freely and not feel crowded in the toe box. 

6. Check the outsole

Look at the rubber and material on the bottom of the shoe.  Observe the shape.  I usually match the shape of the outsole to my foot.  There are certain shoes that I unfortunately have to rule out because the design just doesn’t fit the shape of my foot.  For example, if you have flat feet, you probably don’t want to choose a shoe that has a midsole or outsole designed for a person with a high arch.  

7. Cushioning

Put the shoes on and allow the feet to feel the cushioning on the heel (which is important for heel strike) and the forefoot.  Walk around in the store.  Ask yourself how they feel.  I have placed my feet in shoes which felt like I was walking on clouds and some that felt like I had just placed them in a medieval torture chamber.  If you ask nicely, a specialty store owner might allow you to go outside for a quick dash on the sidewalk to test them out.  I assure you that a big box store will not allow you to do that!

What About Heel-To-Toe Drop?

I will keep this section brief.  The research is inconclusive at this point whether a low drop is any better than a high drop.  Ever since the emergence of the barefoot running craze (of which I participated in until I injured myself training for a 30K), this has been a topic of interest.  Is there any evidence that low to no drop prevents injuries?  We’re not sure. Maybe?  The jury is still out!  My professional opinion?  Look for a sweet spot.  Too high of a drop causes your running alignment to tilt forward.  This may promote more heel strike which I’m not a fan of.  Too low and it mimics the barefoot running style. 

The Flex Test

Take the shoe into your hands holding the toe with one hand and the heal with the other.  Flex or bend the shoe upwards.  Observe where the shoe bends.  I choose the shoe that I am unable to bend in the middle. Why?  Can you bend your foot in half?  That’s what I thought.  The shoe should flex and roll similar to the way your foot wants to move. 

The Twist Test

Over ten years ago this test was important.  Manufacturers were using less supportive material in the shoe, perhaps to save on costs.  Thus some shoes have little to NO support.  This test is simple to perform.  Take the shoe in your hands.  If you can twist it like you’re wringing a wet towel, put the shoe back and move on to the next.  With the onset of minimalist shoes, I’ve seen this tactic used in runners and I’m not sure why.  The only time this test doesn’t need to be performed is in the example of barefoot/minimalist shoes.  All other runners should provide enough support that you are unable to twist the middle of the shoe to 90 degrees.

Recap:

5 Quick Tips

To Buying Shoes

  1. Go to a specialty shoe store instead of a large department store.
  2. Shop at the end of the day when your feet are more swollen.
  3. Bring your old shoes and custom made orthotics with you when buying different types of shoes.
  4. Buy based on design and construction, not looks! (I learned this the hard way when I purchased a cool looking shoe which caused me to sprain my sacroiliac joint)
  5. To save money, buy the previous year’s model which may be on clearance. You will hardly notice the improvements. A good shoe model 25 is usually not significantly better than a Model 24.

For further reading, click here for, “The Most Common Cause Of Foot Pain!”

How To Choose The Best Running Shoes – Part 1

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how to choose running shoes

Ever get overwhelmed when walking into an athletics store?  You stare at the long wall of colorful shoes and wonder how to choose running shoes that will be perfect for you?

Depending on the store, you may be welcomed by anyone from the student, whose knowledge of shoes is which are the nicest looking or a runner’s store that employs individuals with some basic understanding of foot mechanics.

I’m going to teach you how to choose running shoes best suited for you by following these simple tests.  You will be required to do a little homework on your feet first.

What Type Of Foot Arch Do You Have?

People generally have either a low arch (flat foot), a normal arch or a high arch.  The easiest way to test to see what type of foot you have is to stand and have a friend or family member stick three fingers under the inside of the foot.  If they can fit their fingers up to the second joint line, then you likely have a normal arch.  If they can only fit the tips of the fingers underneath, then you probably have flat feet or a collapsed arch.

Do You Over/Under-Pronate When You Walk Or Run?

Next, you need to determine if you over-pronate.  Before you determine that, you must know what pronation is.  Pronation is the rolling of the foot from heel to toe through the foot strike.  If you have a tendency to roll the foot excessively inwards when walking due to a flat foot, then you are an overpronator.

Under-pronation (or supination) is when you roll too much on the outside of the foot.  A normal foot strike occurs when you strike your heel slightly on the outside, and the pressure evenly moves up to the ball of your foot.  Too much deviation one way adds further stress to your foot.

Keep in mind some pronation is normal when you walk or run.  If you have difficulty with figuring this part out consider contacting a Kinesiologist, Chiropractor, or Physiotherapist for assistance.  Click here to search our directory to find a health professional near you.

When shopping for new shoes, bring a pair of old running shoes with you.  The wear pattern on your old shoes could provide clues on the type of runner you are.  For example, if your shoe has excessive wear on the insides of the heel and forefoot, it could be a sign of over-pronation.  Same thing goes if the wear is predominantly on the outside of the shoe which may indicate supination.  Click here to learn more about Pronation, Overpronation, and Supination in Walking and Running.

Determine The Appropriate Shoe Category

This seems obvious but you’d be surprised how many people I’ve seen wearing the wrong shoe for the activity they are engaged in.  For example, you should never pick a cross-training shoe as a runner.  These shoes are built to prevent excessive side-to-side motions and are more appropriate for gym workouts or for individuals engaging in balance activities who require more contact with the ground.

In the running category you will generally see three sub-categories of shoes:

  • Road-running
  • Trail-running
  • Cross-training

Pick the appropriate category for you.

Now that you have some preliminary information, it’s time to go shopping!  Normally, I recommend going to the national chain stores only if you really know what you want and have a good understanding of how running shoes are built.  I have noticed that it’s hit or miss with knowledgeable staff at these types of stores as most are trained to get you the right size and not much more.

In my experience I have found that going to a store that exclusively deals with running shoes and apparel is a better option for a novice.  The staff tend to know a bit more than your average athletic store in shopping malls.  Some even have health professionals operating their practices in-store which is convenient.

This was part 1 of how to choose running shoes for yourself.  Part 2 will provide you with simple tests to perform on the shoe itself when you are in the store.  As stated earlier any sports chiro, physio or kin can help determine the best shoe for you.  My patients have access to a list of the best running shoes for specific foot and gait types chosen by the medical team of our custom orthotics company every year.  All you have to do is ask!

Stay tuned for part 2.

Further Reading

People rarely acknowledge how important their feet are to their everyday life….that is until they experience foot pain!  Think about it…you use your feet to pivot, turn, step, walk, run and to keep you balanced.  But when you experience foot pain, these seemingly simple functions can become quite challenging.  Click here to learn more about The Most Common Cause Of Foot Pain and what you can do to prevent it.