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.