Best Running Shoes – how to choose?

Finding the best running shoes is not only a matter of taste and personal preference but also a matter of feet anatomy and biomechanics. Purchasing a model only based on its price or aspect is not recommended as running can be painful and lead to injuries when the shoes don’t fit your feet perfectly.

Therefore, when choosing a running shoe model you have to take into consideration your foot structure and type as well as your running style. Also, you should browse through online running shoes reviews and see the pros and cons noticed by people who already tried those models. Only after analyzing these details and getting familiar with the different types of shoes you should go on and purchase a pair of professional running shoes for your jogging sessions.

Determining your foot type and walking style

As said, the first criterion to analyze when choosing a pair of shoes for running is the anatomy of your feet or your foot type. Sounds complicated and overwhelming but it’s not: all you have to do is take the so-called wet foot test and analyze the imprint left by your wet feet on a paper bag.

This simple test will give you enough details on the type of arch your foot has:

• Normal arch, associated with neutral pronation while walking; in this case, the shoe wear on the forefoot is uniform therefore the distribution of stress and weight while walking or running is even;
• Low arch, defining the flat feet and the abnormal walking style called over-pronation; the shocks in this second case are absorbed by the inside of the foot so the best running shoes for this type of feet are those that can correct the abnormality and distribute the shocks evenly;
• High arch, representative for supination (under-pronation); in this situation you tend to step more on the outside of your foot, so that is the area taking most of the weight, pressure and shocks while walking;

But what are the arches of your foot and why are these three types important in finding the best running shoes? In very simple words, the arches are the three distinct curves along the inside of your feet, formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones and sustained by tendons and ligaments. Their role is to support your body and distribute the weight evenly while standing, walking or running.

People with normal arches should choose stability running shoes with semi-curved shapes as these models offer an equally matched blend of cushioning and padding features for increased comfort as well as standard stabilizing features for safe running.

Those who tend to over-pronate while walking should opt for professional motion-control running shoes with straight shapes, as these models offer the best support and movements control for people with flat feet.

Last, individuals whose walking style is defined by supination should choose cushioned running shoes with curved shapes and flexible pads because these models are designed to encourage foot motion and offer proper support for the high arches.

So give yourself the time to browse through online stores and running shoes reviews to find those models that match the mentioned criteria and your budget as well. And remember, the best running shoes are those that fit you properly, feel comfortable and are qualitative enough for you to wear them day and night.