What Should You be Looking for in a Pair of Running Shoes?

Choosing Sneaker-Chispa MagazineBuying the right pair of running shoes is essential if you’re a regular runner or just getting started. A bad pair of shoes can severely affect your performance and reduce the level of enjoyment you get from running. However, too many people focus on the wrong things when buying a pair of shoes and end up regretting their purchase. Here are some of the most important things you should be looking for when buying a pair of sneakers.

Heel
The heel of the running shoe will have a big influence on how comfortable they will be. Ideally, the heel should hug your feet comfortably, but should not be too tight. One way to tell if the heel is the right tightness is to try to get your feet out of the shoes while they’re laced up but untied. If you can slide your foot out with no problem, then it’s the right size. There should be minimal heel movement and your heel area shouldn’t feel uncomfortable at all. And if you feel any sort of irritation while you try them, it will only be amplified over time.

Instep
The upper part of your shoes should feel comfortable as well. If you feel any type of tightness or pressure around your instep, then you should look at another size. If a particular model has pressure or hot spots under the laces, then you could try changing the way you lace them before looking at another model.

Width
A lot of people wrongly assume that the more pressure and support you have from side to side, the better it will be. But your feet should have some wiggle room and should be able to move slightly without going over the insole’s edge.

Length
People will often overlook the fact that feet will swell and change size after walking long periods of time or after a run. This is why you should also give your feet a little more room lengthwise.

One way to see if a pair of shoes is long enough, is to check if your thumb can fit from the tip of your longest toe, which is not always the big toe by the way, and the edge of the shoe. A shoe fitter or friend could check this for you while you’re standing with your shoes laced. Your toes should be able to move up and down as well. This will prevent you from developing front of the foot problems.

Arch Type
It’s very important that you know what your arch type is before you even start looking for shoes. You’ll have to pick shoes that will match your feet’s contours and movements. To see if a pair of shoes really fit, take them for a quick stroll down a hallway, sidewalk or on the store’s treadmill if there is one. Sites like Authorityshoe.Com also offer tips for buying shoes for your arch type.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to find a great pair of running shoes in no time. Make sure that you try as many models as you can before you make your decision and focus on substance over style if you want your runs to be as pleasant as possible.

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Paola Ramirez

Paola Ramirez

Managing Editor at Chispa Magazine
Based out of beautiful and sunny Miami, Paola Ramirez has been involved in the journalism industry for 12 years now. As one of our Managing Editors, she is our go-to-girl for fact-checking and discovering what is new and trending. Her passion of beauty, health, fitness, and fashion is what turns on her "Chispa"!

Paola Ramirez

Based out of beautiful and sunny Miami, Paola Ramirez has been involved in the journalism industry for 12 years now. As one of our Managing Editors, she is our go-to-girl for fact-checking and discovering what is new and trending. Her passion of beauty, health, fitness, and fashion is what turns on her "Chispa"!