How to Choose the Right Running Shoes? Start Running Strong: Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Shoes for You!

Sports Send
4 min readApr 25, 2024

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Choosing the right running shoes for you
Photo courtesy of the author.

A few days ago, I saw an article here from the person who started to run but was not 100% sure what was needed. She told about it in a great ironic way, but between the lines, it had serious meaning!

Because she had been told so many things she needed, it was kind of too much for this program!

So I thought it would be useful for many people to get a list of what is needed and which priorities!

So this article is about the must-have: running shoes. The next articles will be about other gear that is important, fun, or useful!

runner’s essentials shoes and gear
Photo courtesy of the author

So, what is the situation right now?

Are you starting to run and excited to get yourself all geared up? Or you may be a more experienced runner who still gets lost in the deep abyss of running gear lingo and the sheer enormity of products offered on the market. Whatever your predicament, fear not; I've got you covered.

I will take your hand and guide you through the running gear jungle, aiming to clarify which items the smart runner absolutely must have, which ones are helpful and highly recommended, and what gear to pick up just for the fun of it!

When I talk about the subject, I will sometimes add useful links with more knowledge about it!

Running shoes, apparel, various gadgets, and accessories can all be part of your collection, but it is important to distinguish what is worth investing in first and foremost before spending money on nonessential minutiae.

The right gear will keep you safe, help prevent injury, and reduce the stress on your body while running. Become a better, faster, and more furious runner than ever before with the proper gear and the right attitude. Let’s go for it.

Photo courtesy of the author

THE ESSENTIAL

I will go over a runner’s essentials—such as shoes, outfit components, and extras such as water and hydration packs. But I start with this article about running shoes.

It is important to note that what is essential also depends on your level of ability and running level. Perhaps not every single item is required for your first run, but they should definitely stay at the top of your list as you accumulate more miles.

RUNNING SHOES

The running shoes are the most important part of your running gear, period. No surprise here.

The right shoe for you depends on the shape, size, and biomechanics of your foot, your running style, where you run, and the amount of running you do.

Hence, there is no perfect running shoe for everyone, but at this stage of your running journey, there is a perfect shoe for you.

Many experienced runners use as many as five pairs of running shoes a week, depending on their daily objectives.

However, if you are starting out, you don’t have to go that far. Follow the advice enumerated below on how to choose your first pair of running sneakers, and that will probably be enough to get you started on your first couple of runs.

type of your foot arch
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How to Choose the Right Running Shoes

Picking the perfect pair of running shoes is more akin to art than science — you may need to try a few before deciding. Regardless, have these few considerations in mind while shopping.

  1. Buy shoes designed for running.

Firstly, shop in the running shoe section. That may go without saying, but shoes specifically designed for running absorb the shock of 2.5 times your body weight, easing tension on your joints and tendons.

For this reason, you require cushioning on both the front and back of your foot. Running shoes have special features that reduce the impact of frequent landings, allowing you to run comfortably daily.

2. Know your arch.

Based on the type of your foot arch, your feet can be categorized as either low, high, or neutral. To see which one you are, step down on the floor with your weight evenly distributed between your legs. Look at your feet and determine how your arches are.

Some people have very low arches, and their feet can seem almost flat. Don’t worry if that’s the case; you can still make a brilliant runner.

Notice if your ankle or foot seems to roll in. If so, remember to buy running shoes that cater to overpronation.

On the other hand, if your arches are too high, you might face stability issues, such as your foot and ankles rolling to the outside (or overly supinating). In this case, the right running shoes for you should cater for supination.

If your feet have normal arches, you are considered lucky and should wear neutral-arch running shoes. That means you will probably get away with wearing a wide variety of designs.

Now, head out to your favorite sports store or look online for your first pair of running shoes!

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Sports Send

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