What to Look for In the Perfect Pair of Running Shoes

Runners need the right shoes. Running puts stress on your feet, legs, and whole body. That’s why you need running shoes that fully and correctly support you during activity.

Buy new running shoes whenever your old ones start to show signs of wearing out, so you protect your foot and ankle health. Running in old or worn-out shoes puts you at a higher risk of foot and ankle injuries.

That said, there’s a lot more to picking out the right pair of running shoes than just choosing the color.

In this blog, Dr. Stephen G. Eichelsdorfer (“Dr. Ike”) and our team at  Town Center Foot & Ankle, located in Kingwood, Texas, advise you on what to do and what not to do when shopping for new running shoes.

Shop in-person, not online

Online shopping makes life easier in many ways, but for running shoes that correctly support your feet and body, shopping in-person is more likely to give you good results. There’s no substitute for trying shoes on and feeling the fit.

If you shop at a store that specializes in quality athletic shoes, the assistants and salespeople will likely be able to guide you to the best products. Don’t hesitate to ask for a second opinion on your footwear. 

Learn about your foot type and shape

Everyone’s feet are different. The right shoes for one person may cause blisters or provide inadequate ankle support for someone else. So when you’re shopping for new running shoes, it makes sense to learn your foot shape.

Take a closer look at the arches of your feet. If you see an upward curve in the middle of the underside of your foot, you likely have high arches. High arches increase pressure on the parts of your foot that make contact with the ground, putting you at risk for plantar fasciitis and heel pain. You’ll need shoes with plenty of arch support.

If you notice that there isn’t much curvature in the middle of the bottom of your feet, you could have low arches, also known as flatfoot. That means that you need the right cushioning and support. 

In the wrong shoes, you risk overpronation and rolling inward on your feet, resulting in chronic knee pain or Achilles tendon trouble. 

In addition to supportive running shoes, people with flat feet may benefit from custom orthotics. These inserts support the arches in your feet to prevent and correct overpronation.

Dr. Ike designs your orthotics to stabilize your ankles during athletic activity, reducing your risk of injury.

Consider your cushioning needs

Which parts of your feet need to be cushioned when running, and to what degree? Not all running shoes provide the same amount or type of cushioning support.

Depending on your fitness, your athletic goals, and the terrain where you run, you may need more or less cushioning. Leave plenty of room for your toes, as well.

For personalized advice on finding the best running shoes for you, reach out to Dr. Eichelsdorfer and our Town Center Foot & Ankle team. We’re here to keep you running without foot pain or problems. Request an  appointment online or over the phone today.