The beauty of running lies in its simplicity. All you need is your favorite pair of shoes and you’re on your way. This simplicity has been overshadowed lately with the explosion of technology, ranging from GPS watches with options for tracking heart rate, cadence and oscillation, to the latest and greatest hydration systems. Shoes have not been spared in these advancements.
“What shoes do you recommend?” It’s one of the most frequently asked questions coaches get from athletes and fellow runners. The shoe industry has grown drastically over the past several years and the options are overwhelming. We’ve seen a drastic increase in the presence of minimalist, zero drop and maximal cushioning spanning every race distance and terrain.
The fact of the matter is, what shoe you wear is a very personal one but there are a few guidelines runners should follow to ensure they stay injury-free and training happily.
Avoid the fad. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. When an athlete comes to me and says they’re very excited about their brand new pair of Hokas, my first question to them is “why the change?” In current society, we are quick to buy the newest product on the market whether we need it or not. Before you go to an extreme in your footwear, consider if you’ve had any recent injuries or issues with fit. If not, chances are your current shoe choice is working just fine.
Choose Appropriate Shoes. This goes along with the first point. I am particularly interested in what shoes athletes are wearing when they start having lower leg issues, such as calf, peroneal tendon or Achilles injuries. The first thing I recommend to any runner who is either unsure of which shoes are right for them or if they’re having niggling pains, is to go to a specialty running store and have them do a gait analysis. From there, they will have you try on several shoe options that are appropriate for you. Remember, comfort is the most important factor when making your decision, not which shoe looks the best and is the most trendy. If the issue is beyond a simple shoe swap, a professional gait analysis lab is the next step.
Track Your Shoe Mileage. Many of us are so busy balancing work, family and our running, that we forget to pay attention to a critical piece of equipment, our shoes! The average mileage for a pair of shoes is anywhere from 300 to 400 miles. If you are prone to injury or wear your shoes for other activities outside of running, you will be on the lower end of this range. I personally like to track my shoe mileage via an old-fashioned paper log. Head-honcho of McMillan Running, Greg McMillan, uses Strava, which allows you to very easily record your shoe mileage as you upload your run da
They’ve changed my perfect shoe! It happens all the time. The shoe model you love and has been your go to shoe for years has changed and not for the better. To aid in your search for that new perfect shoe, refer online running show comparison tools.
Choosing your shoes may seem like a daunting task, but once you start the process you will quickly be able to eliminate poor shoe choices and focus on the ones that are right for you. It’s worth the little bit of extra time and effort to ensure your shoes are working with you and not against you. Remember, functionality and comfort first, fashion and trendiness second!
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