Things to consider – Selecting Running Shoes

Things to consider – Selecting Running Shoes

May 5, 2013

Most of the runners and walkers always remain under the impression that tightness equals support. But in reality, the shoes that fits tightly or are too snug can lead to many issues. Problems can be such as numbness in the toes, burning in the balls of the feet, or even the occasional missing toenail. Improper shoe size and shape are the main cause of ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, and hammer toes. And improper fitness of the shoes may also lead to muscular imbalance which can ultimately lead to a number of injuries.

So when making your next purchase for athletic shoes, make sure to have your feet measured professionally to ensure proper sizing and fit.

Guidelines for Running Shoes Selection

Running shoes should typically be at approx. one size larger than your everyday shoe size. For one reason, running shoes are very true to size, unlike many fashion shoes. Also, you want roughly a clearance from the tip of longest toe and the end of the shoe. This allows the foot room to swell and expand during activity and allows the toes plenty of room to move around. And to your knowledge, average foot spreads up to 1/2 an inch in length when weight is applied, and one shoe size is only 1/3 of an inch. Besides, the width of running and walking shoes is also important. Too narrow shoe is equally harmful and can cause a number of problems similar to the length of the shoes. So give thorough consideration while selecting your Running shoes.

BLISTERS and FITNESS of Shoes

Too snug fit of the shoe in the heel and through the arch area, will secure your foot such as there will not be any room for the foot to move around. As a matter of fact, too snugly fitted shoe is much more likely to cause blisters than the shoe with extra room. As we like to say around the store, the heel and middle of the shoe should be snug, but you should be able to pack your lunch in the toe box. Most brands come in a variety of widths and in sizes 1-18. Every brand has its own measures and specifications, so don’t assume that just because you’re one size in one brand, you’ll automatically be the same size in another brand. Try each shoe on for size, jog around the store a bit and get a good feel for the fit. And be sure to try on shoes after a workout since your feet swell during activity.

Share the Post

Related Articles