Getting it Right – Running Shoes that Work

 

Most athletes spend little time picking out a good shoe, even knowing how important it is. And with tons of jogging shoes available, it’s crazy just knowing where to start. Does a shoe exist that you can buy that will go the distance without breaking down? The best running shoe doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Good running shoes fit well.

It’s a fact, your running shoes are your most expensive gear – like toddlers thinking of their Razor Kiddie Kick Scooter. Your pinkies will be protected and your stride will probably improve with good shoes. Millions of dollars go into running shoes and the better jogging shoe manufacturers make significant investment back into R&D of those feet protectors.

Ask 10 runners and get 10 answers, but I believe the best are…… Nike, Pumas and Adidas. I am happy with these brands I mention much like I am with my Razor A2 Scooter. If you get a good Brooks or Asics shoe, they will have good support in the ankle and cushiony throughout. Pumas I’ve found to be different with no cushion. Yes Pumas are light and feel so good to wear. I highly recommend Asics and Brooks. This will give you a start but really you need to find what works for you.  Asics and Brooks are my favorite shoes and I’ve never had a problem with them. The only way you’re really going to find your shoe is to try on different brands and find first what fits best.

With shoes, you really do get what you pay for, so buy smartly. For beginners, there is nothing like getting started on the wrong foot. Many people get a bad start in jogging simply by using a simple tennis shoe. It will probably take a while to find the best running shoes yet in the end you’ll have a comfortable fit and less risk for injury.

The first place to go is to an outlet that deals only in in jogging shoes. Advise the salesperson of the type of distance running, the frequency of your running, and whether you run on concrete, track field, etc. Make sure you get your arches checked at the store to get the best fit. This is how your foot type of determined like the Kiddie Kick Scooter. This measurement is very important to find the best running shoe.

For starters, you have to know what sort of foot God gave you in order to buy a shoe that really supports your foot. Jogging shoes come in three types – semicurved, straight, and curved. Dunk your bare foot in water, then stand on a surface where you can see the imprint of your foot. Take a look at the imprint you left to see if you have a normal flat, or high arch.

Now, a small but growing body of research suggests that barefoot is the way adults should run, too. Take off those heavy clunkers and join the hundreds who are opting for the minimalist shoes that weigh just ounces a pair .

And who said that shoes prevent injuries anyway?  Do they really?  They really haven’t done anything since they were invented. Take them off and studies have shown that fewer injuries occur making you think that shoes actually cause injury. Runners who wear cheap running shoes have fewer injuries than those wearing expensive trainers. Meanwhile, injuries plague 20 to 80 percent of regular runners every year.