Running Shoes Buyer’s Guide

Running is an exercise that anyone can engage in; all you need are two legs and running gear. Running a few hours every week improves your cardiovascular health. After each run, you get a refreshing feeling and a sense of wellness due to a release of endorphins.

One of the most essential, and arguably the most vital running gear, is the running shoe. Running shoes can make running either a pleasant experience or unnecessarily unpleasant. Your feet are the most important things when running and should be treated as such. You need to get a pair of Asics running shoes or one of the above ranked ones that not only protect your feet but ensures your overall comfort and hitch-free running experience.

You may have a couple of questions regarding which pair to get, so we’ve compiled a couple of questions you may have on your mind, and we answered them for you.

What is the difference between cushioned, stability, and motion control shoes?

Running shoes are designed in various ways to cater for different types of feet. Running shoes either come as stability, cushioned, or motion-controlled shoes. Each of these targets different people with peculiarities.

Cushioned running shoes, as the name suggests, have cushioning to help absorb shock. Most running shoes have some form of cushioning. Cushioning ranges from minimal and lightweight design to super cushioning. Depending on your needs, you opt for the one suitable.

Stability running shoes are for people with a natural foot arch, and to deal with mild pronation. Most running shoes are designed as stability shoes. Motion-control shoes, on the other hand, are designed for people with flat foot or people with feet that overpronate to provide stability and reduce pronation and potential injury. Motion control running shoes are usually heavy and rigid.

Which shoes are best for running?

You need first to understand that there’s no golden shoe out there that magically fits everyone, or suitable for every runner’s needs. However, some shoes tailor to individual needs. Secondly, running shoes are different from sneakers or basketball shoes, although they look similar. They are designed specifically for running and provides shock absorption and protection against injury.

Choosing a running shoe can be quite confusing with the various types available with a myriad of features. Maybe you’re just a typical runner who just wants to keep fit, or you take running more seriously, or maybe you’re a marathoner. You would need a pair of running shoes that are suitable for you to make your runs smooth while providing the appropriate support and protection for your foot.

There are different types of running shoes, each made with different users in mind. To find which of the category of users you fall under, you need to get your gait analyzed. You’ll find out if you need shoes that’ll help if you overpronate, or maybe you have neutral pronation, or maybe you need shoes with cushioning, etc. Also, get the accurate fit of your running shoes to prevent you from causing damage to your feet, damage to your lower back, and prevent chaffing.

Depending on the type of running you’ll be doing, there are different types of running shoes. You have running shoes designed for everyday running and are very durable. There are lightweight shoes for races and fast workouts; they’re usually less durable, and the trail running shoes made for running or hiking dirt trails.

The very first thing you need to consider when getting running shoes is how well it fits. Feet sizes are not the same throughout the day, in the morning, your feet tend to be smaller and swells in volume and width as the day progresses, so the best time to check if shoes fit is in the afternoon. A well fitted running shoe would have a finger width gap between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. You should not have a squeezing feeling subjecting your foot to undue pressure, and it must not slip or rub.

You should consider the terrain on which you would be running. Trail running requires sturdy shoes with enough protection. Trail running shoes have very sturdy soles and are designed all-around not to wear quickly similar to parkour shoes; they are for harsh terrains and, as such, should be sturdy enough. You can get lightweight road running shoes if you’re going to be running on road pavements, if you don’t have a particular route you follow, you can get different pairs to use for each terrain or a hybrid that can handle both.

The suitable running shoes for you must provide stability and support for you. The level of pronation in your feet and arch shape points out the support you need from your shoes. People with a neutral gait can opt for shoes with minimal cushioning, flexibility, and little if any support, this is because they don’t need any extra stability. Stability shoes are for those with pronation. They help stabilize gaits by reducing the way your feet swing from side to side. The midsole has footbridges of foam, which help spread impact and reduces how much your foot rolls. There are different types of stability shoes, and you’ll need to have your gait analyzed to get the appropriate stabilizing shoes.

Consider the fabric of the running shoes. Waterproof running shoes are suitable for wet terrains and are heavier than normal shoes due to an added membrane on the upper. Waterproof shoes tend to get hot if you wear them in warm conditions. You also want to take note of the drop and heel to toe cushion. The drop is the difference between height at the heel and the forefoot. Drop usually ranges from 5mm to 12mm.

Bad knees are bad news for a runner or anybody. It interferes with running, causing constant pain and discomfort that can get quite frustrating. Knee pain has several causes, such as overtraining, torn ligaments, your legs not being properly aligned, arthritis, etc.

Do you have a bad knee, and you think you can’t run? Well, you can run even with bad knees with the right pair of running shoes. You should see a doctor first if you have any knee or leg problems because knee problems can become worse through activities such as running by putting repetitive stress on the knees.

If you have a bad knee, you need to buy a pair of running shoes that’ll help you run without worsening your knee as you run. A wrong pair of running shoes can cause knee pains or even worsen your bad knee. Even worn-out running shoes can worsen bad knees and even affect you back, feet and hip, so make sure to replace those old ones with suitable running shoes.

When choosing running shoes for bad knees, you would want shoes that’ll provide maximum comfort, support, and cushioning. Cushioning protects your knee joints from microdamage. Running shoes with orthotic insoles are a great type of running shoes for bad knees, too, because they provide support for the foot arch while serving as an extra layer of cushioning. If you are a nurse, you should also aim to go for lightweight shoes and make sure the shoes fit perfectly.

A popular myth is that running ruins your knees, this is not true as studies have shown. A wrong pair of running shoes can, however, further deteriorate and worsen your knee. Asides getting the proper running shoes for bad knees, there are precautions to take when running with a bad knee. Don’t strike with your heel because it subjects your knees to disproportionate impact. Try as much as possible to run on soft, stable surfaces. Do not push yourself too hard; don’t go overboard with your runs cause the longer you run, the more stress you put on your knees.

Be sure to see your doctor and get advice on how to progress as a runner with a bad knee; they’ll inform you of what needs to be done and necessary precautions.

Are cushioned shoes better for running?

It is expected that your running Shoe would have some form of cushioning. However, there is a study that suggests that running shoes with cushioned shoes may lead to more impact on your foot and increases leg stiffness due to the knees bending less and the legs not compressing as they should or normally would. However, Dr. Michael J. Joyner explains that there’s no real evidence that suggests that a particular type of Shoe makes users prone to injuries. He said that the kind of running shoes might not matter as your neuromuscular system would adjust.

Whether or not cushioning is needed in running shoes is a timeless debate between two factions who share opposing views. Those in favor of cushioning say it leads to lesser impact. While those who argue that cushioning is not needed argue that humans evolved to run barefoot, and as such, our legs can handle the impact from running. The consensus is that too little cushioning will lead to higher levels of impact.

What kind of running shoes do marathon runners wear?

Running a marathon, you’ll need a pair of running shoes that provide maximum comfort and cushion. The shoes need to be durable, firm, provides balance, and does not weigh too much.

What are the most comfortable running shoes?

Undoubtedly, comfort is an essential factor to consider when choosing running shoes. However, the level of comfort or discomfort you feel depends on some factors such as the surface on which you would be running and the distance you expect to cover. For marathoners, the most comfortable shoes would be those with enough cushioning. Also, if you’re running on the pavement, you need well-cushioned shoes. All these seem to point towards cushioning as the significant factor that adds to comfort. However, cushioning isn’t all that matters; your overall gear does matter too. When running, it’s not advised to wear cotton socks due to the ability of cotton to retain moisture.

For maximum comfort, your Shoe must be a perfect fit, be flexible, and provide you with support, stability, and grip without posing any risk to your legs.

A tip to keep your shoes comfortable is to get some orthotic insoles to replace the ones that come with the shoes. As you run, overtime the insoles would wear leaving your feet with less cushioning, which will make running a bit uncomfortable, so investing a couple of insoles is a great idea and worth it in the long run.

How long do running shoes last?

Running shoes are built to be durable, given the nature of use. They are designed to be able to handle the miles upon miles of beating over different types of surfaces.

Depending on usage, your running shoes should last anywhere between 300 and 500 miles, which translates to between four and six months if you run 20 miles every week. You should note that this may not be the case always, although these values are based on the time it takes for the materials to deteriorate. Your running shoe may last longer or shorter depending on the use and durability and type of material used. There are some signs that your running shoes are beginning to wear out. The obvious one is worn soles. Also, as the cushioning starts to age, your shoes will feel flat to your feet.

Your shoes will not last forever, but nobody wants a pair of shoes that’ll just last a few runs. Take note that worn-out shoes will leave your feet susceptible to damage, so when it’s time to let go and get a new pair, do so.

If you want your shoes to last a little bit longer, you can get an extra identical pair of running shoes and alternate between them for each run. Rotating them will ensure they don’t wear out as fast as they would individually. Another tip is to keep your shoes clean. Wash your running shoes regularly, and ensure you follow the washing rules the manufacturer provides. When you’re done with the shoes, make sure you store them appropriately.

Conclusion

There are a lot of brands out there offering different types of shoes with features with hefty price tags, but you will be pleased to know that your budget-friendly pair of running shoes are as functional as their expensive counterparts. However, if you have the cash for it, you can opt for the more premium shoes. Just keep in mind that your shoes must be suitable for your needs.

Watch out for comfort and stability, choose the appropriate footwear for the terrain on which you would be running and ensure your shoes are the right fit. Remember, if you have any health issues concerns, always see your doctor and overstrain yourself when you start running, start small and build on it.