How to Choose Running Shoes: All Beginner To Professionals in 2022

Everybody is not that lucky to hit the ‘Bulls-Eye’ at a random shot. Similarly, you couldn’t expect to pick up the RIGHT shoe blindly, just taking a leap in the dark.

When you are involved with any running activities, you shouldn’t compromise with the need of a Compatible pair of running shoes. A bad choice can trouble the rest of your life with minor to severe injuries.

This is why the question, how to choose running shoe, is getting bigger with the time.

Here, I am going to discuss some parameters that will help you to recognize the best running shoes out there.

Recognize Your Foot Type

Recognizing the foot type, especially the arch, is a must to get a COMPATIBLE shoe that meets your requirements the most. Otherwise, the shoe could be hell with millions of problems including arch pain, uneasiness, and inertia.

There are 3 basic arch types- Normal, Low, And High Arch. Basically, different arch type refers to the different level of height. If you have a high arch, you can’t go for a shoe that has a lower arch-collar or saddle.

So, which arch do you have?

If you can’t determine yet, no worries, I have a 30-seconds test, known as ‘wet test’.

First of all, gently wet your both feet and stand on a paper/paper bag for a few seconds. Remember, don’t soak the feet all way. Because the paper will absorb all the water and distort the imprinted natural shape.

Then, step off carefully and observe the aqueous shape.

• If the printed shape gets the whole lateral image with the half-wide of your feet, it refers to the NORMAL arch.
• If the shape shows almost no curve along the inside-feet and prints nearly the entire structure of the feet, it means you have a LOW arch.
• If you can see a thin lateral print with a very noteworthy curve, then the arch is HIGH.

Understand The Pronation

If you want a smooth performance from your running shoe, you have to know about the pronation. ‘Pronation’ indicates the natural movement to certain angles while running.

You need to recognize your pronation among the following four.

Severe overpronation

If your heel rolls inward exceedingly after striking the ground while running, that means you have overpronation. And an overpronator lacks the strength to stabilize the movement properly. The problem seems the most to the people with a low and flat arch.

Motion Control Shoes are the best choice for overpronators.

Neutral pronation

When the foot rolls insides typically is called neutral or basic pronation. It absorbs shocks and relieves pressure on joints and knees.

The neutral cushioning shoes are best for a neutral pronator.

Underpronation(supination)

When the heel strikes the ground outward is known as Underpronation. Underpronators stay at high risk of injuries while running fast. So, they should use friendly shoes constantly.

Neutral shoes work well for them.

I’ve point out some mandatory topics about recovering Sh​in Splints injuries and what shoes are best for this kind of injury.

Running Shoes For Beginner

Along with arch type and pronation, you should look for some more attributes to meet a champion running shoe.

The Form Of Running

You just can’t Google ‘Running Shoe’ and Place an order right away. All the running shoes are not made for the same purposes. Usually, they are dedicated to a certain form. For instance, you can’t run a marathon with the same shoe you wear in the trail. In fact, they contain some prominent features along with the following.

You will find out those features in a special segment of this article. But before that, have a look at what else you must lookup.

Fitting

If nothing, even then we try to get a perfect fit at least. You might ignore the look, over-price, and sometimes its heavy-weight as well, but you couldn’t ignore the fitting.

But do you know what is a perfect fit?

Well, let’s not do any math. Simply it is the fit you are comfortable with.

Versatility

There have some shoes that will allow you to endue in several running activities. If you have the opportunity, it is highly recommended to go for that sort of shoes. It will cut down your cost.

Lightweight

If you are planning to run a marathon or similar activities that are involved with long-way running, you might not enjoy tons of weight at your feet. In some cases, the scenario could be contrasted as well. It totally depends on your preference.

Just make sure you have considered the weight before jumping at the pick.

Durability

You might love unboxing new shoes but you wouldn’t like buying shoes every two months. The shoe must be durable.

Nowadays, durability is a big issue with the shoes. Manufacturers are emphasizing on the look very hard instead of the quality just to grab customers easily. And most of us got caught in this trap. Don’t be their next target. Pay heed to the quality most.

Doesn’t matter whether the shoe is great-looking or costly, it should be durable enough.

Price

Considering the price doesn’t mean going for a low or high budget shoe. As long as the price returns the quality, and the shoe feels comfortable, you can go for it. But yes, you have to spend a good amount of money for a shoe with great features.

Running Shoes For The Professionals

Besides the beginner-shoe features, a professional running shoe must hold some additional attributes to make your journey smooth and convenient.

Sole

All the soles don’t behave the same. They have different trademark efficiency. So, you have to decide first what kind of action you are expecting from the sole. And then find the shoe with the same kind of sole. But the sole should not be the only criteria. There have some more features that professional shoe holds.

Flexibility is one of them.

Flexibility

A running shoe must be flexible. If it doesn’t break-in to the natural angle,  you can’t enjoy running. In fact, it will feel stiff and sturdy to run.

Shock absorbent

As the professional running shoes are high impact shoes, they should be shock absorbent. Otherwise, it will generate many injuries.

When the shoe strikes on the ground while running, your heel holds the whole weight on that including the amplified pressure. If your shoe doesn’t have the strength to absorb the shock, it will restrict your smooth running experience.

Support

The cushioning support is very significant. A shoe should have compatible cushioning for better performance. But don’t select any shoe with excessive cushioning. It is harmful to the muscles.

Some Special Efficiency You Should Look For These Specific Forms Of Running

Athletic Shoe

No-seam shoes

Try to get a shoe that is seam-less. Seaming shoes are not good for competitive running. Moreover, they are not durable enough. So, pick a shoe with no-seam for your next game.

Drop

Understanding the drop is very important. Actually, it is nothing but cushioning measurement. If the heels hold more cushioning than midsole or toe area, it means it has a greater drop.

Drop is necessary for high impact running. When the heel strikes ground first with lots of pressure, it needs extra support. A greater drop can provide that. However, a zero-drop shoe or ankle support shoes needs an adjustment period.

Trail running shoe

Sole

The shoe should be a little stiff and sturdy to support on uneven surfaces and rugged trails. If you used to track trails on a regular basis, don’t fall for any deception.

Slip-resistant

Slippery shoes are always hazardous. A shoe should have enough grip to balance the moves and end up running with stability. And I hope you don’t like to take the risk when it is avoidable.

Shoes for Jogging and Regular Running

Lightweight and Flexibility

Lightweight shoes are always a great choice. It will give you a buttery and smooth feelings while running fast. Besides, Flexibility is another arresting attribute that makes your shoe better than average.

Sole

Whether you run on treadmills or road, a shoe with smoother and flatter sole will always pay you the maximum output back. This kind of sole creates a consistent surface to ensure an effortless running experience.

What Mistakes You Shouldn’t Do when choosing running shoe

• Going for a random shoe for running can spoil the game badly. Always prefer specialized shoes for a great experience.
• Ignoring the Arches and pronation could trouble you a lot.
• You shouldn’t emphasis too much on looks. Instead, ensure comfort as much as possible.
• Don’t assume the shoe size blindly. It varies brand to brand.
• We don’t use to wear socks while trying a new pair. Big Mistake. You should always consider the fit with socks, especially while buying running shoes.
• Instead of buying online, if possible, go to a physical store. It will lessen the possibility of getting an inappropriate shoe.

Frequently Asked Question About Running

What should I look for in my running shoe?

Answer:

Nothing but flexibility, compatible cushioning, supporting capability, a perfectly wide, and comfortable sole.

Do I need a running shoe while jogging?

Answer:

Well, it’s not like that you couldn’t jogging without proper running shoes. But yes, when it comes to enjoying running and doing it smoothly, avoiding the possibility of any kind of injuries, you must need appropriate running shoes.

​A running shoe is really necessary? What if I run with my regular shoe?

Answer:

Running high with regular shoes is a bad idea. If you are an occasional runner, then it’s ok. But if you do the job regularly, there is nothing indispensable than a comfortable running shoe.

​​Is there any cheap but worthy running shoe?

Answer:

A lot. If you are thinking ONLY pricy shoes are worthy, you are absolutely wrong my dear. There are some perfectly comfortable shoes as well comes with a reasonable price. You just have to have the eyes to see them.

​​Is cushioned shoe bad for foot?

Answer:

According to recent research excessive cushioning raises the risk of several injuries. Sometimes, it imbalances the bone and generate pain. But a compatible amount of cushioning makes them very comfortable.

Wrapping Up

If you are thinking there might have no shoe that could hold all these requirements, you are absolutely wrong. In fact, there are lots of ideal footwear to make you go faster and stronger.

You just need to know the way of filtering.

So, next time, when the question ‘How to choose running shoe‘ comes in mind, make sure you can answer yourself. Because if you forgot any of the factors, you might have to pay unpleasant bills for that.