Bellevue Chiropractor Tells You How To Pick Running Shoes
Running is such a great form of exercise for men and women alike. Just as a car mechanic needs the correct tools to perform his job, a perfect pair of running shoes is vital for a runner. When going to buy a pair of running shoes there are a few things you need to think about.
What distances do you plan on running? If you run no more than 10 miles per week than a basic running shoe will be just fine. If you are training for a marathon, like many of the people I see running here in Bellevue, Wa, you need to think about making more of an investment in your running shoe.
Consider the arch in your foot. Those with a high arch, need a running shoe with a curved shape. If you have an average arch, a semi-curved shoe might be the best fit. Those with a low arch or flat feet need a straight shape shoe.
Understand pronation, which is the rolling of the foot from heel to toe through the foot strike. A proper or neutral pronation is hitting the outside of the heel and up to ball of your foot evenly across the front. This is how your foot reduces the stress of impact. Underpronation means that the outside of your foot takes most of the shock instead of finishing in the neutral position. Overpronation is too much roll across from the outside to the inside of your foot.
To find out if you are dealing with over or underpronation, simply look at the bottom of your shoes. If you find that most of the wear is:
On the medial (inside) side then you Overpronate
On the outside then you underpronate
Uniform across the forefoot then you have a Neutral Stride
Where do you run most often? The most common running shoe was designed to run on pavement or sidewalks. If you are a trail runner then you need to be looking for a different type of shoe.
Shop for running shoes late in the afternoon, as feet are at their peak size at this time of day. When trying on the shoe, make sure there is a full thumb width between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe. In a properly fit running shoe, the toe box will allow the toes to move freely. The heel should not slip or rub against the shoe and the sole should flex with ease where the foot flexes.
Go to a store that specializes in running shoes or at least to a sporting goods store. The sales associates will be able to help you make a decision on the best shoe for you.
If you are an avid runner you may want to consider buying multiple pairs. In doing so you can rotate them and reduce the stress on the shoe itself. Even so, you want to replace you shoes every six months or so.
Do consider price so your budget isn’t blown, but don’t sacrifice comfort and durability in the process.
Runners have a wide selection of styles, colors and levels of comfort from which to choose when looking at running shoes. Remember, whether you are a casual runner or a serious runner, comfort and excellent support are essential for the best performance!
Dr. Michael Weir’s clinic is found by traveling to 2112 116th Ave NE, Suite A, Bellevue WA, 98004 .. Unique version for reprint here: Bellevue Chiropractor Tells You How To Pick Running Shoes.
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