Choosing running shoes for beginners can be tricky. There are a lot of different factors to consider when buying running shoes, and beginner runners should know what these are in order to save both time and money. Here are some simple tips on how to pick the perfect running shoe from your collection.
Understand foot arch types
to pick running shoes for beginner, Foot arch is an important factor to know when shopping for running shoes for the first time.
There are three main types of feet: high arches, flat feet, and low-arched or no arches at all.
High arches are the type of feet that have and space at the instep. Between the heel and the toes do not touch the ground.
Those with high arch feet are prone to pain because they lack support for the sole of the foot flat.
Running shoes with a lot of cushioning will be a good running shoe for high arched runners.
Flat feet are the type that the whole feet is on the ground. Flat arch are too flexible with an even weight distribution throughout the foot.
They tend to absorb shock well but often lack support, so they should go for neutral running shoes instead of running shoes with too much cushioning. Those who suffer from flat feet should stick with running shoes that feature both stability and some level of cushioning.
Low-arched runners do not have enough support in their running shoes and are more likely to get injured from running. Low arches can be treated by running in running shoes that have added stability or extra padding, though they may require custom insoles.
Low arch has good balance between flexibility and support, making it perfect for running shoes.
Determine your gait
There are two running gaits: overpronation and underpronation.
Pronation is the natural roll of the foot from heel to toe at contact with the ground.
Overpronators have feet that roll inward too much, causing their running style to be unstable and putting them at risk for injury or other problems.
Features of shoes good for overpronate runners
Cushioned running shoes for overpronators have additional support built into the running shoe, making running more comfortable.
Stability running shoes are designed specifically to counter excessive inward rolling of the feet and ankles during running.
Features to look out for are high-density cushioning, excess midsole, lace up running shoes with durable upper, curved heel counters or molded heel cups that help lock your heel in place inside the running shoe, extra medial posting that supports the arch of the foot.
Underpronate runners
have a running style that is rigid and inflexible, which puts strain on certain joint parts in the body as well as making them more susceptible to damage.
features of shoes good for underpronate runners
Cushioned running shoes for underpronators have less cushioning, more flexibility and a wider toe box.
Features to look out for are split heels or a curved sole which mimics the shape of your foot, running shoes with a lower drop from heel to forefoot which makes running easier on the knees of runners who over stride, running shoes with medial post support of at least 10 mm.
Those with high arches will benefit most from running in running shoes that have soft cushioning on the inside of the running shoe where it touches their feet.
Flat arches should stick to neutral running shoes while low arch runners can get away with running in almost any type of running shoe as long as it not too cushioned.
Running gait
The running gait is related to your running motion as well as stride length and frequency which determines how you will choose your running shoe type.
Runners who overstride tend to land more onto the outside of their feet than those who under-stride so they need more cushioning and stability running shoes compared to neutral ones where cushioning and stability is split evenly throughout the whole sole unit of running shoes.
Neutral runners should go for running shoes that have a good level of cushioning and stability so their running motion does not suffer from running in running shoes with either too much cushioning or stability since they need both to run effectively.
Type of Running shoes
The three types are neutral running shoes, stability running shoes and motion-control running shoes.
Neutral running shoes do not support any part of the foot over another part when in full stride so they provide flexible movement for each area when in use.
features of Neutral running shoes running
shoes with cushion running shoes, running shoes designed for overpronators running shoe’s different support running shoe’s do not offer too much support or stability making it great running shoes for neutral runners.
Neutral running shoes are the perfect running shoe because they provide maximum comfort without compromising on any features of running shoes needed to run properly.
Stability running shoes have a part in the middle of them that helps prevent you from over-pronating. The design of stability running shoes increases impact absorption and decreases pressure underfoot for a more comfortable stride.
Stability running shoe helps runners with flat feet to support their arches while running by using material such as air pockets or foam to reduce shock absorption when in full stride.
Features of good stability running shoes
Features of good stability running shoe includes
–high-density cushioning,
–heel counters made from thermoplastic urethane (TPU)
–lace up running shoes with durable upper
–extra medial posting that supports
motion-control running shoe is designed for runners who tend to roll their ankles or feet outwardly when in full stride
features of motion-control running shoes
Features of good motion-control running shoes include extra cushioning, an elevated heel to provide elevation reduction, arch supports and durable outsoles.
Once you’ve determined your foot type and running gait, it’s time to check out the different types of running shoes on the market today. This will help you pick out a pair that is perfect for your personal preferences and running style.
Running Surfaces
Depending on what running surfaces you’re running on, different running shoes may be more suitable for your running style and preference.
–Road running shoes are for running or racing on asphalted streets as they provide better propulsion due to the high-level of responsiveness
–Trail running shoe is best used on trails with rough and uneven ground where traction and stability is key.
--Mud running shoes are running shoes that are specifically designed with grip to prevent slipping during running on wet or muddy terrain.
Running Shoe Construction Types
A running shoe with a leather upper and rubber sole is generally considered an entry level running shoe because it’s usually found at lower price. These types of running shoes offers good ventilation and lightweight features which help energetic runners go faster.
Running shoes made from mesh tend to be lighter than those made from leather but require extra care to prevent running shoes from getting ripped easily.
The running shoe construction type made with synthetic materials tend to last longer but running shoes not only lacks ventilation and breathability, they can also be quite heavy as well as running shoes that aren’t flexible which affects running gait.
Running Shoe Materials
When running in running shoes, it’s important that you know what running material is used for the running shoe upper since different materials come with different features;
Breathable uppers help keep your feet dry and cool during a run while running shoes with waterproof may prevent moisture from reaching your feet but it prevents heat escaping so runners who wear them tends to have their feet overheat quickly during a run.
A good running shoe fits comfortably snug around your foot so they don’t slip when in use but not too tight where they cause pain or discomfort. The foam cushioning should also be dense enough to absorb shock during impact with the ground but not so stiff that they make running uncomfortable. Look for running shoes that have a rubber sole, which will last longer and provide traction when running on wet surfaces.
How to take care of your running shoes
Running shoes are very important running equipment that cannot be substituted or ignored in any running activity. It is important to buy running shoes that will fit your running style, help you prevent injury and provide much comfort when running. The following are some tips on how to properly care for your running shoes;
Air dry running shoes after use by hanging them inside out in a cool running shoe rack or room where they’ll get ventilation
Never wear the same pair of running shoes for two consecutive days because it can lead to bad odour buildup which may make them uncomfortable to wear again after washing it with soap and water.
Generally, running shoes should be washed once every week using detergent mixed with warm water then air dry before storing them away. Running shoe materials may vary but running shoes made with synthetic materials don’t require frequent washing.