Ransacker

Choosing a pair of running shoes can seem quite confusing but by following this easy-to-use guide you should find the pair that’s right for you.

1. What is your foot type?

Without getting too complex, there are three different categories of running shoes; motion control, stability and neutral / cushioned.

The “Wet Test”
The simplest way to decipher what type of running shoes you require is to take a look at your foot print the next time you get out of the bath or shower. However, please be aware that although the “wet test” is a good indicator it is not always correct. We would recommend that for 100% accuracy that you visit a foot biomechanics specialist.

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LOW ARCH / FLAT FOOT means that when your foot strikes the ground it has the tendency to roll inwards excessively which provides plenty of shock absorption but prevents normal toe-off. The excessive motion in called Over Pronation (see video) and creates instability through out your body. You will require a stability or motion control running shoe to correct this.

If would like to see our selection of the best stability and motion control running shoes for people with flat feet please click here.

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A NORMAL ARCH is the most common and can suggest that you may well not need to seek running shoes with special requirements. Having a neutral foot would suggest that when you walk or run that you have a Neutral running style, that your feet follow the natural GAIT cycle and Pronate sufficiently (see video). If you have a normal arch you will require light stability or light  neutral / cushioned running shoes.

If would like to see our selection of the best stability running shoes for people with normal arches please click here.

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A HIGH ARCH is the least common of the three types of feet, if your feet fit this category then it is likely that you Underpronate (see video). Your foot is rigid and doesn’t roll inwards enough and although it provides stability, it is not an effective shock absorber. People with High arched feet often require neutral running shoes to help compensate.

If would like to see our selection of the best neutral running shoes for people with high arches please click here.

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How much do you weigh?

Heavier runners may require running shoes with additional cushioning and/or enhanced motion control features. This applies to Men over 85kg and Women over 73kg.

Trail Running Shoes

If you are a trail / off road runner then you will require a specialized trail running shoe. However, the priciples above still apply. For more information about trail running shoes please click here.

Buying your running shoes

Being an online business this is probably not the best thing to suggest but we would not recommend that you purchase your first pair of “real” running shoes online. Although they will be cheaper online we would advise that you get yourself along to a specialist running shop where you can rely on the staff to provide you with helpful advice and analysis. Don’t go to your run-of-the-mill sports shop in the high street.

And….

• Make sure you try a few pairs of running shoes on
• Shop late in the afternoon or after a run – your feet will be expanded then
• Wear your running socks – deodorize first!
• Your running shoes should be snug but NOT TIGHT.
• Your running shoes may need to be a half to a full size larger than your everyday shoes.
• Check that there is adequate room at the front of the shoe. There should be a thumb width between the end of your largest toe and the end of the shoe
• The running shoe should fit the foot snugly at its widest point and when you walk your foot should not slide around either. Upper should fit snugly and hold foot securely.

Replace your running shoes

Running shoes lose their cushioning after 300-500 miles of running, so to help prevent pain and injury you’ll need to replace them after you’ve run this distance. Once you can see that the heels have worn down, the running shoes need to be changed. How long your running shoes last, of course, is up to you and your training plan.