Getting training shoes involves more than just going to the store and picking up the first ones you like the look of. Shoes are created for certain types of feet. You want something that isn’t just comfortable but will also support your foot structure.
Moreover, it is not just about your foot structure but the type of workout that you are doing. Running shoes are vastly different necessities to basketball or volleyball shoes. You will want a different type of support when you are running hills than when you are running on the beach or a flat surface.
Finding the perfect training shoes does not have to be difficult. You do not need to go through various pairs or buy and just hope that you get something that fits well while you run. Here’s your ultimate guide to help you find better training shoes for your feet.
Talk to an Expert
Some sports stores now offer to expect technology to help you find the perfect training shoe. Some stores have a treadmill for you to run on. The machine will look at the way your feet hit the ground, determining the type of foot you have and where you need the support. You can also carry out other jumps and steps, depending on the type of training shoe you are looking for.
After analyzing the results, experts will help determine the type of training shoes that will offer the support you need. For example, if you naturally have a high instep, the experts will find training shoes that have an instep that is supported for that. If you have a low instep, you will get training shoe suggestions that will help to put the foot in the right position to avoid injury while you are training.
Your shoe will help to keep your ankle alignment. It is essential to get the perfect alignment to improve strength and avoid tendon or ligament damage.
Discuss Your Type of Workout
Your expert will also want to hear more about your need for training shoes. It is no good to say you are just going to the gym. What type of workout will you do there? Will you need something that supports your stance while carrying out squats and lunges or do you need something comfortable for the bike machines?
Are you looking for something when you run? Do you need support to carry out track running or hill running?
It is not possible to get one pair of training shoes for every single sport or activity you do. Even shoes that you get for walking comfortably will be different to the shoes you need when running. The way you strike the ground will be different, and the type of support you need will differ. Experts take all this into account to make sure you get the shoes that are made for your specific needs.
You will usually need to spend a little extra money for these types of shoes. After all, they are made to a specific standard with a specific use in mind.
If you use the training shoes for the wrong need, you can find your training is not as effective. You may experience some weakness or some lag in your advancement. It is also possible to wear the shoes out in the wrong way, meaning you need to replace them much sooner.
Can you get a cross-training shoe? Well, there are some, but you will need to make sure you look for the following. Get something with a:
- Good heal
- Support, so the shoe does not bend easily
- Lightweight
You will have a shoe that protects your ankles while offering protection on your heel when running. This can help to limit the amount of force you feel when you strike the ground. The lightweight is essential for reducing the weight you feel while moving your feet.
Get the Width of the Shoe Right
You know that you need to get the length of the shoe right. The last thing you want is on your toes to reach the edge. Not only does this affect your ability to train, but you can also affect the way your toes form and grow. You will cause blisters and other health problems with your feet.
Well, the width of your training shoes will also affect your training ability and the health of your foot. If a shoe is too broad, you will have more space to roll around the shoe. You do not get the full support on offer, meaning your shoes are a waste of money. There’s a higher risk of injury.
If the shoe is too tight, you will find they rub. There’s more risk of blisters and other problems. You have more discomfort, meaning you can put all the effort you want into your workout.
Even if you do not get an expert to look at the way you run, make sure you get your feet measured properly. Don’t just have the length measured, but ask for the width of your foot to be measured. Have them find shoes that are designed for your width to make sure you get all support you need.
Don’t Assume the Size Is Universal
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when buying a pair of training shoes is assuming that the size of the shoes is universal. Too many people will believe a size 9 in one store will be the same as a size 9 in a competitor’s store. This is certainly not the case.
Training shoes are like clothes. It is not a case of one-size-fits-all. The stores will have different manufacturers, who use slightly different guides to create their shoes. What is a size 9 in one store could be a size 9.5 in another? This half a size difference will make a world of difference in the way the shoe fits. You can find that it is way too loose, so doesn’t offer the same structural support; putting the health of your foot and ankle at risk.
It is worth getting your feet measured in any store that you visit. The staff will be able to suggest the right shoe size based on their manufacturers’ measurements. They will help you find the shoe that will fit your needs.
Always Get Your Feet Measured
Don’t just rely on the same measurement when it comes to buying your next pair of training shoes. Just because your first pair fit well, doesn’t mean the next pair will. Our feet change on a yearly basis. Sometimes they grow, sometimes they shrink, and sometimes they change shape. It is up to you to make sure you get the right show fit for the type of foot you have right now.
The best way to see if there are any changes is by getting your feet measured every time you buy a new pair of training shoes. Don’t worry; the staff will not remember you from the last time if you are worried about it. Moreover, they will be happy to discuss any changes to your fitness routine to make sure you are still getting the right support for your needs.
You may find you need to get a new pair of shoes if you have lost much weight in a short period. Your feet can lose weight too. They will get thinner, and this can lead to your shoes no longer fitting effectively after a few months. You will want to make sure you constantly have support.
Don’t Just Base Your Decisions on Brand
It is tempting to buy a brand because it is the one you have always had. However, one brand is not always going to be the superior choice. When it comes to buying a shoe, the brand you prefer may not have anything in your size or offer the right support you need. The brands will develop, depending on the reason most of their customers require training shoes.
Don’t be afraid to try out a different brand. Discuss with the sports store staff to find out the brands that are trusted and the ones that offer the support you need. Keep an open mind and listen to what your feet tell you when you try them on.
Sure, there is a benefit in brand loyalty. You may be able to limit your search or feel psychologically more comfortable but listen to your feet. What are they telling you? What does the rest of your body tell you when you run? Your favorite brand may not be the best for your needs.
Don’t Always Get Drawn in By Color
Many stores and brands will try to draw you in by the color of the training shoes. This is not something to get yourself drawn into. The color does not affect the support and size of the shoe!
Don’t be afraid to try out the darker shades; the ones that sometimes look like “boy’s shoes.” They are designed with support and comfort in mind, rather than the visual appeal. Often, these types of training shoes are more superior to your feet. The brands have put effort into making sure you get the best value for your money.
Bright colors can still be good for your feet. Purple training shoes may offer the perfect support for the shape of your foot. Try them on if you like them and discuss your exact needs to make sure they offer the best support.
Don’t Outwear Your Shoes!
When you find a pair of training shoes that fit well, it is tempting to keep them for the rest of your life. They can start to fall apart, but the last thing you want is to go through the shopping experience again.
Unfortunately, athletic shoes go through the same process of wear and tear. They do not work efficiently forever. The soles start to wear down, and the stitching breaks away. You will not see the effects at first, so you cannot just judge by the way your shoes look. The support is one of the first things to go, and you can feel that effect in your hips and knees long before you see the results on the actual shoes.
Most training shoes will last 300-500 miles. Not everyone will track the amount they run from the day they buy their training shoes. After all, you may not be using your shoes for running on the track but for running around the basketball court. How do you know when your shoes have run out of support?
The best advice is to replace your shoes on a yearly basis, especially if you are training the five days a week that the health experts recommend. If you increase that to exercising daily, such as if you are preparing for a marathon, you will usually find the six-month mark reaches the 500-mile marker!
Don’t Use Them When You Do Not Need Them
Remember when I said you need a different type of shoe for your walking compared to your running? Well, this is not just for your foot support for the different activities. It is also to make sure you do not overuse your training shoes.
Avoid using your sneakers for a quick trip to the store. You have added miles to the wear without meaning to; and without getting any training benefit from them. You want a pair of sneakers that are just for your quick trips. They will last much longer than your other shoes but offer the support you need for one-off trips.
You may find yourself with more pairs of training shoes, but this is worthwhile. You always have something for the activity you are doing.
It is Not All About the Cost
The most expensive training shoes in the store are not necessarily going to be the best for you. However, you may not be able to get the cheapest. Make sure you listen to what your feet tell you when you try a shoe on. Talk to the staff and find something that suits your exact training needs. Only then will you get the best options for your feet and needs.
