GIVE A GIRL THE RIGHT SHOES AND SHE CAN RUN THE WORLD

The Importance of the Right Running Shoe for You
 
If a new or experienced runner comes to us, one of the first things we ask them about are their running shoes especially if someone complains of aches or pains. Proper running shoes won’t fix every problem but being properly fitted for running shoes can often avert problems before they begin. 
 
Maybe you know exactly what type of foot you have, what type of runner you are and how a particular shoe helps you with your mechanics to stay injury free. But we are guessing you may have gotten your latest pair of running shoes off a discount website because you liked the color, tried them on and thought, ‘eh, they mostly fit’ and didn’t think much else about it. Oh yes, and that happened more than 6 months ago.
 
We would really like you to consider going to a local running store and being evaluated for new running shoes if you are about to start a training plan that builds mileage or if any of the following criteria match for you. 

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We would really like you to consider going to a local running store and being evaluated for new running shoes if any of the following criteria match for you:

1. It’s been longer than 6 months since you bought running shoes. There are definitely runners out there who can run with shoes for longer than 6 months. Some people are easier on their shoes than others because of body weight and running form. Running shoes are designed to absorb some of the forces of your body hitting the ground. The foam is meant to degrade over time and does that even if it’s just sitting on a box on the shelf. Many experienced runners can tell when their shoes are getting too old because they start experiencing little aches and pains in their feet, knees, hips or back as their shoes get too old. Don’t wait until this starts happening to you. If it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your running shoes, replace them now. Shoes are cheap when it comes to the money you’ve invested in a race registration and training not to mention copayments to your insurance if you are injured. And being proactive about replacing your shoes means you’ll also have time to make sure that they are the right shoes for you on race day.
2. You’ve never had anyone look at your running form. Local running stores will have experienced, trained professionals who can evaluate your running form and best match shoes to your running form, feet and biomechanics. We see a lot of people who are running in lightweight, minimalist shoes as they’ve become very popular for looks and style. They may not be the right running shoe for you at this time. And since most of your running is done at an easy pace (ie that general aerobic pace that we really want to emphasize) a shoe with a little more support for these easy runs is probably a good thing. A progressive training program with a new distance goal builds mileage and places higher demands on your body and you want to be prepared with a properly fitted so you don't end up on the sidelines! 
3. You’ve had problems with blisters or other foot issues. Shoe fit varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Thus just like your feet are different than anyone else’s, some manufacturer’s shoes will fit you better than others. Some people even have one foot that really differs from the other! Where callouses form or where you get blisters can alert a running store employee about issues you have when running and they can help direct you to the right shoe to help solve these issues.

 
When you go to a local running store like our local Super Jock ‘N Jill, keep in mind a few things for when trying on shoes.

• Leave enough time. They should ask about your history with running and any current or past injuries. They may want to measure your feet and if it’s been a while since you’ve been measured for shoes, that’s a good thing. Every shoe manufacturer has a slightly different fit and one size in one shoe won’t necessarily translate to the same size in another manufacturer. Plus running shoes in general are sized a bit smaller than typical shoes. This means you should expect to go up a half size than what you normally wear in non-running shoes.
• Try shoes on later in the day. Your feet normally will swell a bit during the day just as they will with longer running distances.
• Bring the socks and inserts you’d normally wear for a run. You’ll want to test those out as well when trying on shoes. And if you have an older pair of worn running shoes, bring those along as well. Shoe wear patterns can tell a lot about your running style.
• And come prepared to run!  This way running store employee can see what your feet and ankles are doing when running and make suggestions about how best to fit you.