Selecting the Best Running Shoes for Your Workouts

Whether you prefer to run outdoors or on a treadmill, if you are looking to make more progress on your runs, we encourage you to always find a good pair of running shoes. Running shoes can make a huge difference to your comfort and speed during runs, and ill-fitting shoes can make running painful and unpleasant. By following our guide to buying running shoes below, you’ll be able to select a new pair of shoes that will keep you going for miles and miles.

Selecting Your Shoe Size

While you should already know your regular shoe size, if you are opting to switch brands for your next running shoe purchase, we encourage you to check out the brand’s measurements. Nike, Adidas, and other popular running shoe brands don’t always have the exact same sizes, which can result in you purchasing shoes that are far too big or small for your needs. Shoes that don’t fit correctly will cause more problems than they are worth, and you’ll risk getting blisters and pain every time you run. If you don’t know your shoe size, consider going to a local store, where they can measure your feet and give you professional advice about the size of shoe you need.

Shoe Width

While most running shoes for men and women come in a standard width, this isn’t the right option for everyone’s feet. If you have wider feet, you’ll want to look for running shoes that are marked as a wide fit. These offer your feet more room, and they’ll stop your toes from getting cramped in your shoes. It’s impossible to run with your toes all cramped up, so make sure you find shoes with the right width as well as size. On top of that, if you have particularly slim shoes, make sure you find running shoes that can easily be tightened to offer a snug fit and avoid them from falling off during your run.

Slip-on Shoes vs Lace-Up Shoes

Traditionally, most running shoes have a lace-up design, however, you’ll find that there are also some slip-on options available today. We personally prefer the lace-up design, and especially if you are serious about running, you’ll likely find this to be the much more secure option. However, if you are looking for shoes that are easy to put on and off, such as during a triathlon or when you are out and about for the day, you may prefer the slip-on design. It’s all about finding what works best for you and choosing an option that is ideal for your personal needs and training sessions.

The Color of Your Running Shoes

Running shoes come in all different colors and shades today, ranging from bright white to dark black shoes. If you are looking for a pair of shoes you can wear all the time, we recommend sticking to these neutral colors, but you could also look at navy blue or brown shoes. However, if you don’t mind standing out at the gym or on the running track, opt for a bright and bold shade. There are even some fun rainbow-colored shoes out there today which will help you be seen from miles away when doing your next marathon or 5k race.

The Design of Your Running Shoes

The design of your running shoes is another very personal choice. Some people aren’t bothered at all about how their shoes look, as long as they do a good job. On the other hand, you may be very style-conscious and want to opt for a branded pair of running shoes that will look stylish for both training and day wear. You’ll find that most running shoes have their branding on the side of the shoe, which offers some decoration to the shoe. Also, you could look out for fun brand collaborations, which include pretty designs and unique characters added to the side of the shoe. It’s all about expressing your personal style and tastes, which a good pair of running shoes should allow you to do.

Durability

Running shoes should last you the best part of a year when you take care of them properly. Even if you are training every day, you’ll find that a good pair of running shoes will take a long time to get worn out. Look for running shoes that have a thick sole, and that won’t get worn down if you are running on a hard surface outdoors. On top of that, look for shoes that are supportive and have thick material to support your heel and ankle. This will also help to keep your feet dry and clean when you are running, as when shoes are too thin, they may let water through, which can be very unpleasant.

A good pair of running shoes can completely transform your training sessions. Without a supportive pair of shoes, you may find that you are more likely to injure your ankles or knees during your run. Even if you spend the majority of your time on treadmills, you’ll still need to consider all of the elements we discussed above to ensure you don’t injure yourself during your run. You’ll also find that a pair of running shoes can be versatile enough to use on other machines or workouts, so they’ll become a staple part of your wardrobe in the upcoming years.