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.