How to choose the perfect running shoes

I was gifted some items from adidas for the purposes of this post. All words and opinions are my own.

Running is a simple sport, all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other, although sometimes it can feel anything but straightforward! This is especially true when it comes to buying kit.

Choosing the perfect pair of running shoes can be a minefield! The choice is overwhelming and, given how important it is, it’s not a decision you want to take lightly.

Running is a high impact sport so finding the right shoes is vital to help avoid injury and to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible while you’re getting in your miles.

When I started I went to a local running shop to get advice, as I had no idea where to even start. There are also many shops which offer gait analysis, which is a good investment to make sure you find the right pair of running shoes. 

The right fit

There are so many running shoes available that it can be overwhelming even knowing where to start. Fundamentally there are different types of shoes for different types or running, just as there are shoes that are made for different sports and terrains, like golf shoes for example.

So to start with, it’s worth thinking about your requirements, for example how far and how fast you are planning on running, as well as how often you are going to be running. Which surface, i.e road, track or trail is also important. Once you have a list of your must haves you can start narrowing down your choices.

New running shoes are a big investment, so it pays to take the time to do your research

Everyone has their own requirements, so it’s important that your shoes suit what you need. If you can, it might be worth going to a sports shop to try on a few pairs, even if you ultimately end up buying online.

Your Foot

Everybody’s feet are different: for example some people are flat footed, some have high arches. Take a moment to think about the shape and form of your foot so you can make sure you go for something that will be comfortable.

Your gait is also important, and this is where gait analysis can be valuable. It can be helpful to get someone to film you running so you can start understanding how you move. Pronation is the natural process where your foot rolls inward as you walk or run, in some this is exaggerated (‘over pronation’) or in some cases the foot can actually roll to the outside ‘underpronation’ -although this is rarer.

Once you understand how you run, you can pick a suitable running shoe, whether a neutral running shoe or something with more cushioning or stability will work better. It can take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect running show. 

Have you found your perfect running shoe? What are your tips to help beginner runners?