Running has existed in every culture and in every country
for many years. While athletes use running to increase stamina, it is a great
form of cardiovascular exercise as well. There are plenty of health benefits if
you start running every day, such as reduced chances of heart disease, reduction
in body fat, and cleansing of the lungs, especially if you are a regular smoker. However,
with all the perks associated with running, it could also lead to some serious
injuries if some factors are not taken care of. This brings me to today`s topic, which is sports shoes. Your shoes determine your safety, as well as your comfort level. Selecting a pair of the wrong shoes could be harmful to your ankles
and knees. Thus, today we are going to discuss 10 mistakes that runners
make before buying a pair of sports shoes.
1)Not Getting Your Feet Properly Measured
The biggest mistake that beginner runners make is that they
blindly purchase a shoe without getting their feet measured by an expert at the
shoe store. Stores associates not only measure your feet`s length and width but
also measure the foot`s arch, which is very important to determine if you are
purchasing them to run at longer distances. For example, if you are purchasing
a shoe with a flat arch, you will likely face difficulties while running, whereas slightly bent shoes are ideal for running and keeps your knees safe
without any pressure being exerted on them.
2)Confusion Between Volume And Width
Yes! You have read that the right person and especially amateur
runners, confuse shoe volume with width, though they are two completely
different things. Shoe volume is the available space inside your shoe, whereas width is the width from the outside. A runner’s shoe must have at least a 2-finger
space available inside so that it does not get too congested and tight while on
the run. But do keep in mind that it shouldn’t be lost either, as pressure will
shift toward your toe fingers which could cause pain and inflammation in the
long run.
3)Consider Measuring Shoe Size
Now, this might seem a little unorthodox to you but do
consider your shoe size before you purchase a pair of shoes. Although your feet
don’t usually grow like youngsters, a runner’s feet might expand due to
excessive running with time. This occurs due to the persistent swelling of
small muscle tissues in one’s feet; therefore, if you are a regular runner, your
feet will probably need a set of new shoes after a couple of months.
4) Don’t Compromise Comfort Over Fashion
If your friend is insisting on coming with you while you are
on your way to purchase new shoes, then I would recommend you go alone. Now,
I have nothing against your friend, but my point is your friend might point you
in the wrong direction through bad advice. For example, you could get blinded
by your friend if he is a fashion icon and is commenting on the shoe style that
you are about to purchase. You should always keep in mind that fashionable
shoes aren’t made for running longer distances. Therefore, consider shoes that
have a high comfort level and durability.
5) Getting Misguided By the Wrong Set Of Reviews
The rise of social media has manipulated minds and created a sense of confusion among people. People post reviews on the products
they purchase and tell how it has worked out for them, but what you should
remember is that it’s not necessary that it will work out for you as well.
Before reading any reviews, you should figure out the reviewer’s source, his
relevant experience, and the comments below, as it is an era of scammers, and
there’s a chance that you will pay for something which is not worth it!
6) Dragging The Life Off Your Shoes
Every shoe pair has an approximate life of 300-500 miles, and
researchers have shown that while people run after durability and quality, they
don’t often ask about the life of their shoes which should be their number one
priority. Let’s be honest; we all purchase shoes, use them for an extensive
amount of time, and blame the store for the product we have purchased from them.
So, how to know that it’s time to say goodbye to our sports shoes? Well, there
are a number of signs which could determine this factor, such as uneven sole,
worn-out stitching, and pain and inflammation in your feet.
7) Avoiding Well-Known Brands
This is a major mistake that runners make while purchasing
a new pair of shoes. Rather than visiting a well-known sports brand with
experts, most people go after whatever store they see that’s offering
compelling discounts in the market without taking other factors under
consideration. Now, it’s wise to save money and avail discounts, but that
doesn’t mean that you compromise your safety and comfort just to save a couple
of bucks.
8) Relying On Your Shoes Completely
Most people buy sports shoes to fix the way they run on the
treadmill and shoes that are soundproof. While searching for these options,
you could lose sight of everything. Therefore, don’t rely on your shoes as
your life depends on them; consider buying shoes that have all the credentials to
pull off a great experience while on the run.
9) Not Knowing Your Needs
Before buying a pair of shoes, you should figure out the
level of runner you are. For instance, if you are a beginner and have purchased
a set of professional shoes, they might feel uncomfortable with you. As
professional shoes are designed for stiff muscles and are extremely light, which
might not be suitable for you.
10) Going After The Price Tags
Now, many people think that the higher the price they pay
for a shoe, the greater would be their comfort level with it, and that’s where they
start heading in the wrong direction. And it’s important to remember that
quality and price shouldn’t be mixed together, in fact! Researches show that
budget-friendly shoes are 8.1% more reliable than expensive ones.