Although a walker can wear a running shoe, a runner should not choose a walking shoe. This is because they lack the support and cushioning for higher a impact sport.
Selecting a shoe from the vast array of styles, colours, brands and categories can be overwhelming.
So where do you start?
Wet your feet and make foot prints on a heavy paper bag or heavy paper. If you see just your heel, ball of foot and a thin line outside your foot, you have high arches. If you see about half your arch you have normal feet. If you see almost your entire foot print you have flat feet
Running Shoes come in three main categories.
- Motion Control - Flat footed, over pronators do best with motion control or stability running shoes as they prevent excessive foot motion.
- Neutral - Cushioned – High arched feet need more impact protection and do best with a neutral
- Stability – some medications can be helpful to control muscle cramps. See your doctor for further information.
Buy the same brand of shoe. It may take some trial and error, but once you find a running shoe that works for you, it’s best not to switch to save a few dollars. Running shoes are one area where you don’t want to pinch pennies. “Most runners are very loyal to their shoes once they find the right ones
Replace running shoes
Waiting too long to buy new running shoes can lead to foot pain. The cushioning in running shoes wears out after 500- 800 km, leaving you vulnerable to foot pain and other injuries. They may still feel comfortable, but the shock-absorbing padding in the sole and insole is usually gone by that time. Your weight also influences when it’s time to buy new running shoes. A heavier person — over 80 kilograms — will need to replace their running shoes more often than someone who weighs less.