Buying running shoes or other technical sneakers for athletics can be overwhelming. If you are unfamiliar with how sneakers are built to support the foot or biomechanical needs of an individual, it can be easy to end up with a shoe that is inappropriate for your needs. The wrong shoe can contribute to discomfort and even injury, which is why it is so important to take your time picking an athletic shoe.
All Shoes are Not Created Equal
Although it may seem inconvenient, it is not in your best interest to run in basketball shoes, tennis shoes or shoes that are not specially made for running. When it comes to sports, your body mechanics vary based on the demands of each activity such as side-to-side movements in basketball and tennis and less movement like this in running. Running shoes are constructed to absorb the impact of your body on your knees with every step, and the construction of the body of the shoe helps provide support and cushioning based on the kind of runner for whom it is made.
Construction of Sneakers
Running shoes and technical sneakers are composed of various parts. The "last" is the template of the shoe, explains the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. The type of last can vary among brands, and based on your arch type and whether you pronate, supinate or have a neutral gait, you may want a straight, curved or semi-curved last, respectively, says Dick's Sporting Goods. The outsole is the treaded part of the shoe, the part that hits the pavement when you walk. You can examine the outsole to see what parts are worn down most; this can help you determine how you land when you run. The upper is the top part of the shoe with the laces and fabric, and the midsole is the cushioning between the upper and the outsole.
Your Feet and Sneakers
Although it may be tempting to choose running shoes or athletic sneakers based on brand loyalty or color, you are doing yourself a disservice if these are the basis of your choices. It is helpful to know what kind of arches you have because this translates into pronation, or rolling inward; supination, or rolling outward; and if you are lucky, a neutral gait, in which you do not need extra support or guidance either way, explains Dick's Sporting Goods. In sports such as basketball, if you have flat feet, although you may not need support for pronation, you may want extra ankle support. If you have a wide foot, some brands tend to run narrower than others; trying on a variety of brands can allow you to see what is most comfortable for your feet.
Considerations When Buying Sneakers
If you are looking for a running shoe, try to go to a specialty running store. You can look for these store locations online. Employees of these kinds of shops are trained in measuring your feet and your arches and will usually have you try on a pair of shoes and then watch you run in them for a few minutes or have you walk barefoot for them so they can analyze your gait and evaluate what kind of shoe is best for you. When buying any kind of sneaker, try to go shopping at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure a more accurate fit. Your feet will swell during activity, and you do not want sneakers that are too tight.
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