There are so many trainers out there to choose from, it can become a bit of a minefield when looking to buy a new pair.
I’ve put together some ideas and advice for you to think about;
What are you going to be using them for?
Running? Weightlifting ? CrossFit? Walking? Tennis?
Each shoe is designed with something in mind; a running shoe, typically isn’t the best shoe to be wearing in the gym for weightlifting or CrossFit style training.
For training in the gym, you want a nice stable heel, a bit of a heel drop and not too much cushioning. This gives you a nice stable base. Whereas for running, particularly long distances, you may want something with a little more cushioning.
Do you have any pre-existing injuries or issues?
Existing injuries should be taken into account when choosing your shoes.
For example;
- If you have a history of Achillies issues, shoes with a zero heel drop probably aren’t the most suitable due to the extra strain on then tendon.
- If you’re suffering with a painful big toe, a slightly stiffer shoe might be more appropriate to prevent excess strain through the joint.
- Do you suffer with osteoarthritis in the knees? A shoe with more cushioning may give you a bit more shock absorbency for your knees.
Do you have particularly wide or narrow feet?
Different brands come up in different sizes to suit the various foot shapes. If you have a slightly wider foot, you need to accommodate this. Don’t try to squeeze into a pair of trainers just because you like them (I’ve definitely been very guilty of this in the past!).
‘Altra’ running shoes are great for people with wide feet, they have a really wide toe box to allow for splaying of the feet when you run!
What sort of surfaces are you running on?
Are you running on road, on rough trails, on grass, on a treadmill? All of these factors should be considered when choosing a shoe!
What sort of distance are you running?
This will potentially impact your choice; you may be quite comfortable in a light minimal shoe for short distances but as you increase your distance you might find you need something a little more supportive.
Should you get your gait analysed?
If your planning on running, I would say yes! If you’re looking for more of a ‘gym’ shoe Its not necessary!
There are a few things you should bear in mind when;
- Make sure it’s by someone who knows what they are doing. A lot of running shops provide gait analysis but it’s not always by someone experienced.
- Make sure they’re looking at your feet, ankles, knees and hips when you’re running. Not just your feet.
- Try to ensure the shop sells a variety of brands. Certain brands are better for different people so you want to have some different options.
