Beginners Guide in Choosing the Right Running Shoe

I would often be approached by a runner who would ask about the best running shoe that he or she can buy.  They would ask which brand or what to look for in a running shoe.  I would then explain that choosing the right running shoe goes beyond the brand or the color.

I bought my first running shoe based on the brand and the color and the looks.  It went well for the early training and races but as I decided to do more running, my first running shoe also gave me my first injury.

Here’s a better guide for beginners in choosing the right running shoe.

1.  Visit a running specialty store.  Today, a lot of retail stores specialize to the needs of runners.  Among them are Riovana, Runnr, A Runner’s Circle, Second Wind, Cool Runnings (Bacolod), and Run Club (Iloilo,Davao).  These stores have experts who can guide you in the selection process.

The best time to buy new shoes is late in the afternoon where you feet are at their largest.

2.  Take a gait analysis.  A good running store should have a treadmill inside and a gait analysis software.  The analysis should tell you your foot type.  Your foot type will then tell you the type of shoes that is best for you.  Will it be a neutral shoe or a stability shoe?

A three-camera gait analysis system at Riovana

3.  Determine you foot size.  Shoe stores would have a Brannock Device, or a similar tool, to measure the size of your feet.  Don’t assume that since you are size 8 in your dress shoes, you will also get a size 8 for your running shoes.  For some runners, one foot is longer than the other.  Select the bigger size for this case.

4.  Get recommendations.  After knowing your shoe size and your foot type, ask the store expert for recommendations.  The number of shoes on display can be overwhelming.  But the store expert will trim down the selection for you.

At Riovana, for example, the shoes are divided by Fitness Levels:  Bronze Level, Silver Level, and Gold Label.  For beginners, the shoes at the Bronze level would be a good place to start.  These shoes would have the basic cushion/support technology and ideal for short mileages.  Just approach their friendly and expert staff at Riovana to assist you.

Bronze Level Performance shoes as classified in Riovana

5.  Test the shoe.  Take your time and test the shoes.  If you will use them with socks, test them wearing socks too.  Wear both pairs and run around the store. For best results, run on the treadmill provide by the store.  Try walking on them as well.  Test the shoes based on the fit, comfort and function.

For a good fit, it is recommended to have about a half inch allowance on your shoes.  Your feet will expand after a long run and this extra space will be very helpful in preventing injuries.

6.  Buy the shoes and Run!  Once you have chosen your running shoes, go buy them. If you have those discount coupons from running events, use them.  😀 And be sure to take your new shoes out for a run, regularly.  Don’t just leave them in your shoe bins after three months to gather dust.

Keep on running!