There are a few factors that should be taken into consideration when buying a new pair of running shoes. There are many different types of running shoes available to buy and they all provide some difference to the next. It’s up to you to work out which shoe will suit your running style and which will not.
You don’t have to do this on your own. If you are buying your first pair of running shoes because you have only just taken up the sport, the best idea would be to go to a running store. By heading to one of these specialty stores you will benefit from the experience of the store assistants who are often experienced runners. They will help to determine what type of shoe is going to suit your running style and foot strike the best.
Factors such as your arches and whether they are high arches or your feet are flat will make a difference about the shoes you need. You may hear the word pronation and wonder what it is talking about. Pronation is the natural movement of the foot when it strikes the ground to roll inward as a means of providing shock absorption. Someone who pronates properly is said to be a neutral runner.
If your foot does not pronate enough (an under-pronator) you will be hitting the ground much harder and will experience more of a shock through the feet. There is an increased chance of injury with stress fractures a very real possibility. A runner would find cushioned running shoes very helpful.
An over-pronator will hit the ground in an exaggerated manner and their foot will roll out even further placing a lot more strain than necessary on joints and tendons. It is possible to find a pair of shoes that has been designed with this situation in mind and it will provide you with added motion control and support.
Asics running shoes is just one company that caters for the various types of runners with a huge range of shoes to choose from. Other companies such as Saucony, Adidas, Brooks, Nike, Reebok and Mizuno all provide a great range of shoes to buy.