When you finally decide to take that first step, you need the right equipment by your side. It is easy to feel discouraged and give up before you get a chance to start if you are doing it alone, or find it hard to achieve what you set out to do.
The same applies to running. You may decide to become a runner for a variety of reasons. You may become a runner because you want to compete professionally or to get fit. You could also decide to take it up as a hobby or a great way to start your day. No matter the reason, a good pair of running shoes is an item that no runner can do without.
Running shoes are designed to support your feet while running and reduce the amount of pressure and shock that your feet have to deal with. The technology used, also prevents you from getting injured by the sharp objects lying around and the terrain.
It is safe to say that your performance and the chances of meeting your goals are slim without the right pair of shoes. With that in mind, here are some ways to choose your first pair of running shoes with little problems.
What’s the distance?
The distance affects the amount of cushioning you need for running shoes. Running shoes come in different levels of cushioning and focusing on the distance or the nature of the activity, helps to decide which running shoes you get from the AU Asics store.
If you are going for long-distance races or marathons, you may want to consider getting running shoes with maximum or medium cushioning. This way, your feet remain comfortable for longer and you can go the distance without feeling the pressure exerted on your feet.
For short-distance races or light jogging around your neighborhood, you can go for medium cushioning or get shoes with a low amount of cushioning if that is your preference.
The Terrain is Important
Imagine taking a fancy car like a Ferrari and driving it on a rocky road. Your car may survive the first time, but if that is done continuously, you can expect that your car will take some damage.
The makers of the shoes, put certain factors into consideration when producing their shoes and one of such factors is the terrain or environment that it will be used on. There are road running shoes designed for running on pavements, roads, treadmills, sidewalks, and smooth environments. Using this type of running shoes in a rocky environment will inevitably damage your shoes sooner than you expect.
The Fit is Important
Running shoes should not be too tight or too loose. The best way to get the best fit for running shoes is to get your feet measured at the Asics store in AU before you start shopping. Another way is to go shopping at the end of the day or late afternoon when your feet are a bit swollen from walking around all day.
When shopping online, check the reviews on the shoes before you buy and make sure that you are shopping from a reliable brand. Also, buy your shoes half-size bigger than your normal size to give more wiggle room for your feet.
Test the running shoes on the store’s treadmill and if there is none available, try to perform various activities with them. You should feel comfortable in it and it should be flexible enough to aid movement.
Your pronation type
Your pronation refers to the way your toes roll inward when you move. There are three types which are overpronation, underpronation, and normal pronation. Your pronation type can be determined from the appearance of your foot or through gait analysis. For instance, if you have flat feet, you have a high tendency to overpronate.
Your Budget Matters
When you have a certain amount set out for shoes and want to stay within it as much as possible, it is advisable to look for a trusted brand that offers a wide variety of shoes.
These trusted brands are usually known for producing high-quality shoes available at different prices and you can easily find one that suits your price tag. However, it is important to put quality over everything else. If you can spare a little more to get some quality running shoes, go for it. It will make your first shopping experience memorable and pay off in the long run.