Tips for Buying Running Shoes

Your running shoes are probably the most important piece of gear you will buy, so here are some tips to help make your purchase easier. Finding the perfect running shoe is crucial for several reasons:

1. It can help prevent injuries by providing proper support and cushioning for your feet and body.
2. It can improve your performance by allowing for a comfortable and efficient stride.
3. It can enhance your overall running experience, making it more enjoyable and motivating to continue with your fitness routine.

It's important to find the one that best fits your foot shape, running style, and individual needs. When you visit our store, you're already at the right place and one step closer to stepping out with the perfect pair.

With so many different types of running shoes on the market, this can easily feel overwhelming. There is much information and also sometimes mis-information written about running shoes. Shoes can basically perform three functions:

• Protection from hard and uneven surfaces
• Cushioning to minimise the shock experienced with every step
• Extra support, if needed, to keep the feet stable

1. Go to an independent specialist running shop like Run and Become, where the staff are very knowledgeable and are very happy to spend time with you. They will look at the shape of your feet and watch you walk or run on a hard surface in several shoes from different brands. They will also briefly ask about your running experience, upcoming events, and whether you just run for fun and fitness, to help them recommend different shoes at different price points. They'll then whittle it down to your top favourite based on the right level of cushioning and support for your gait. There are also a range of models more suitable for off-road running.
2. It's all about you. By all means discuss shoes with friends, and look at reviews for advice, but remember, like any consumer product, your friend's favourite shoe, or the most expensive shoe, or the shoe that has a 5 star review, may not always be the best fitting shoe for you. Let your feet be the judge from the different models you try on.
3. Correct fitting is crucial. Running shoes are generally made smaller than your day-to-day shoes. Also you need more space at the toes to allow them to move freely, so don't be surprised if you end up with a size bigger than normal. We hold an outstanding variety, including wide-fitting shoes. A good shoe should also fit snugly around the midfoot and heel to prevent movement of the foot in the shoe. As a rule of thumb, half a thumb's width between your longest toe to the front of the shoes. This may vary depending on the brand and distance you're planning to run.
4. Fashion over function. Of course we understand fashion and trendy colour palettes may be of priority for an individual, and you'll most likely want to coordinate your running shoes with your outfit etc. However we try to encourage our customers to work with focus, fit, feel and function over fashion.
5. It's time to say good-bye. We understand the commitment to that one pair of trainers that has seen you through multiple races, year after year, mile after mile... It can be difficult to retire old running shoes and replace them with new ones. What used to be responsive midsole cushioning, has now become punched out and marshmallowy, and your shoes will have lost their stability and support. A pair of running shoes should last between 300-500 miles for the average runner, and should be replaced at least on an annual basis. This will vary between everyone and what you've got going on in your running life. This is a great reminder that those emerging aches and pains you've been experiencing could be down to old shoes. This may potentially increase the risk of running injuries.

When to replace your running shoes...

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