At T.O.P.S. Physical Therapy and Osteopractics, we pride ourselves in our “shoe game” as we strive to put together the best outfits in the business. HOWEVER, there is so much more to a running shoe than the visual aesthetics, and we are reminded all too often of the implications from wearing the coolest looking kicks day in and day out instead of opting for comfort. We have come up with some helpful advice and tips about choosing the appropriate shoe to fit your training needs.
Take them out on a test run:
The right running shoes offer more than just comfort. Stores that specialize in running often have treadmills, so ask a salesperson to watch you run and recommend sneakers based on your running form and foot posture.
One shoe is not fit for every workout:
Running shoes are designed for forward motion. They lack the ankle support provided by cross-trainers, which are better suited for activities with lateral movement, like tennis and boot camp classes at the gym. To help avoid injury, save running kicks for the road or the treadmill.
Make sure the shoe fits:
Generally, your running shoes shoulder be a half size larger than your normal size to give your feet room to shift without jamming your toes. While standing, you should have half a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s tip.
Hand-wash those bad boys:
For dirty sneakers, remove the insoles and spot-clean the outsides with warm water, soap, and an old toothbrush. Stuff newspaper inside the shoes and let them air-dry. Avoid putting your shoes in the dryer at all costs: direct heat can ruin the shape and adhesive on the shoes.
Do not exceed the ‘expiration’ date:
The best indicator of when to retire a pair of running shoes is mileage – between 300 and 500 – which you can track manually or with apps like MapMyRun or the Nike Running Club. Creases in the midsole (the squishy part of the shoe between the shoe’s bottom and the sneaker itself) are a better clue of overuse than worn treads are.
For more tips and tricks to keep you on T.O.P.S. of your competitors AND your shoe game, visit us at T.O.P.S. Physical Therapy and Osteopractics! Be sure to check out a few of these local retailers when you are looking to buy your next pair of running shoes.
- Runner’s Den – https://www.runnersdenaz.com
- Road Runner – https://www.roadrunnersports.com
- iRun Running Store – https://www.irunshop.com
- Sole Sports Running Zone – https://www.solesportsrunning.com
