We all know that exercising is good for your health and what’s easier than picking up on running? All you have to do is put on your sports legging, a sports shirt, and you’re good to go. You probably have some trainers in the back of your closet, but we strongly advise you to keep them there. Running on trainers that don’t exactly fit your feet is a recipe for sports injuries. You can prevent yourself from getting hurt by buying the right pair of running shoes.
What is the best running shoe?
The best running shoe is the shoe that feels most comfortable on your feet and fits your foot best. But how do you find your perfect shoe? Here are a few steps for you to follow:
#1 The rolling of the sole of your foot
The rolling of the foot from the heel to toe through the foot strike is called pronation. If you have a low arch or flat foot, you’re likely to roll too much to the inside of your foot during your foot strike cycle. (overpronation) When you have a high arch, your foot is likely to roll too much to the outside. (underpronation)
#2 Determine your foot type
You can easily check your arch height by taking the ‘wet test’. How do you take this test? Wet both feet and stand on a paper bag for a few seconds. Your feet will leave an imprint. You have a normal arch if there’s a distinct curve along the inside of your foot. Does the imprint show most of your foot, and do you see no curve? Then you have a low arch. You have a high arch if there’s a very noticeable curve along the inside of your foot, and a very thin band connecting your heel and toe.
#3 Determine your gait
You can determine your gait if you know your arch height. Gait is just a fancy word of how your feet behave when you run. Determining your gait is an essential step. Why? Well, you want to choose the shoe that best fits your gait type. Here are four types:
- Severe overpronation: your heel hits the ground first and then rolls inward excessively. This is because your ankle can’t properly stabilize your body. Typically people with low arches have severe overpronation. The best type of shoe is a motion control shoe.
- Mild overpronation: the outside of your heel hits the ground first, and then rolls inward slightly. This is seen in runners with a low to a medium arch. A stability shoe will be best for your feet.
- Neutral: the middle part of your heel hits the ground first and then the foot rolls inward slightly. Typically runners with medium arches have a neutral gait. The best shoes are neutral cushioning shoes.
- Underpronation (supination): the outside of the heels hits the ground first. That is typical for runners with high arches. The best type of shoe is a neutral cushioning shoe.
#4 Choose the running shoe that is best for you
Now that you know everything about gait and your foot type, we’re getting to the more fun part: choosing your shoe! But how do you know which shoe is best for you? This may seem hard, but it’s a lot easier than you think.
Look at the shape of your shoe
Do you have flat feet? Then motion control shoes are a great choice. Look at the bottom of the shoe: if it has a wide, straight shape, it’s a motion control shoe. This type of shoe prevents you from rolling in too far and gives maximum support to your foot. If you have a normal arch, choose a stability shoe. These shoes offer a good balance of cushioning and support. If you have a high arch and supinate, you should choose a neutral cushion shoe. These shoes absorb the impact that your feet can’t naturally absorb.
Second, look at what the shoe itself offers. Manufacturers use density foam on the inside of the shoe to prevent you from rolling in and keep your foot on a neutral side. If you look at the inside of a shoe, you either see a darker colour or speckles foam. Does the foam start at the beginning of the arch, and does it wrap all around the heel? Then it is a motion control shoe. If there is no foam on the inside, it is a neutral cushion shoe.
#5 Run to the shops
Now that you know what you are looking for, it is time to run to the shops or order your running shoe online. When trying on, just ask yourself these questions: Is there enough room at the end of the shoe? You need to have about a thumb’s width between the top of your toe and the end of your shoe. Do you have enough room on either side of your foot? You really need enough room for your foot to spread out and swell while you run. The last question you need to ask yourself: is there any slipping in the heel? Happy running!
10 best running shoes
We’ve collected the 10 best running shoes for you to help you make your decision. Find the pair that fits you best!
#1 Nike Zoom Pegasus
The Nike Zoom Pegasus is more than just a popular shoe. The Pegasus has great cushioning and is super comfortable to wear. The comfort, the perfect fit and the natural roll add to the popularity of the Nike Zoom Pegasus. The trainers are comfortable to wear and the Flywire wires enable a perfect fit for all feet. The Cushion ST foam is very responsive and has a great bounce. We bet you’d rather wear the Pegasus all day!
#2 Nike Air Zoom Vomero
The Nike Air Zoom Vomero improves the performances of all runners. The ZoomAir Unit is all over the length of the shoe to make you perform even better. The stylish and comfortable Vomero was developed to give maximum support and a smooth running experience. This applies to all distances! The Nike Air Zoom Vomero has great cushioning and is super comfortable to wear.
#3 Asics Gel-Nimbus
The Asics Gel-Nimbus is the perfect long-distance running shoe. The Gel-technology enables less pressure on the feet to make running go easier and smoother. Every step you take feels comfortable and the lightweight Asics Gel-Nimbus gives your feet all the support that they need. The cushioning is almost unbeatable due to the FluidRide midsole, the Flytefoam layer and the SpEVS top layer. The Nimbus may not be low-priced, but the premium quality and the perfect cushioning make the Asics Gel-Nimbus more than worth it.
#4 Asics Gel-Cumulus
The Asics Gel-Cumulus gives your feet plenty of cushioning and support, even on long distances. The Asics Gel-Cumulus combines two kinds of foam with the Gel-technology on the front and back foot, to ensure maximum shock absorption. The invisible heel cap keeps your feet in place, even when you’re running a marathon. The upper is made of mesh to keep your feet cool in all conditions and distances.
#5 Asics Gel-Kayano
Are you a serious runner? Then look no further: the Asics Gel-Kayano is the perfect shoe for you! The Gel-layer on the front and back foot ensures the best shock absorption you could wish for. The sole is composed of the Flytefoam technology. This prevents your feet from tilting during running and is also ensures bounce. Do you, for instance, often have callus on your feet? Even in that case, the Asics Gel-Kayano is your go-to shoe; the Kayano reduces the risk of getting callus or flat feet.
#6 Nike Free
Nike designed the minimalist Nike Free especially for runners. The Free lives up to its name: the trainers are well-known for their flexibility and freedom of movement. The lightweight Nike Free has a super comfortable cushioning, so you can easily run all the distances you would like to.
#7 Asics GT-1000
The Asics GT-1000 is well-known as the perfect shoe for all runners. Are you a rookie or a fanatic? That does not matter; the GT-1000 is a super comfortable, lightweight and resilient shoe that matches all levels. The shoe has plenty of shock absorption due to the Gel-technology. The Trusstic system enables stability of the feet and tilting will be history. The soles of the Asics GT-1000 are long-lasting, mainly because of the Ahar rubber sponge in the sole. With the Asics GT-1000, you can run all you want!
#8 New Balance X-90
The New Balance X-90 is a chunky running shoe that puts comfort and fashion both in first place. The X-90 has great cushioning due the REVlite technology. The REVlight technology enables great cushioning and sustainability. The New Balance X-90 is a lightweight shoe and you can easily run all the miles you want to.
#9 Saucony Triumph
The Saucony Triumph is a cushioning and neutral running shoe. The sole of the Triumph is composed of the PWRRUN+ material for extra cushioning. The Saucony Triumph is the perfect long-distance running shoe. We guarantee you’ll be running for miles to come!
#10 Mizuno Wave
The Mizuno Wave is a super luxurious running shoe for runners that have overpronation. The Mizuno Wave may be the most cushioning running shoe available. It guides your foot with rolling and is perfect for long-distance runs. Besides the great cushioning, the Mizuno is also very comfortable and supports your feet.
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