Your guide to buying running shoes

Planning to run your way to fitness? Owning the right running shoe is essential to strike out any major chance of injury. Here’s what to keep in mind before you buy your pair:

Each pair of shoes is designed for a purpose. For example, basketball shoes will do you no good while trail running. So, if you are going to run, make sure you pick up running shoes that are meant for runners.

Go for good quality running shoes. A substandard product will be much less durable and will increase the chances of a potential injury. Invest in shoes which are sturdy and can endure wear and tear.

Opt for a pair that fits you perfectly, but make sure that there is a little room for your feet. There should be a thumb’s width at the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe when you wear it. Also, do not buy a shoe bigger than your size, as your heel could slip off.

Choose shoes with a breathable upper section, which helps your feet to perspire less. This will help keep foot odour at bay.

Take your old shoes along, so that the store’s staff could suggest to you the best shoes according to your wear pattern. The wear pattern of an old running shoe tells a lot about the way your feet fall and if you have an over-pronation (excessive inward roll of the foot after landing) or a supination (outward roll of the foot during normal motion) problem.

Confused whether you should buy cushioned shoes for better comfort or minimal shoes for enhanced stability? That depends on your foot arch. If you have a high foot arch, the fall impact will be much greater and hence you require a pair of cushioned shoes. For those with lower arch or overpronation issues, stability shoes are suggested.

PHOTO: ISTOCK