Gearing Up With the Correct Running Shoes for You.

When it comes to choosing the correct Running Shoe for yourself, there are many things to consider before purchase. Considerations include - Shoe Size, Support, Cushioning and Personal Preferences.

1. Sizing is key to preventing Blisters, Black Toenails and a variety of running related problems. The reason being is that running is high impact as an activity and as soon as exercise commences blood moves to the feet and causes swelling, in terms of foot length and width. As soon as Friction is created, problems start to occur. To avoid this, make sure you have chosen the correct shoe size for yourself by following the main recommended rule of going up at least half a shoe size from the size you would wear around on a day to day basis.
2. The Second consideration is Support. If you are looking for Trail Shoes this is less of a Task as all 'Off - Road' Running Shoes are designed with a high level of support to Prevent you from rolling your ankles on Uneven Surfaces and Terrains. Making Comfort and practicality your key deciders. With Road Shoes , Unfortunately it is not as easy as grabbing a Shoe from the wall and hoping for the best. Road Shoes are designed differently, some have added 'control' and others do not. This means you may need to have what is called a 'Gait Analysis'. This involves running on a treadmill and having your running style analysed to see how your arches perform whilst 3 - 4 x your own bodyweight is put through a shoe which highlights everything. A Key Process called 'Overpronation' is looked for which is what can be linked to a variety of different running related injuries in people with a Flat Foot and Weak Arch. This is continuous rolling and collapse which in turn loads the body with unalignment and puts strain on all lower limb muscles. It is important to check if you 'Overpronate' as if you do, you need added arch support and 'control' in your running shoes. - Stability Shoes.
3. Cushioning is another vital aspect to consider due to the impact experienced by your feet when running. Of course, the further you go the more effect this has on the body and the more important it is to get right . Cushioning is designed differently in all models of shoes and brands. For example, Asics use what is referred to as a 'Silicone Gel', ON use 'Cloud Technology', Brooks use 'DNA LOFT' and New Balance use 'Fresh Foam'. The technology in shoes nowadays is crazy, and you will find a shoe which works perfectly for you because of this. Previously runners would wear a basic plimsole. The main benefits of Cushioning is its ability to help with your Joints - E.g. Ankles, Knees and Hips due to Shock Absorption. It also helps in the form of energy return halfway through your Run.
4. Last but not Least, Personal Preference is a huge contributor to choosing correctly. Everyone is different. A Common question asked by customers is 'What is the Best Shoe, Can I have That One?'. In All Honesty, there is no answer. Everybody is different and has different preferences, feet shapes, some people like something very soft and malleable, others prefer something firm and rigid giving the impression of support. Because of this, base your decision on what feels correct to you and what you like the feeling of most. Don't be influenced by others.

Most Runners will know immediately what they like the feeling of and what they do not. This is why having a Gait Analysis is so Valuable due to the broad selection of shoes chosen to try by Staff which 'suit you' Personally.