A Shoe Guide for Runners: How to Choose the Perfect Running Shoes for You
Running is one of the simplest and most freeing forms of exercise, not to mention one of the best ways to stay fit, relieve stress, and connect with nature. Sounds amazing, right? Other than a good warm-up routine and the right mindset, you’ll also need a great-fitting pair of shoes that feel like they were made for your feet. If high-quality athletic footwear with a great design sounds like the perfect way to take your running experience to the next level, use this guide to choose the right pair for your needs.
Why Performance Running Shoes Matter
The best running shoes help you move naturally. You’ll want to search for a pair of performance running shoes that are designed to support your feet, encourage proper alignment through the gait cycle, and reduce impact by acting as shock absorbers. They also help stabilize your stride and offer comfortable cushioning. All these factors work together to help minimize the risk of injury to your feet, ankles, knees, and hips—and simply make running more enjoyable.
Function Over Fashion?
You’ll often hear experts say, “Choose function over fashion.” It makes sense. The functional features of your shoes should be your top priority. But if they can also look great, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? Today’s running shoes have evolved beyond serving as strictly functional footwear.
A modern sneaker with wide toe box can deliver performance-driven technology and stylish designs that let you make a statement or show off a bit of your personality. The functionality delivers the perfect foundation for comfortable running, and design touches like eye-catching colorways can help you find the motivation to get after it every day. What better way to embrace the journey?
Fit and Sizing
The right fit is key, not only when you first lace up your shoes, but when the rubber hits the road. Your running shoes should have a secure midfoot and heel, a roomy toe box, and a low heel to toe drop. Make sure your next sneaker with wide toe box offers all these design features, so your feet stay comfortable and secure with every stride.
Running Style and Terrain
What style of running do you prefer? If you love hitting the trails, you need rugged, reliable traction on the bottom of your shoes to provide optimal grip. If you’re primarily a road runner, you’ll need a different kind of traction, especially if you tend to stick to paved, dry road runs. Here’s a closer look to break it down even further:
Trail Shoes: Men’s and womens trail running shoes are designed for all sorts of off-road conditions with uneven surfaces, including rocks, roots, and mud. A lug outsole adds the extra durability and traction you need. Vibram® outsoles are ideal because they offer reliable grip on every surface, even wet terrain. So, look for Vibram® outsoles on your next pair of trail shoes.
Road Shoes:A road shoe is ideal for training on pavement with the occasional trek onto hardpack dirt or even treadmill training sessions. The outsole is smoother and flatter, offering a more comfortable and consistent ride. Depending on the type of ride you’re looking for, you may also want more cushioning in a road shoe.
Cushioning, Comfort, and Responsiveness
Speaking of the “ride” you get in a shoe, some people want a lot of foam cushioning in the midsole, while others prefer a bit less cushioning for their foot shaped sneakers. Shoes with high cushioning in the midsole, also known as maximum-cushioned shoes, help absorb the impact of your feet hitting the ground. Most often, this comes down to personal preference. Some runners like a plush ride because of how it feels for their joints. Others want a more responsive ride that lets them feel the ground underfoot.
Lessons in Heel to Toe Drop: An Important Detail
A shoe’s “drop” refers to the difference in height (and cushioning) between the heel and the toe. Conventional shoes often have a higher drop. However, shoes with a low heel to toe drop are typically categorized as having a difference of 5mm or less. You can even find zero drop shoes with no difference in the height of your heel and your toes.
A low heel to toe drop encourages you to land on your midfoot with each stride. Plus, there are plenty of performance shoes with low drop platforms and high cushioning, so don’t automatically think low drop means no cushioning! You can find wide toe box running shoes with various levels of cushioning to meet your needs.
What About the Toe Box?
The shape of the toe box is another important component of your running shoes that you shouldn’t overlook. A roomy toe box allows your toes to align in their natural position as you run. You don’t want a toe box that’s too narrow because it may scrunch your toes together. A roomy toe box is a feature all types of runners can benefit from.
Choosing a pair of wide toe running shoes doesn’t necessarily mean you have a wide foot, either. It simply means your toes are allowed to splay out as they would if you weren’t wearing a shoe. A sneaker with wide toe box is roomy and made to encourage proper running form. Shoe design has come a long way over the years, and this feature is a game-changer.
Foot Type and Pronation
Understanding the level of stability support you might need is another piece of useful information when choosing a running shoe. There are three different types of pronation: neutral or basic pronation, overpronation, and supination.
Basic pronation means your foot rolls in a minimal amount. In this case, neutral or light-structured shoes are a great call. Those who overpronate have feet that roll inward. If you experience supination, your foot rolls outward. Shoes specifically designed with light stability are a great choice in some of these cases, to offer extra support.
How can you tell if your foot is rolling inward or outward? Take a look at the bottom of a well-worn shoe and notice the tread pattern. Are the inside edges of the shoe (near the big toe and inside heel) worn out compared to the rest of the tread? That could be a sign of overpronating. If the outside edges look more worn than the rest of the shoe, it could be a sign of supination.
No Detail Is Too Small
Finally, when you’re shopping for running shoes, no detail is too small. Here is a selection of a few other important features to keep an eye out for:
- Cushioning: Compare shoes that balance comfort with support and consider your running style and the terrain where you’ll use them.
- Weight: Lightweight shoes can help reduce fatigue, especially for long-distance runners and trail runners.
- Durability: High-quality materials and durable features ensure longevity, even with frequent use.
- Breathability: Lightweight, breathable fabrics like mesh help prevent overheating and also dry out faster in wet weather.
Whether you’re a long-time marathoner or a casual jogger, take the time to research, test, and choose your next pair of shoes wisely. After all, a great run starts from the ground up.
About Topo Athletic
Whether you enjoy running along the roads in your neighborhood, jogging through your favorite local park, or exploring new trails at every opportunity you get, stride for more with a pair of wide toe box shoes from Topo Athletic. Each pair of Topo Athletic shoes is designed with their signature roomy toe box, secure midfoot and heel, and low heel to toe drop. That’s The Topo Difference. By allowing your toes to splay out in their natural position, you can experience enhanced performance and comfort throughout the gait cycle. The result? Running shoes you can count on every day. Browse their full selection of road and trail models to discover the perfect pair of performance footwear to help you go beyond the ordinary.
Discover your new favorite pair of running shoes from Topo Athletic at https://www.topoathletic.com/