How to Choose The Perfect Running Shoe

Choosing the right running shoe can be an arduous task. With over fifty different specialist running shoe manufacturers all claiming to produce the best trainer lines, which brand and model can you trust to spearhead your running and keep your free from injury?

The first thing to do is decide what kind of runner you want to be. This may sound a little crazy to anyone who hasn’t been jogging for a very long time, but there are a few different styles that separate the running community.

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The first style is the conventional style. This is where you run in trainers that have a large chunky heel and lots of foot support to protect you from the impact that occurs every time your foot hits the ground. Lines such as the Asics Nimbus 14 and the Nike Lunarglide follow this line of thought. Although this is the running that 80% of runners follow, in recent years, the phenomenon of barefoot and natural running has taken off with more and more trainers following the craze. The main difference between conventional and natural trainers is that natural trainers have a lower heel to toe profile. This means that although they have very little cushioning, their flatter profile encourages you to land on your forefoot, and therefore, there is less impact for your lower legs to absorb. Trainers such as the Asics Blur 33 and Newton Motus follow this style.

So once you have decided on your type of running style, it is time to pick the actual shoe. The best way to do this is to visit a specialist shop that can take a close look at your gait while you run on a treadmill. The staff at such shops can tell if you are something called a pronator, superpredator or a neutral runner and can advise on the correct running manufacturers and type of trainer accordingly

They may advise you to buy a high-end model with lots of cushioning and support such as the Asics Nimbus 14, or they may advise you on a mode lightweight and flexible trainer such as the Saucony Guide line. Every person has their preference, and the key to remember is that the model that you pick will take a few runs to break in and get used to as you may have to change your style of running to take into account more or less support as well as more or less flexibility.

Thank you for reading this insight into the world of running shoes. If you would to read more detailed reviews on trainers, then check out the RunTheLine sports blog or head to one of the thriving community forums on the web.