At first glance, buying running shoes seems simple. In practice, most runners make the same mistakes when choosing shoes. The result is discomfort, injury or shoes that end up at the bottom of the closet after a few workouts. In this article, I will show you the five most common mistakes that lead to buying the wrong running shoes. They are all common. They all sound reasonable. But they all lead you in exactly the wrong direction.
Mistake #1: Trusting Friends Instead of Your Own Feet
John and Mary, both from your running group, have been loyal to one brand for twenty years. Mary has been running for as long as you can remember. They have run dozens of marathons. They know best. If a certain brand suits them, it will definitely suit you, too. One hundred percent. After all, everyone runs the same way. Go to the store and ask for the same shoes that John and Mary wear. They’ll be great, for sure. Case closed.
Don’t worry if the shoe pinches or rubs somewhere. It’s a minor detail. Don’t worry about your weight or running technique. Those are just details, too. Don’t worry that other brands are simply more comfortable. Or that they support your foot better. That’s an illusion. And don’t even think about the fact that you simply like these other shoes better. John and Mary can’t be wrong. Ever.
Mistake #2: Trying Shoes with the Wrong Socks
Go to the store, try on a few pairs and choose the best running shoe for you. However, wear thick, loose terry socks. You want the kind that slip off your ankles with every step. Alternatively, wear low, invisible socks that fall off your feet like a towel from a hanger when you take off your shoes. For women, I recommend tights that are slippery and thin. They are undoubtedly the best for trying on running shoes. With these socks or tights, it can be difficult to tell if the shoe fits your foot well.
Don’t be surprised if the same shoe feels completely different with a sports sock.
Mistake #3: Choosing Color Over Fit
Not these because they’re blue. And not those because they’re green, and you don’t like green. These are nice, but they don’t match your outfit. These are too white, and they’ll definitely get dirty. These are too black. They’re too sad and don’t suit your style.
When you finally find red ones that match your outfit and style and that won’t get dirty right away, you’ll think you’d prefer a more crimson shade. The perfect color for running shoes only exists in your head.
Don’t pay attention to the technical features of the shoes! Color and appearance are the most important!
Mistake #4: Buying Your Everyday Shoe Size
This is the best way to get black toenails. If you dream of having them and want to experience what it’s like to have your toenails “come off,” buy shoes in your everyday size. They will definitely fit! Also, remember that the tighter the shoe, the better the fit. Don’t listen to those who say you need extra space for your toes. Extra space? Half a centimeter? A centimeter? No! That’s too much! Your shoes will fall off your feet if you do that. Buy a smaller size!
Also, don’t read my text about running shoe sizes!
Mistake #5: Ignoring Advice Because You Know Better
Be aware that when you visit a specialty running store, the salesperson may try to sell you the product that will earn them the highest commission. Don’t listen to them. Don’t believe them when they tell you that a larger size would be more suitable for you. Don’t believe them when they say this shoe doesn’t provide enough cushioning for your weight. Don’t listen when they say shoes with stabilization would be better for you.
Be smarter! Know better! Choose your own running shoes and your own size! Try them on with your stretched terrycloth socks and choose the ones your friend Bogdan recommends in your favorite shade of crimson and, of course, your “usual” size.
Then you’ll be 100% sure you’ve made the wrong choice! The shoes will be your favorite color, but they will pinch and rub and they will be completely unsuitable for your running style. The thick terry cloth socks, which were supposed to help with the fit, will only make the problem worse. Best of all, you’ll be convinced the whole time that you did everything the “experts” from your running group advised.
Step by step, you will execute your plan to buy perfectly ill-fitting running shoes.
PS To jest aktualizacja wpisu oryginalnie opublikowanego we wrześniu 2018 roku.
