About 50 million Americans participate in some sort of running or jogging exercise. Despite this being a common hobby, however, not everyone is doing it in the best and safest way possible.
If you’re a woman who’s going to take up running as a hobby, you need to know how to find the best women’s running shoes. It’s not as simple as walking into a big brand store and picking the first pair of sneakers you see.
If you’re new to the hobby — or just looking to protect your feet as you continue — here’s how to choose running shoes.
Choose Shoes Specifically for Running
The most common mistake many beginner runners make when choosing running shoes is that they go and pick the first pair they like. For many, this could even mean grabbing a pair of Chucks or another shoe that isn’t specifically meant for running.
Running shoes (like the new balance 530 white shoes, for example) are specifically built to protect your feet and give you the best base while running. This means you can go for longer, and you don’t need to worry about the damage that your feet are suffering because they have the best protection.
Measure Your Feet
To find the best fit — especially if shopping online — you should measure your feet to find the correct size.
Many people wear shoes that are too small and pinch, or so big that they slip out, and while this isn’t as much of a problem with everyday shoes, it can be a huge one with running shoes. Not only will it slow you down, but it can cause serious problems with your feet — especially if the shoes are too small.
Measure your feet and make sure you pick the correct size. Remember that brands may vary in how they size their shoes, so always look at their specific guide online and don’t assume every brand is the same.
Make Sure Shoes Fit Correctly
If you can, shopping at a physical location to make sure shoes fit correctly is ideal. If you’re shopping online, try the shoes on immediately when they get to your home and check that they fit. If they don’t, exchange them for the right size — it’s a worthwhile hassle.
You may need to go half a size up from your regular size since you’ll probably be wearing thick socks.
They should feel snug around the middle of the foot and the heel, but you should still have room to wiggle your toes. Ideally, there should be about a thumb of space between the front of your shoe and your toe, which is the perfect balance of comfort and tightness.
Walk around for a second in them to ensure they don’t pinch and that you don’t slip out of them. If it feels like you need to “break them in,” then they may not be the right shoe for you, and it’s always better to try another size.
Check the Soles
Make sure the soles of the shoe are ridged and not too smooth, as this will help with grip. This is particularly important if you tend to run in winter since you could run over a patch of ice and may slip easily if you’re wearing the wrong footwear.
Check the Cushioning
The shoes should also be cushioned well. There should be padding between you and the floor, which is the issue with using other shoes for running — since there’s no padding, your feet are constantly hitting the hard ground, which will cause problems over time.
The best-cushioned running shoes will make sure this is no issue!
Consider the Price
While the best fitness shoes may be a little pricier than your average pair of everyday shoes, you shouldn’t have to break the bank to afford good footwear. Shop around for a reasonable price, and you should be able to get a good pair within your budget.
Remember not to go with the cheapest pair without considering all of the other factors, though. If the cheapest pair has flat soles, no cushioning, and doesn’t fit very well no matter what size you try on, then they’re not the right pair for you.
Consider the cost, but think about it along with all of the other factors to come to the right decision.
Consider the Style
Lastly, it’s okay to consider your personal style along with everything else! If you like light colors better than dark, then a pair of white sneakers may be for you. If you want to add a little personality, there are plenty of running shoes with neon stripes or patterns that look great.
These days, running shoes come in a whole variety of different styles, and you can find a pair that look great on your feet without too much trouble.
This Is How to Find the Best Women’s Running Shoes
If you’re looking for the best women’s running shoes, it’s critical that you don’t walk into the first big brand store you see and grab the first pair off the shelf. Instead, look for shoes that have proper support with good soles and plenty of cushioning, suit your style, are reasonably priced, and fit well.
It may take a little more time to find the perfect pair, but you won’t be sorry that you did your research.
For more fashion and clothes tips and other advice, check out the rest of our site.
##
