Should running shoes be a size bigger? Well, with twenty-six bones each, feet are complex organs. In addition to that, people have different foot shapes and sizes. With that in mind, even with countless models of running shoes technology and designs, getting the right fit is not the easiest thing.
Should running shoes be a size bigger?
For a comfortable and enjoyable running, running shoes need to fit a bit different from your casual shoes. In one word, “Bigger”! In most cases, this means that you need to buy a shoe that is an inch bigger than your usual shoes. A good fit needs to be a determining factor when choosing a running shoe.
You should never love a shoe before you know how it’s going to fit you since a good-looking shoe that does not fit you well might become a headache when you hit the trail.
Choosing the right shoes
To get the right shoe, it is good to go to a specialist on running shoes than going to a retail shop. The reason is that a professional retail seller is in a better place to give you proper fit since they have the right tools to measure and find the right running shoes for your feet.
Spend enough time there as the salesperson might ask you several questions to help him choose the right shoe for you. Besides, you might want to try on several shoes.
Bottom-line
A professional salesperson can look at the shape of your foot and find the characteristics of your foot, including whether you have high arches or flat feet.
Foot measurement
Your foot needs to be measured while standing. Asking for your foot size is not enough. Pregnancy, age, or injury can significantly alter your foot size and structure. Besides, as I said earlier, a running shoe needs to be a half-size bigger than your usual shoes to accommodate any swellings that may occur as you run.
Bottom-line
Foot measurement helps you to get the right foot size so that you can choose the right running shoes.
Performing a running analysis
A professional sales person may do a running analysis outside on a sidewalk or on a treadmill to find your running style. The professional will stand behind you to check if your foot placement level rolls in or out.
Bottom-line
Trying on the shoes and walking on them will not help you find if the shoe is right for your running needs. Ask the seller if you can run around on the shoes. As long as you do not damage them, they will not deny you the chance.
After you buy the shoes
After buying the shoes, you need to test them for the next five days to see how your feet respond to the running shoes. If you experience blisters, foot pain or numbness, the shoes are probably the wrong pair for you. If the shoe is right, it does not need breaking in.
If you experience discomfort or aches in the knee, ankle, or arch, this can come as a result of over-correction when it comes to insoles. This happens if the shoe is designed to avoid misalignment and may add more support than you need.
If any of the above problems occur, tell the running shoe store since most of them have liberal exchange policies and can allow you to return the running shoes within one week even if you run on them.
In conclusion, never buy running shoes because of the color, brand name or style. While fashion certainly plays a part in decision making, do not let it ruin your comfort, performance, and safety.
Pick a bigger size and enjoy running!
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