Whether you’re hitting the gym or hitting the ski slopes, finding the right sports shoes is essential. Get it wrong and you could end up in pain or even badly injured. This guide will go through the essentials when it comes to choosing sports shoes so you can make the right choice.
Indoor or Outdoor
It comes as no surprise that the best volleyball shoes for women and the best hiking boots are very different. While different sports require different types of shoes, one of the first things you should consider is whether these shoes will be primarily for indoor or outdoor sports. Factors such as grip and waterproof material are some of the things that will differ.
Sport-Specific or Multi-Use?
If you need shoes for running a marathon or mountain biking, for example, you may want specific shoes for your chosen sport. You should investigate shoes from stores that specialize in gear for your chosen sport. You might be looking for a multi-use pair of shoes that can be used for jogging and the gym, in which case you want to find a good all-round athletic shoe. Consider what you’ll be using your shoes for and if you need sport-specific shoes. World Athletics modifies rules governing competition shoes for elite athletes.
It’s essential that your sports shoes fit properly. Trying shoes on in-store is the best way to make sure you get the right fit. Other things you can do is try on shoes at the end of the day or after exercising when your feet are at their largest, wearing the socks you would normally wear when taking part in sports and walking around in the shoes before making a purchase will help you choose the right fit. Don’t believe anyone who tells you that you’ll need to break your sports shoes in before they feel comfortable - they should be comfy from day one!
Consider Your Curve
Feet have a natural curve in the sole. Some of us have relatively flat feet while others have high arches. An easy way to see how curved your foot is is to wet it and place it on a brown paper bag. The more of your foot’s outline you can see, the flatter your feet are. Flat feet need extra motion control and stability in sport’s shoes to ensure feet are well-aligned with the legs. Those of us with high arches may need extra cushioning in our sports shoes to help absorb shock when our feet land on the ground. A specialist sports shoe provider will also be able to advise you what sort of shoe is best for your foot shape, but you can also seek to improve your alignment with insoles that comfort and support your feet.
Replace Shoes Regularly
If you’ve had the same running shoes for years, it’s time to replace them. On average, we should replace running shoes after we’ve worn them for 400-500 miles of running. If you don’t run often, you won’t need to replace your shoes as often. If your sports shoes are getting regular use, however, you may need to replace them once or twice a year.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the right pair of shoes for your favourite sport, consider these tips to get you started.
