Treating yourself to a new pair of running shoes? Consider this your go-to guide to making that all-important purchase.
To celebrate the launch of Life Style Sports‘ new Achieve Your Awesome campaign, we’re bringing you six simple tips for finding the perfect pair of running shoes.
1. Go shopping in the evening
Our feet start swelling in the morning and don’t stop until well into the afternoon. Our feet also swell while we’re running, so going for a slightly bigger fit will serve you well. The best time to shop for new running shoes is after 4 pm – the size that fits first thing in the morning might be a little snug come evening time.
2. Get your feet measured
Our feet change in size and shape as we get older, so it’s important to keep getting them measured, even when we think we know our size. Confirming shoe size and the type of shoe best suited to your foot is vital for a comfortable fit.
However, always keep in mind that sizes will vary from brand to brand. While a Nike size six might fit perfectly, a size six adidas mightn’t work at all.
3. Bring your old running shoes with you
This is a really simple trick to help you find you next perfect pair of running shoes. Bringing your old runners will go a long way towards helping the salesperson understand your running patterns and the type of support your feet require.
4. Find the right trainers for your foot type
High quality, technical, running footwear provides the very best protection for your feet, legs and body. Each time you take a stride and land, your foot has to absorb two to three times your body weight. This repeated impact differs greatly from other sports. Running footwear has built-in features that enable you to run day after day more comfortably, enhances performance and reduces the risk of injury.
Life Style Sports offers free in-store gait analysis to provide runners with an essential insight into their individual running styles. The results shown from the gait analysis service enables the product experts to advise customers on the best footwear to suit their foot strike, maximising their performance and minimising the risk of injury.
5. Dress like a runner
Don’t go on the hunt for your new running shoes wearing a dress, suit or without your running socks. Dress as if you’re going for a run. And if you have any special shoe inserts or orthotics, make sure to bring them with you.
6. Take your time
Don’t rush the process. Try as many pairs as you can and plenty of time testing the shoes. If there’s a treadmill in-store, take any potential new shoes for a test run. Don’t buy based on price – but the pair that suits you best.
This article is brought to you by Life Style Sports. Head to your nearest store where highly trained product experts will help you find the right clothing and footwear whatever your workout. You can shop the new SS16 Running & Fitness range online or in any of the 58 Life Style Sports stores nationwide.
