The Skinny on Running Shoes

If running is an item on this year’s resolution list,  please don’t make either mistake of shopping the sale rack for new running shoes or getting the adorable ones you saw that hot shit at the gym wearing.  Start by visiting a speciality running store to get some help determining the right shoes for your individual needs.  But keep these few things in mind:  wear something that you might actually run in (for example a running bra) and I would recommend leaving your brand loyalty and color preferences behind.  Visiting a specialty store may take a little longer but you’ll get awesome customer service and pay roughly the same price.  You’ll leave with the right shoe for you which can make all of the difference in the way you run in terms of performance, comfort, and injury prevention.

A visit to a store such as Fleet Feet Sports (which are all over the U.S.), will start with a consultation where you will be asked a few questions about your current running habits including type of running, frequency and distance you plan to run.  It’s ok to be a little ambitious but be honest with your own profile, even if the salesperson is a hottie who probably runs 10K on an off day.   The next step is to have your foot measured both while sitting and standing.  Try not to resist the suggestion that your running shoe should be a half to a full size bigger than your street shoes.  I was initially horrified when I was talked into a 9.5 since buying shoes for my 8.5 sized feet already bothered me but it was the most comfy my feet has ever felt while running.  If you are new to running or don’t completely embrace it, you don’t want to begin with foot complaints.  Your feet swell when you run and you need plenty of room in the toe box.  Beware that you will probably have to demonstrate running for the running specialist (i.e. salesperson) so dress appropriately.  Before my local store had a treadmill, they would watch you run down the street and back which was a site in my less than supportive nursing bra.  They will watch your foot alignment and observe whether you over pronate (your foot rolls inward) or supinate (your foot rolls outward) when your foot hits the ground.   Once you’ve learned something new about your own two feet, the specialist will bring out a couple of options (ranging in price and usually a couple of different brands) which he/she will have you demo to assess the way each fits while you determine comfort – both physical and in terms of price point.  They will certainly make recommendations based on observation and knowledge but I’ve never felt pressured to go with something out of my comfort zone in terms of price.

So if you’re planning on hitting the road or the treadmill in 2013, start by carving out a couple of hours to prepare your feet.  Running is one of the least expensive, most uplifting, and easily accessible forms of exercise and happy feet will give you one less excuse to get out there and do it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About Lady Yoga London

I grew up in charming New England, “suffering” but no more than most people I know and significantly less than most of the world. But I am inspired to help people on their own journey nonetheless. I earned a B.A. in Psychology from a liberal arts school in the mountains and years later, after meeting my husband and relocating to the midwest, I earned a Masters in Clinical Social Work. I have always been type A and very active since physical activity seemed to channel my focus and “cool my jets”. After literally running myself ragged (marathons and such) I revisited my long time relationship with yoga and became certified as a yoga teacher while living in London. I believe in the transformative powers of yoga because I have experienced them but I am passionate about all things healthy, especially when research includes chocolate and wine among them. I like to keep physically fit and believe that one’s health should be looked at holistically. Today I divide my time, not very gracefully, between raising my boys and my career as a yoga teacher and therapist.  I keep myself grounded by considering my challenges as “First World Issues” but I still love to yack about everything and anything, especially in the form of writing. I am known by most as being down-to-earth which still cracks me up but I think it’s mostly because I am inappropriate and non-judgmental.