Did you know that around 50 million Americans go running regularly? If you are part of that 15% of the population, you understand the importance of having good running shoes.
Having the right running shoes can improve your running performance, prevent injuries, and reduce stress on your joints. While having good running shoes can have a major impact on your performance, choosing the right shoes is difficult.
What are some of the most common running shoe shopping mistakes? Keep reading to learn what you shouldn’t do when buying running shoes!
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Caring Too Much About Looks
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when buying running shoes is only buying for looks. When picking out a pair of running shoes, style should be the last thing on your mind.
You should choose a pair of shoes that fit well and have the right intended purpose before you think about style. Once you choose a pair of shoes, you can pick between the different colors in that type of shoe.
If you don’t find the color you like in the store, you can see if there are any different colors online
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Guessing Your Shoe Size
Another mistake that people make is guessing their shoe size. Even if you know your normal shoe size, you should still have your foot measured each time you get new shoes. The size or shape of your foot can change.
Also, the shoe size that works for you in one brand of shoes may not work with another brand. By having a store associate measure your foot, they can help you find the right size for each brand.
Keep in mind that your running shoe size is probably bigger than your normal shoe size. When you run, you want your foot to be comfortable.
If your foot is crammed inside your shoe, you are more likely to have pain, running injuries, and a less enjoyable running experience.
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Trying on Shoes Without Socks
When comparing different running shoe options, make sure you try the shoes on with socks. If you don’t, you won’t get an accurate understanding of how the shoes feel. If you know that you will be trying shoes on, be sure to bring your own running socks.
What should you do if you forget socks? Ask an associate in the store to see if they have any socks you can borrow. While shoe liners work, trying on shoes with actual running socks is better.
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Choosing a Shoe With the Wrong Purpose
If you are looking for a new pair of running shoes, you should choose a type of shoe that fits your needs. If you are a long-distance runner, you need a supportive shoe designed for long-distance runners.
If you prefer trail running, look for a shoe with good ankle support and tread. There isn’t a perfect running shoe for every runner, so be sure to get one that suits you. If you don’t, you may end up with an injury or uncomfortable running experience.
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Only Depending on Reviews
Most of the time, reviews are a great way to tell if a product is right for you. While you should still read reviews before buying a pair of shoes, you shouldn’t rely on them.
Just because a pair works or doesn’t work for someone else, it doesn’t mean you will have the same result. Everyone has different feet, so what works well for one person won’t work for another.
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Buying Shoes Without Trying Them On
Another common mistake that people make when buying running shoes is buying them without trying them on. When buying shoes online, make sure you have tried the shoe on first, or make sure the website has a good return policy.
If you don’t try them on before buying, you may regret your purchase. Running shoes are expensive, so you don’t want to get stuck with something you don’t like.
Once you have tried on the shoes you love, comparing shoe prices online is a great idea. When you are ready to buy popular shoe brands online, you can click for more information.
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Going Shoe Shopping in the Morning
Did you know that your feet are smaller in the morning? As you go about your day, your feet swell. That is why you should avoid buying running shoes first thing in the morning.
If you buy your shoes in the morning but do your running in the afternoon, you may find that your shoes are too tight, uncomfortable, and cause blisters. The best time to go shoe shopping is in the afternoon.
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Not Paying Attention to Fit
When it comes to buying running shoes, the fit is the most important part. You should pay attention to how the shoe fits your toes, heels, and how much room you have. While you don’t want your shoes to slide around, they shouldn’t be tight.
Be sure to get running shoes that have plenty of room in the toe box. If you don’t, you are more likely to get blisters or bruised toenails.
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Not Going to a Speciality Store
Another common mistake that people make when looking for running shoes is shopping in stores that offer all types of shoes. When you shop in these stores, you are less likely to find the specific shoes you need, and your feet won’t be analyzed by specialists.
While shopping in generic shoe stores will help you save money, your feet won’t thank you for it. Shop in specialty stores to find the best running shoes for your feet and your running needs.
Are You Ready to Avoid These Running Shoe Shopping Mistakes?
Buying the right running shoes can make a major difference in your running performance. When you buy the right shoes, your feet will be more comfortable. If you plan on shopping for running shoes, avoid these running shoe shopping mistakes.
Did you enjoy reading this article on how to choose the best running shoes? If so, check out the fashion category for more similar advice.
