Like anybody else deciding to start a new sport, runners need to make sure they answer a long list of pertinent questions in order to get the most value from their new pursuit. The most important consideration for female joggers is picking the right girls running shoes. Here are my magnificent seven tips to make sure you start off on the right foot!
1. Consider where you will be running. If you enjoy track running, then you’ll probably be better off buying a pair of spikes or cleats. The same applies to cross country runners, where muddy, slippery conditions make trail spikes a wise purchase. For parks and footpaths, where the terrain is harder, a high quality pair of running sneakers will be the best option.
2. When buying running shoes, you need to be careful to pick the ones that match your foot type. Some people are flat-footed, whereas others have high arches. If you do not fall into either of these categories, you can choose from a wide range of shoes for neutral gait runners. There are specialist ones for the two other types mentioned, which offer added stability for flat-footed athletes; and extra cushioning and flexibility for the high-arched ones. Go to a store that specializes in shoes for runners. They will normally be able to do gait analysis for free, to determine which foot type you are.
3. Following on the last point, it is a good idea to go shopping for new training shoes dressed in jogging pants and a comfy t-shirt. You will then be perfectly comfortable jumping onto a treadmill to do gait analysis or to test out a variety of different shoes.
4. Try to go out looking for your new sneakers in the afternoon or after work in the evening. Your feet will slightly expand during the day, especially if you are always on them in an active type of job.
5. Make sure the shoes fit perfectly in both length and width. Allow about a thumb’s width for the length, but you should aim to minimize any sliding about inside the shoes. If they are too big, the sliding motion will rub your skin and cause painful blisters.
6. Do not allow the staff in the store to rush you into a purchase. If the pair you are trying on do not feel right, get the staff to bring you some others to try on. Ask for half sizes and wider sizes if they have them and you feel they will benefit you in terms of comfort. Once you have a shortlist of two or three pairs which feel right, only then ask for the prices. If you start out cheap, you will probably get ones that need replacing sooner.
7. Once you have your new dream running shoes, don’t assume they will be perfect straight out of the box. Do not try and run a marathon in them. Always bed them in first; go out for a few easy runs over a couple of weeks to see how they feel, and get used to them.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to find a great pair of girls running shoes that will last you at least for the next 500 miles – actually, that’s the secret tip number 8: never continue with a pair of running shoes for more than 500 miles! By then, it’ll be time for your next pair.
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