In recent years there has been a large increase in new-breed athletes who have made a hole for sport on their agenda. Behind this almost exponential growth, there are various factors that could be summarized in a greater awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle habits , and sports practice is essential for this.
And it may be that runners have enjoyed the greatest increase in adherents in their ranks, And it is not surprising since running is one of the simplest sports to practice regularly and its benefits are widely documented to reach an optimal state.
Looking for shoes for sports or to start running? Check right now on SportsMen.
Preliminary considerations
If you are one of those people who are seriously considering starting to run , in addition to other considerations about your complexion, current physical condition and the workload you can bear, it is necessary that you do not forget the most important part of the equipment: the shoes.
And not. There are no best running shoes . If someone tells you about the excellence of one or the other, run away and do not look back because it is a totally subjective opinion that may be the opposite of what you need.
Five ways to get it right
The first thing to keep in mind is that the shoes that accompany you from now on are, as a general rule, solid, light, comfortable and breathable , but we also share with you 5 other recommendations that will help you in your choice:
- Consult with a specialist. It should be the first step in the buying process. You can undergo a biomechanical footprint study with the supervision of a podiatrist or, failing that, be advised by specialized personnel at the point of sale. The ideal is to resort to the study because we will be able to know the arch of the foot, the type of footprint (pronating, neutral or supinator) or the relationship of that footprint with knees, hips and back , which will help us prevent injuries.
- Width. It is advisable to also take into account this variable, which is closely related to comfort . If your foot is wider or narrower than normal, you should act accordingly. Fortunately, brands are increasingly offering more options that can be adjusted to your needs.
- Size. As with the width, the chosen size must be eminently comfortable. Keep in mind that the foot can swell when traveling certain distances and the appearance of blisters and chafing are the order of the day. You may need to think about acquiring a pair of shoes that are half a size larger.
- Materials. Without breaking down each part of the shoe, as a general rule, good quality materials should result in a lightweight shoe, with good cushioning capacity, stable, breathable, flexible and durable , which also ensures good foot support and a good grip . Do not rule out that it is waterproof if the weather forces you to do so.
- Land . It is not the same to walk on hard or soft surfaces . Depending on this, it will be convenient for the shoes to have more or less cushioning, grip or stability. Think carefully about your most common itineraries so that your footwear adapts perfectly to each circumstance.