Running is a sport for everyone – and us runners are all different shapes and sizes – not only in our build but more importantly in our feet. This means our trainer needs are the same, for the type of running do we require trainers to be different shapes, sizes and stability levels.
So what are the things to think about?
Size – Both length and width.
Purpose – What do you need the shoe for?
Support – Do you require support and stability in your shoe?
Go to an independent specialist such as ourselves (or if you don’t live nearby try our Virtual Gait Analysis Page). All of our staff are experienced shoe specialists and love to be able to spend the time with you to find your perfect shoe.
We will watch you walking/running and spend the time analysing footage using our expert knowledge to get an idea of what shoe is right for you. With each different brand you’ll find they fit your feet very differently and it’s important to be able to try on trainers as if your feet are too wide or narrow for the shoe it can cause a host of issues including numbness and pain.
Additionally, different brands size differently length-wise, you can be a 7.5 in one brand but an 8.5 in another – another reason it’s crucial to have the right guidance!
We make sure we cover all aspects – as every person who comes into our shop does a different level and type of activity from gym work, walking to park run or Ultra Trail and they also have a specific injury past which we take into account when choosing shoes for you.
When picking a shoes, it’s great to be able to speak to fellow running buddies and see what works for them. The same goes for reviews, it’s good to get an idea of what you think you’d like. The shoe may be perfect for somebody else, however the likelihood is your gait will be different to theirs. Another reason why you should get your Gait Analysis done and try the shoes on as your feet will tell you which are the perfect ones.
Pronation refers to the way your foot rolls inward for impact distribution upon landing. It is part of the natural movement of the human body but it differs from person to person. As your foot strikes the ground it rolls inwards to absorb the shock. As it does this the arch of your foot supports, on average, three times your body weight. People who roll inward too much or not enough can experience running injuries due to less effective shock absorption (which is often the case with 60% of runners). There are three different types of pronation – neutral, supination and over-pronation. According to Asics, 4 in 5 runners risk injury in shoes that don’t suit their running style and therefore it is important to understand your feet and how you run!
Push Off: Even distribution from the front of the foot
Injuries: Shock absorption related injuries are less likely, due to more effective and balanced shock absorption.
Foot type: Normal size arches
Wear on trainers: S-shaped pattern from the outer heel to the big toe.
Push off: pressure on smaller toes on the outside of the foot.
Injuries: plantar fasciitis, shin splints, ankle strain
Foot types: High arches
Wear on trainers: Found mostly on the outside edge of the shoe.
Push off: Big toe and second toe do the majority of the work.
Injuries: Shin splints, plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel spurs.
Foot type: low arches or flat feet
Wear on Shoe: Mostly found near the big toe, on the inside of the heel and under the ball of the foot.
The most important thing to stress is that it’s completely normal to not be neutral, over 70% of runners over-pronate or over-supinate, it’s just a case of finding the right shoe with the correct support in for injury prevention. Us Bears are super happy to help you find the right shoe, so just give us a call or drop us an email if you have any questions about what is right for you!
The Bear Team x
Big thanks to Asics for Content & Imagery!
