Things to Know When Getting a Pair of Running Shoes

Among all the exercises that we do to be fit, there's nothing more pure and more natural than running and walking (and jogging in between). These exercises are so easy and effortless to do and don't require much training (if at all) since we were born to do them for our mobility. They are also some of the most beneficial fitness activities for any Tom, Dick or Harry.

Although walking or running is one of the safest exercises we can do, they still require the person doing it to wear proper footwear for various reasons. Aside from maximizing the benefits that can be gained from the exercises, we can also avoid injuries like shin splints (also called tibial stress syndrome) if we use the right footwear.

If you're planning to run either as a form of exercise or for cross training, you should also wear the right shoes. Here's a list of things to know before buying a pair:

Know your own feet - If you know the back of your hand well, you should also know your feet. We may all have 10 toes (well, not all) and a pair of heels, but we definitely have different feet in terms of their shape. Taking the wet test is the most common way of knowing what foot type you have, whether you have flat or high arches. This test is done by simply dipping your foot into a water-filled shallow pan. Then, step onto a blank piece of paper. Observe the shape of the footprint on the paper and see if your feet has a normal, flat, or high arch. The arch or pronation will help you determine what kind of running shoes to get.

Running shoes are for running - That may sound like a no-brainer, but some make the mistake of using running shoes for walking. For walking, the shoes have to be stiffer compared to running shoes, which should be flexible. The latter should also have additional cushioning to handle impact. If you do both walking and running, make sure you get a pair for each of them.

Get your foot size regularly - There are some who are under the impression that the size of the feet don't change once people become adults. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Our feet size actually change as we get older, so be sure to measure your feet size two times a year. You also have to know that sizes can vary between different brands, so be sure to get the pair that really fits right.

Shopping for the right pair of running or walking shoes can be made easier if you know exactly what you want and what's right for your feet.

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