We all have a favorite pair of shoes. They might be the ones that fit perfectly, or they could be the ones with the most interesting design. But if you’re looking for a new pair of shoes, it’s important to know what kind of shoe is right for you.

Here are some simple tips on how to find the best shoes for your feet:

Get measured. You may think you know your shoe size, but you could be wrong. Get measured by a professional at a local running store or by ordering from an online retailer like Zappos, who will send you free return shipping labels so that you can try on multiple sizes before making a final decision.

Know what type of shoe is best for your activity level and lifestyle. If you’re training for a marathon or are planning on logging serious miles on your feet each day, then choose a lightweight running shoe with plenty of cushioning in the heel and forefoot area. If your feet ache after walking around town all day long in high heels, then choose flats or low-heeled wedges that offer plenty of support and stability without sacrificing style. And if you’re just working out at home, stick with cross trainers or sneakers that have ample arch support

Best Shoes For Me

Each year our team personally tests more than 150 pairs of running shoes.
We know what running shoes are suitable to which kind of runner and which ones are better than others.

Let us guide you in choosing the right running shoes for you.

Step 1: Consider your gender

Men and women have very different bodies and therefore biomechanics.

Some of the differences are hip shape, which influences the running gate, and the different mass-to-height ratio.

Most female running shoes are just a smaller version of their male equivalents (hence the industry joke “shrink ’em and pink ’em”), but many shoe brands now incorporate gender-specific solutions and constructions.

Step 2: Consider your weight

One of the main functions of a running shoe is to cushion and absorb part of the impact on the ground, which in turn causes stress on the joints of the ankle, knee and hips.

Heavier runners need more cushion and protection than lightweight runners. At the same time, lightweight runners will find a shoe that’s too cushioned unstable and unresponsive.

Step 3: Consider your stability

Each time you run, you submit your body to a force that is 1.5 to 2 times your bodyweight.

Your ankle is your body’s natural shock absorption system – but not all ankles support your gait equally well.

Some people’s ankle are more unstable and need a shoe that’s more structured, in order to keep the foot aligned while running and helps avoiding landing in a wrong position that will, inevitably, lead to injury.

We don’t subscribe to the usual stability paradigm that your arches height (high arches vs flat feet) determines if you need a stability shoe or not. But we do recognize that some ankles need more support than others.

Step 4: Consider your foot strike

Most people land on their heel while running, while some people land more on the midfoot or forefoot.

There is not a sinlge best way – I am actually a supporter of the fact that any landing works – as long as it works for you.

What is important though is to be aware of this and to pick a running shoe that works for that particular gait.

One of the easiest indicator of this is the “heel to toe drop”, also known as “offset” or just “drop”, which is the difference in height, in millimiters, between the heel of the shoe and the toe.

Traditional running shoes, have a drop of 10-12mm and are more indicated for people who land on their heel. Other shoes have drops between 5 and 8mm and work well for a midfoot landing. There are then low-drop shoes, or even zero-drop shoes that are meant for runners who land on their toes.

Step 5: Consider how you are going to run

Running shoes are a little like cars. Some are lightweight, small and nible and meant for speed. Some are larger, heavier and are made for comfort.

When choosing a running shoe, think about how you are going to train (or race) in them. Are they for your day to day training, for your slow or moderate paced runs? Or are they the shoes you’ll use in a race or for the days of fast training?

Step 6: Consider where you are going to run

Running on concrete and running on natural trails are very different beasts that require very different shoes.

Road shoes need to fight the hardest and harshest surface (concrete) – therefore their focus will be in maximizing the shock absorption, in various degrees, depending on the points above.

Trail running shoes need to focus on other characteristics such as traction, protection and breathability.

Look for shoes that:

• Have a stiff back. Grasp the heel in one hand and the shoe above the heel in the other hand. You should not be able to move the shoe side-to-side around the heel.
• Have a small amount of torque. Hold the shoe at both ends. You should be able to twist it slightly.
• Bend where your toes bend..
• Provide arch support. If the shoe does not have arch support, add an extra arch support. Spenco, Powerstep, and Superfeet products are often comfortable. Check that the arch support can fit in the shoe without squeezing the toes or causing the shoes to slip off the heel.
• Are wide enough and long enough at the toes. It should not push the toes in or make them curl.
• Feel comfortable right away.

When to replace shoes?

• Look at the heel. Most people will wear out the side of the heel over time. When the heel becomes angled, it will alter every step you take and can cause pain in the leg or back. Shoe repair stores may be able to fix the heel. If not, replace the shoe.
• Running shoes can cause pain before they look worn. This is because they lose the capacity to absorb shock. The guideline to replace running shoes is every 350 to 500 miles. Running shoes older than one year old may also cause pain because of changes in the sole with exposure to humidity or heat. Save running shoes for running only and it will prolong the life of the shoe. Old running shoes can be used for walking.

Consider different factors for different shoes:

Athletic shoes: There are four types of running shoes: motion control, stability, neutral/cushioning, and minimalist. The correct shoe for you is based on arch type and biomechanics. One way to test the shoe is to walk and jog in it. You can also balance on one leg and do a one-legged squat. The shoe should feel comfortable right away and these tests should feel easier in the right shoe.

For court sports, a sport-specific shoe is better than a running shoe because it will provide more side-to-side support. For cleats, it can be helpful to pick a shoe that allows you to add an arch support.

Minimalist shoes are used for forefoot running to simulate “barefoot” running. To avoid injury, it’s best to slowly add time and to get guidance for proper form.

Sandals: Flip flops are good for short distance walking only. Choose sandals with strapstha cover more of the foot and/or wrap around the anke.

Boots may fit loosely and not provide adequate foot support. Adding arch support can improve comfort.

Women’s dress shoes are often detrimental to feet, knees, and spines. Heels alter whole body posture and can cause pain. If you wear heels, pick a lower heel shoe, a wider heel or wedge, and a heel that does not curve in. Wear higher heels when you have to, then switch to a lower heels if you have to walk any

distance.

Take time to tie and untie your shoes:

Your shoe will work best when it fits snugly and acts as an extension of your foot, without sliding around. Pulling off your shoe without untying it will cause the support in the shoe to break down much faster.