Since this is one of the most frequently asked questions I get, I figured it would be helpful to share my tips on how to find the right running shoes for you. A lot of people ask me what I wear, I think just assuming that the shoes I wear must be good and therefore would be good for anyone, and so when I answer I always give the disclaimer that since everyone’s body and build, gait and stride, etc. are all different, that just because the shoes work for me that it doesn’t meant they’re great for everybody. So I’ll share the ones I do wear in this post, as well as give my tips for how to make sure you’re finding the right ones for you!
Running pain free is a very important part of making sure your running journey is consistent. I no longer run races – I just discovered that my joy is in running 3-6 mile distances about 3x a week (I usually run T-Th-Sat) – but regardless of if you are training for races or not, finding the right shoe that supports you is crucial. Over the years I’ve ran 4 half marathons and a full marathon and I’ve worn a variety of different running shoes. I wore Mizuno Wave Riders for most of my distance race running but then started to feel like I still needed something more supportive. I like a cushion-y feel to my running shoes!
I have worn Brooks Adrenaline GTS for many years at this point…at least the last 6-7 years. I love them. I see myself sticking with them unless they end up completely changing the design of the shoe or something radical! I’ve been very happy with them…but they aren’t for everyone. I overpronate, meaning my feet roll inwards and are pretty flat. I have next to no arch in my feet at all. So, I would not recommend these for people with a high arch, for example.
So how do you know what shoe works for you? Here are my tips:
How to find the right running shoes for you
Go to a running store and have them analyze your gait.
This is my #1 recommendation because these people are professionals and this is their job! They will put you on a treadmill and have various ways to analyze your gait and stride to see what type of shoe will be best for you. Then they will let you try on different pairs of what they recommend so you can actually walk around and see what feels best to you! So for sure if you can do this, I recommend this method. But due to location or current coronavirus distancing, if you can’t get to a running store, my next recommendation is:
Go to the running shoe websites and take their shoe finder quiz.
Most running shoe sites have quizzes you can take where you answer questions about your build/feet/stride, etc. and they will virtually recommend shoes to you. I’ve linked the quizzes for some running brands below:
There are other tools from different websites like this one that can give you various brand recommendations through a quiz.
Test them yourself.
Most running brands have a certain window of time where you can try out the shoes and return them if you don’t like them, so be sure to check on that with the specific retailer you use.
& that’s really it!
My biggest suggestion is to not just see what someone on Instagram is wearing and immediately assume it would be right for you. That could potentially even cause injury if you’re running in something that isn’t designed for your foot type/body type etc.
Something to note about running shoes: GOOD running shoes might not be the most fashionable things you’ve ever seen. I like that the Brooks shoes I wear come in a variety of color options (I currently have the solid white/rose gold pair and previously had the all gray…y’all know I love neutrals) but don’t get hung up on what they look like. They need to PERFORM well. You can get some other cute sneakers for casual wear…you know I’m all about that anyways!
Also, they’re likely going to be an investment, but you should get roughly 500 miles out of a good pair of shoes (this is an average number I’ve seen recommended…I usually buy new running shoes every 6-8 months. I can just “feel” when they’ve started to lose their support and it’s time for me to get new ones!)
Hope this helps, if you have any questions feel free to drop them in the comments!
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xo,
Bess
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