Did you know that your running shoes should be replaced approximately every 300-500 miles? This will usually be around 4-6 months, depending on how often and how far you are running. It isn’t always a straightforward process to adapt to new running shoes, so you should be sure to give your feet plenty of time to adapt. It’s a good idea to start breaking in your new running shoes before you need them, so wearing them around the house and out on short runs before your old shoes wear out will help to avoid pain and discomfort when you transition into the new pair full time.
Every time you go for a run, you should check your shoes carefully for signs of damage or wear. Don’t be tempted to risk the health of your feet by running in shoes that are deteriorating, as this will compromise the cushioning and support that the shoes can offer. It’s worth taking your time to find your new running shoes, ensuring that they are a good fit for your feet, and our experienced team at Foot Solutions will be happy to help you find the best options for your lifestyle.
Choosing new running shoes
When you need new running shoes, it is tempting to opt for the pair with the design you like the best or that offers the most competitive price. However, getting value for money means choosing the pair of running shoes that best suits the shape of your feet and allows you to make the most of your exercise routine. Poor quality shoes can lead to numerous foot problems, including stress fractures and issues such as plantar fasciitis, and working with the experts to find a pair that protects your feet can make all the difference.
Here are our top tips on choosing new running shoes:
- Don’t wait until your runners wear out. There is no point in – literally – limping on until your runners walk themselves to the bin, as this will just put pressure on your feet and increase your risk of injury. Prepare yourself ahead of time by looking for new runners when you know you have around a month of wear left in the old pair, and this will give you time to break them in gently so that your feet can adapt.
- Take your old runners to the shoe store. Taking your old running shoes to a specialist foot store such as Foot Solutions will enable a professional fitter to see where your shoes are wearing out quickest and where your feet are most in need of support. This means that you can benefit from recommendations that are tailored to your feet and take your running habits into account, so you are likely to find a much better fit.
- Go shoe shopping in the afternoon. As human beings, we spend a lot of time on our feet, and they naturally expand throughout the day as a result. Shopping for shoes in the morning can mean you end up with shoes that are too small and cannot accommodate your feet comfortably later in the day. Leave your shoe shopping until the end of the day to ensure you cater for your feet at their largest, and you are more likely to end up with comfortable shoes that fit your feet well.
- Consider your gait. Your gait is the way your feet strike the ground when you are running, and this varies between runners. Our professional staff offer a gait analysis service, which can be very helpful when you are looking for new running shoes, and this can identify the best options for your feet depending on whether your heel, ball or toes strike the ground first. Having a good amount of cushioning in the right places can support your foot, whatever your natural gait, and this is likely to have an impact on how comfortable your feet feel as you run.
- Think about the type of running you do. If you are running on roads, you’ll need shoes that are lightweight and offer plenty of cushioning for your feet as they strike these hard surfaces. Road running trainers often incorporate the latest sports technology to maximise cushioning in the most vulnerable areas of the foot, and you can even use custom orthotics to enhance the support in your shoes. If you are running on trails or rugged terrain, you’ll need running shoes that have better traction for uneven ground and rock plates to protect against sharp debris. Trail running shoes are often made with particularly hard-wearing materials to resist damage and water, and are designed to be flexible with a high degree of stability to protect the feet.
Here at Foot Solutions, we can help you find the perfect shoes for your running habits and your budget, and we will ensure that you choose a pair that is well-suited to your feet and their unique shape. We can carry out a free foot assessment to establish the best options for you, and we also offer additional services such as gait analysis and foot scans if required.
Brooks running shoes
At Foot Solutions, we believe that Brooks running shoes are an excellent option that protects the health of your feet and incorporates a good level of support and comfort. Brooks uses the latest sporting technology alongside expertise in physiology and biomechanics to create shoes that provide your feet with the perfect balance of stability and support. For instance, the Glycerin range is based around the new DNA Tuned technology, which includes nitrogen-infused cushioning in the midsole to provide a softer landing and a more responsive running experience.
Brooks was established in 1914 and has been leading the way in running shoe design since this time. As well as designing great shoes, they are generally a brilliant company to support, and we are proud to be a part of their journey. Brooks is committed to raising awareness of inequalities within the running community, and is involved with many community impact projects through their diversity, equality and inclusion programme. They also have an impressive climate strategy, which includes responsible sourcing and use of materials throughout their production and distribution process.
As well as excellent road running shoes, Brooks also offer a great range of trail shoes and hiking shoes, and walking shoes that will protect your feet as well on a long challenge as they do on a short stroll around your local area. We’ll help you to find the best options to enable you to live the active lifestyle you want, and we’ll be very happy to chat with you in-store.
Find your new running shoes at Foot Solutions
Finding running shoes that make your feet feel great doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Here at Foot Solutions, we know how important it is to take care of your feet, and we want to help you enjoy good foot health that enables you to lead an active life for longer. Our range includes comfortable, supportive shoes for work, play and exercise, and we can also produce custom orthotics and insoles that can offer the specialist support and cushioning your feet need.
Whether you are experiencing foot pain or simply want to ensure that your feet are cared for properly, you’ll find that a visit to our professionals gives you the solutions you need. We have a selection of shoes, sandals, running trainers and boots that your feet will love. Pop in and see us in store or book a free foot assessment online to find out how good your feet can feel!
