Last Updated on 2 years by Maya Jayaram
The market for running shoes is overtaken by thousands of brands, each with its own special features. Some people think that this is a good thing as it helps broaden their options.
However, it also makes people easily confused which often leads to buying the wrong shoes.
Buying a pair of running shoes is not as easy as it seems. You need to make sure that you are getting the right pair of shoes for your feet. If you don’t it can lead to injury.
This blog post will look at some of the most common mistakes that you can make when buying running shoes and what you can do to avoid them.
Mistakes Most Runners Make When Buying Running Shoes
There are many mistakes that runners can make when buying running shoes. Here are 7 mistakes that you should avoid when purchasing running shoes:
1. Not Knowing Your Needs
Before you buy running shoes it is important that you know yourself. Knowing your running needs can help you find the perfect pair of shoes that will work for your needs.
The most common questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a new pair of running shoes are:
- What type of runner am I?
- Do I have any injuries or pain in my feet?
- What type of shoes do I need? (i.e. trail running, racing, etc)
- What is the terrain where I will be running?
- How much do I want to spend on a pair of shoes?
- How often will I be wearing my new shoes?
Answering all these questions will help you find the right pair of shoes for you.
2. Buying Shoes For Fashion, Not Function
Many people buy running shoes just because they like the style. The reason behind this is that they think that their new pair of running shoes will make them look stylish.
However, buying fashionable running shoes may not always be the best choice you can make if you want to improve your running performance.
Functionality and durability are key characteristics of the best running shoes. Instead of looking for running shoes that look cool, look for a pair that’s a perfect mix of style and functionality.
3. Buying Shoes Based On Price
Many people think that the more expensive the shoes, the better choice they are making. However, it is important to remember that quality and price aren’t always connected to each other.
According to RunRepeat research, expensive shoes makes people 8.1% less satisfied than budget-friendly ones. While this may not seem like a lot of difference, it can actually make a huge impact on the overall experience.
You should make sure that you find the right pair of running shoes that are worth the price that you are willing to pay for them.
4. Not Analyzing Your Foot Size
If you do not measure your feet before purchasing running shoes, you may receive a pair of shoes that do not fit your feet as well. This can lead to further injuries and can also lower your running performance.
You should always make sure that you measure your foot length and width before purchasing running shoes to ensure that they are a good fit for your feet.
Knowing your foot size will help you find the perfect fit so that your new shoes will be able to provide maximum support and comfort during your run.
5. Thinking Every Running Shoe Is Same
Not all running shoes are created equal and some can actually do more harm than good to your feet.
It is important that you avoid believing that all running shoes are the same. They actually come in different varieties which can prove to be better suited for certain types of runners.
The most common terms and types of shoes are:
- Road Running Shoes
- Trail Running Shoes
- Stability Running Shoes
- Neutral Running Shoes
- Motion Control Running Shoes
When shopping for running shoes make sure that you choose the pair that is best suited to your needs and running style.
6. Ignoring The Features That Are Important
As said earlier, choosing running shoes is not as simple as picking any pair that you like. You need to make sure that you get a pair of shoes with features that will be useful for your type of running.
There are many important features that you should look out for such as:
- Arch & Ankle Support
- Pronation Control
- Cushioning & Impact Absorption
- Heel to Toe Drop
There are even features that you might not think about but can actually affect your performance such as the tongue of the shoe and lacing system.
You should be aware of the different features that each shoe comes with so that you can compare the different pairs of shoes before making a decision.
7. Not Reading Reviews
Reading running shoe reviews is one of the best ways to find out if a particular pair is worth your money or not.
If you’re interested in buying a new pair of running shoes, read reviews on the specific model first. This will give you a better idea of what the shoe is capable of and whether it’s right for you or not.
You can find a lot of great information about the features and pros & cons of each shoe by reading reviews of similar shoes that have been used by other runners, which can help you make a more informed choice.
Conclusion
So now you know the common mistakes that runners make when they purchase new running shoes and how you can avoid them.
I hope that this post has been informative and provided you with some good advice on things to avoid while choosing great running shoes! If there’s anything else we could help you with, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
Thanks for reading!
