Running skills
Everything you wanted to know about running shoes... ...but were afraid to ask!
These days it seems like you need a PhD in footwear to decide on the right running shoes. So we’re here to help with our ultimate shoe guide
Words: Anna Harding
We’re often told that running is a simple sport; all you need is a good pair of trainers. But with so much information out there about types of running shoes, different names for them and different shoes for different types of running, it can actually become a lot more overwhelming than you first imagined. Fear not! That’s where we can help, and hopefully answer every question you have and tell you everything you ever wanted to know about running shoes, but were too afraid to ask!
Which type?
Choosing the right running shoes depends on several factors, including your foot type, running style, and of course, your personal preferences. The first question to ask yourself is, what kind of running are you doing? This will then determine whether you want road or trail shoes, racing flats or spikes.
Once you know what type of shoe you’re looking for, there are then a few more questions you need to ask.
What is ‘gait analysis’?
You’ll need to find out what type of runner you are, and this comes down to your gait.
Your running gait refers to the specific way in which you move your body while running. There are various components that affect your gait, including your stride length, foot strike pattern, arm swing and overall posture. Understanding your running gait can help you improve your running efficiency, prevent injuries and pick the most appropriate running shoes that will keep you injury-free.
The best way to look at your running gait is to go to a specialist running shop or a physiotherapy practice that offers an analysis service. The expert in the shop will usually get you on a treadmill and ask you to run for them. They’ll have a number of cameras set up around the treadmill so they can capture your running style and then analyse what your particular running gait is. With this information, you can then choose the running shoes that are most appropriate to how you run.
It’s important to note that our running gait can change over time, and for various different reasons. Changes may come about due to an injury, weight gain or loss, or even pregnancy or when you are postpartum. So if you’ve had your gait analysed previously, but it was a long time ago, it’s worth going back to get it checked out every couple of years.