Whether you are a marathon runner or a casual running enthusiast, you need to wear the right type of running shoe. This can help improve your sport, keep you comfortable and help reduce foot and ankle issues. If you are thinking of replacing your old, worn out running shoes or you are buying a new pair from a place like Finley Shoe Store, here are 3 important aspects you should consider:

1. Know When to Replace Your Running Shoes

Keep track of how many miles you approximately have run. As a general rule, you should replace your running shoes after a few hundred miles of running. If you run on a hard surface or on running trails, you might want to retire those shoes after a couple hundred miles. However, if you are a casual runner, you might get by with up to 500 miles of running on a pair of shoes.

Also, you should examine your shoes. Is there any material or threads coming loose? Do the heels of the shoes look flattened or worn? If so, it is time to replace them with a new pair.

2. Considering How Much Cushioning You Need

The amount of cushioning you need in your running shoes depends on a few factors. If you experience a lot of impact during your run and you put in high mileage, you will probably need maximum cushioning in your shoes. Also, if you are a large framed individual, you'd do best with more cushioning. This may also include extra insoles for arch and heel support. Lightweight shoes with moderate cushioning is suitable for lighter framed individuals who do causal running on occasion.

3.  Determine Your Arch Profile

The profile of your arches is an important factor in choosing the most suitable running shoes. Typically, running shoes are designed for individuals with high arches, normal arches or low arches. You'll want to select the right profile to match your own, but how can you determine what type of foot arch you have? It is relatively easy.

Try something known as the "Wet Test". Simply wet the bottom of your foot. Next, step down onto a piece of paper and note your footprint. If the arch appears low or not visible to the eye, you have low arches or flat feet and you should choose running shoes designed for this type of foot. If your footprint reveals the heel and forefoot connected, you have normal arches, sometimes referred to as a medium arch profile. However, if the band connecting the heel and forefoot is very narrow, you have high arches. In such a case, extra cushioned shoes may be needed.  

Share