Running is a cheap sports activity, since it does not require any fancy equipment or expensive special equipment. But one thing it does require is a good pair of running shoes.
The good news is, as a beginning runner, you don’t need a superstar pair of running shoes. Beginners won’t log much distance on the road at first, so it eliminates the need for all the fancy bells and whistles found in higher-end running shoes. In the future, your weekly miles or kms will be more of a determining factor in the type of footwear you buy.
For your first pair of running shoes, some running tips to consider are:
- Foot shape and movement
- body frame
- Budget
Foot shape and movement
While there are numerous tests available to determine the shape and movement of your own foot, the most reliable method is to visit a specialty running shoe store. There, the staff can assess the biomechanics of your feet and advise you on what type of shoe is right for you.
That being said, for a beginning runner, making the right decisions isn’t as important as it might be later on when running longer distances. So if his selection isn’t perfect for his particular degree of pronation, it’s not the end of the world. He’ll have a chance to get a better match later, when he’s more experienced and ready to buy his next pair of shoes.
body frame
Body weight is related to how quickly a shoe will break down due to repeated impacts of the shoe against the ground. A runner with a larger frame will break in a shoe faster than one with a lighter frame. For those with larger frames, it’s important to get a shoe with enough cushioning characteristics to properly absorb foot impact and prevent stress-related injuries.
your budget
As already noted, beginners don’t really need superstar running shoes. If you select any shoe that is appropriate for your biomechanical needs (foot shape and movement) and has enough cushioning for your body structure, then that is all the shoe you really need.
Keep in mind, however, that if you skimp too much on running shoes, you may well end up paying for it in medical bills. So don’t automatically go for the cheapest shoes in the store. Instead, use common sense and choose a good mid-range pick that’s right for your particular needs.