How To Pick Out A Running Shoe
One of the more unconventional things I do during my marathon training is putting my final long run a full 6 weeks away from race day. Most running coaches prefer about 2 weeks out. I have my own reasons for doing so. First off, marathon running can be very mentally challenging. Six weeks gives enough time for me to forget the pain I was in at mile 20. It also gives any freak accident injury time to heal (I’ve never done a shakeout run in my life, and have no plans to. New blog coming soon on that.). And finally, if there’s anything that needs to be changed at the last minute, I’ll have time to adjust. Let me tell you a quick story about my final long run, training for my 3rd marathon in 2018.
I woke up and went through my usual pre-run routine, and set off. By mile 10, my big and little toe on my right foot were feeling totally squished inside my shoe. By mile 15, my foot was in so much pain that I had to stop and take off my sock. But if there’s one thing marathon training will give you, it’s a threshold for such madness . So I finished the training run that day. But I’d already told myself during the final 5–6 miles, there’s no way in hell I’m running the marathon in these shoes 6 weeks from now. They’re far too uncomfortable. Had I been honest with myself from the first time I tried them on, that would’ve been easy to see. But I was stubborn. I told myself, “I’ll break them in eventually”. Doesn’t quite work that way. Anyhow, long story short, I went to the store that day and got another pair that I was familiar with. With 6 weeks left till race day, there was enough time for a few short runs to break them in. So lets go over a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to picking out running shoes.
Ordering running shoes online, although convenient, is very risky. Even if its a brand you’re familiar with, or a newer version of a shoe you’ve tried before (which is the case in the above example). If you do order online, be sure it’s a shoe you’ve worn before. In fact, if there is a particular shoe you like, it might be a good idea to order more than one pair. Brands update regularly. So the next time you go to purchase that shoe it could be discontinued. Otherwise, buying running shoes in person is a much safer bet.
So what exactly are we looking for? First things first, if they don’t feel comfortable from the moment you try them on, they damn sure won’t at mile 20. Sure all shoes need to be “broke in”. But we can’t break in comfort. At this point in my time as a marathon runner, I’ve been through my fair share of running kicks. And every one I’ve liked, I knew it from the second I tried them on. So if you’ve got to think about it, likely something is wrong. Either it’s the wrong shoe for you, or the wrong size. Did I have to think about it when I first tried on that pair in the above example? Absolutely(live and learn). Overall, there should room in the toe box(front of the shoe) to move your toes. The shoe should feel snug, but not tight. And your foot should feel centered. You should be able to fit your index finger, at least partially into the back of the shoe while on. If the shoe checks off all these boxes, then that’s a good one for you to try out. Just keep in mind, there is no one universal brand that’s best for everyone. And higher price doesn’t necessarily mean its a better shoe. So don’t assume, try it on. Follow these steps, & and you’ll get more miles, and less blisters. Happy training!
