When you’re a keen runner, there’s nothing so exciting as new running shoes day! It’s great to get out on your favourite roads or trails with a new pair of running shoes that you’ve carefully chosen to suit your feet and your running habits, and we want to ensure that you enjoy every moment of the experience!
Running in new running shoes is not always plain sailing, however, and your new shoes may require extensive breaking in to ensure that they are comfortable and safe to run in. Breaking in your new running shoes gently is important to ensure your comfort and prevent potential injuries, and we’re about to share our top tips on making the process more straightforward
Our Top Tips to Break in Running Shoes
Whether you’re running on roads or on local trails in the countryside, we’d suggest spending some time breaking into your new running shoes before you set off. We know you can’t wait to get out there, but a few preparatory steps will help to avoid painful blisters, injuries and strains and ensure that you can make the most of your fabulous new running shoes. Read on for our recommendations:
- Wear your shoes indoors. When you get a new pair of running shoes, it can really help to wear them around the house for short periods before you take to the trails or roads. This gentle wearing-in process will help your shoes to mould to the contours of your feet without putting too much strain on them and allows you to build up gradually rather than jumping straight into long periods of wear.
- Start with short runs. It’s the same principle as wearing your new running shoes inside and enables your feet to get used to new shoes gradually. Both your feet and your shoes will adjust to one another, and it is important to begin with shorter runs and build up gradually to avoid causing discomfort or blisters.
- Find the right socks. Good socks are really important when you’re running, as they affect the way your shoes fit and help to maintain your foot health. Moisture-wicking socks are a great choice, as they keep your feet dry by pulling sweat away from your skin. This makes you more comfortable and reduces the risk of blisters, especially while you are breaking in your new shoes.
- Adjust your laces. The way your shoes are laced can change the fit and the way they feel, so it’s useful to experiment with different lacing techniques as you are breaking in your new running shoes. You can loosen or tighten specific areas to alleviate pressure points or provide more support where needed to find the most comfortable fit.
- Rotate your shoes. Running in the same pair of shoes every day can quickly wear them out and lead to a build-up of bacteria that can cause Athlete’s Foot. If you have more than one pair of running shoes, it’s a good idea to rotate them to allow them to decompress, extending the life of your shoes and ensuring that the cushioning remains effective.
- Consider the terrain you run on. You should aim to break in your new running shoes on the sort of terrain you usually run on, to ensure your shoes and feet adjust well. If you love to run on trails, it’s important that you break your shoes in on trail surfaces as your gait will be different on trails than on smooth surfaces such as roads and this will affect the fit of your shoes.
- Warm up first. It is vital to warm up and stretch properly before running, as this prepares your muscles and joints and they cope better with the impact as you run. This is especially important as your feet adjust to new running shoes, and a proper warm-up will relieve the stress on your feet at this time.
- Monitor wear patterns. It’s helpful to keep an eye on the wear patterns of your shoes. Uneven wear can indicate that your shoes do not fit properly or that improvements could be made to your running form. Addressing these issues early can prevent discomfort and injuries so it’s ideal to do this when you are breaking in new running shoes.
- Listen to your body. As with any training regime, it’s very important to listen to your body while you are running. Pay attention to any discomfort or pain and be aware that persistent pain can be a sign that your shoes are not a good fit for your feet. Don’t ignore pain as this can lead to injuries, and always see your doctor if you are concerned about persistent or intense pain in your feet.
Your feet are as unique as you are, and what works for one runner may not work for another so take the time to break in your new running shoes in the way that works best for you.
How to Choose Your New Running Shoes:
Choosing new running shoes can be a challenge, finding shoes that are both comfortable and stylish. Here at The Edge, we’ve got a great range of running shoes and we will be happy to help you to find the best option for you and your lifestyle so that you don’t have to compromise at all!
The following questions are important to consider when you are looking for a new pair of running shoes:
Where do you run?
Perhaps the most important consideration when you’re choosing new running shoes is what sort of terrain you’ll be running on. For trail running, you’ll be looking for a good grip and cushioning that will protect your feet against rough surfaces and potential hazards. For trails, we love the lightweight Saucony Men’s Peregrine 13, which gives you the freedom you need to increase your speed without compromising your comfort and foot health. Road running shoes are usually lighter and more flexible, offering a higher level of cushioning to absorb the impact of running on hard surfaces. Choices such as the Hoka One Men’s Kawana provide balance and support, with a bevelled heel for smoother heel strikes to optimise protection for your feet.
How much cushioning do you want?
Running shoes offer varying degrees of cushioning and you’ll need to try several pairs or have a gait analysis to find out what will give your feet the best level of protection. Running shoes should mould your feet and prevent them from rolling as you run, ensuring that you are not at risk of injury and supporting your feet in all the right places. The Saucony Men’s Endorphin Speed 3 includes Speedroll technology in an ultralight shoe to guarantee maximum protection and a personalised fit.
How do they fit?
Running shoes use different technologies to get a great fit for your feet, and this can improve the way the shoe feels, how it responds to impacts and how it rebounds. This can make a big difference to the comfort of your running shoes and your enjoyment of your run, so it’s worth getting it right. You should always try shoes on at the end of the day as feet tend to swell throughout the day and get your feet measured by a professional fitter. We love Asics Women’s Gel Nimbus 25, designed to give you the best of comfort and cushioning with PureGEL technology to maximise shock absorption and prevent injuries.
Your new running shoes should manage around 400-500 miles of running, so it’s worth working out whether this distance will equate to a few months or longer for your personal running habits. You should check your shoes regularly to see whether the middle or outsides of the soles are worn out or compressed, as this can put you at risk of injury and pain. If your shoes are damaged or wearing out, check out our guide to choosing new running shoes and treat your feet to a fabulous new pair!
Find your new running clothing and shoes in Ireland
Here at The Edge, we believe that running is not only great for your physical health but also for your mental well-being. Ensuring you are kitted out properly will help you avoid common running injuries and enjoy your progress. We have a great range of running shoes and clothing and we will be happy to help you find the best options for your lifestyle.
Whether you’re just starting out with a Couch to 5K programme, or you’re in training for a marathon, we can supply everything you need for your running. We are also specialists in cycling, swimming and surfing in Ireland, and we’ll be happy to help you find equipment and clothing for all your outdoor pursuits. You can order online or pop in and talk to us at The Edge at Kinsale Road in Cork; contact us at +353 (0)21 432 0522 or visit our website today.
