Whenever you are running, it’s vital to take care of your feet to protect against injury and ensure that you are comfortable. When you are trail running, this is very important because the surface you are running on is uneven, and there will be debris and potential hazards underfoot. Choosing the right shoes can make a huge difference to the health of your feet and your running performance, so it’s well worth getting it right.
Here at The Edge, we know that running is better when you feel fit and healthy, and keeping your feet in great shape is a key part of the process. We have an excellent range of trail running shoes for men and trail running shoes for women, and we can help you to find trail shoes that suit your feet as well as the surfaces you are running on, so that you can enjoy your running experience more. Check out our brand new range of Puma running shoes!
What is your Foot Type?
Good trail running shoes will protect your feet, keep you comfortable and elevate your performance, so it is well worth finding the time to do some research before you invest in your next pair.
Finding out about your foot type is a helpful place to start, and this means taking a look at:
- Your arch type. The natural arches of the feet have a big role to play in the health of your feet and the way they move. People with neutral arches are generally well suited to a neutral shoe, as the foot does a good job of supporting itself. However, if you have high arches, you will need shoes with extra cushioning for good shock absorption while you are running. If you have flat feet or a tendency for the feet to roll in towards each other (overpronation), you will probably need a shoe that provides greater stability, such as a motion control shoe with additional arch support.
- Your gait. Your gait is the way your feet move when you walk or run, and it is very important to take this into account when you are choosing new running shoes. You can take a gait analysis in our shoe store, and this can be helpful. And you can also take a look at your old running shoes, as the wear patterns will give you a helpful insight into the way your feet are striking the ground. If your feet tend to overpronate, rolling inwards as you walk or run, you will need to find shoes that offer extra stability, while feet that supinate, rolling outwards as you move, will benefit from extra cushioning to help keep the feet aligned.
Finding the Right Shoes for the Trails
It is essential to choose the right type of running shoes for the terrain you are running on, and you will need to consider lightweight trail shoes with adequate cushioning and moderate tread if you are routinely running on light trails or paths made of gravel or packed dirt. If you are running on more heavy-duty trails, however, where you are likely to encounter rocks, tree roots and more uneven ground, you will need a more substantial tread with deep lugs, reinforced uppers to cope with the intensity of your running and rock plates for protection.
The weather is another vital consideration, and you will need to factor in the type of climate you usually run in. For instance, since the weather in Ireland is unpredictable, waterproof or water-resistant running shoes are a good option and fabrics and treads that can cope with mud are often the best choice.
Protecting Your Feet
The level of cushioning in your shoes can have a significant impact on the way you run and the health of your feet, and this can vary a great deal between trail running shoes. If you are running shorter distances and aiming to complete technical runs, you will want trail shoes with minimal cushioning so that you have a better connection with the ground. Moderate cushioning is a great choice if you run on different surfaces, giving you a good all-around running experience and balancing protection and responsiveness. For longer distances and ultra running, a pair of trail running shoes with more cushioning is ideal, giving you the support and comfort you need.
Trail running can be potentially hazardous, and you should choose shoes that offer you protection while you are running. This includes elements such as a rock plate and toe bumper, which can protect the feet from rocks and other debris underfoot. Durable uppers are also important, keeping your shoes in better condition for longer.
Top Tips to Buy New Running Shoes
When you are choosing new running shoes, it’s important to take the time to get them right. Our top tips include:
- Shop for shoes at the end of the day. Feet naturally expand throughout the day, and shopping for shoes later in the day is the best way to ensure a good fit.
- Look for a comfortable fit. Shoes that are too small can cause pain and injury to the feet, while shoes that are too large can rub and cause blisters and calluses. You should ensure that you have around a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe for the ideal fit, to keep your feet comfortable and healthy.
- Pay attention to your socks. The socks you wear when you are running can make a big difference to the way your feet feel in your running shoes, and you should take the socks you like to run in when you are shopping for shoes. We recommend breathable socks that wick away sweat while you are running, and many sports socks also feature compression technology, which can enhance your performance.
- Think about the weather. If you run all year round, you’ll want to find shoes that are made from water-resistant fabrics such as GORE-TEX to cope with the wetter weather in the autumn and winter. Breathable mesh designs are ideal for warmer weather, allowing your feet to breathe and dry out quickly after use.
- Wear your shoes in gradually. Don’t be tempted to take your new running shoes out for a long run without wearing them in, as this is a great way to ensure you’ll end up with calluses and blisters! Wear your new shoes for short periods of time to begin with, around the house initially to ensure that they fit correctly, and then build up your running time gradually to keep them comfortable.
Running shoes will usually last for around 300-500 miles, depending on the type of running you do. It is a good idea to introduce your new running shoes before the old shoes are worn out, so you can alternate between the two as you get used to the new shoes.
Find Sports Footwear at The Edge, Ireland
At The Edge, we have an extensive selection of sports clothing and footwear, including running shoes and equipment. Our catalogue includes running shoes for women and men, as well as cycling shoes and walking shoes, and we can help you find great options for every activity.
We specialise in swimming, cycling and surfing, as well as running and triathlon, and we have a great range of mountain bikes, electric bikes, city bikes and hybrid bikes in store. Our friendly team will be happy to help you prepare for your outdoor adventures, and you can find our catalogue on our website or visit us in store to see our full range.
