Did you know that the footwear you exercise in could make a big difference to your performance as well as how comfortable you feel? Choosing footwear that suits the sport you are doing can help to streamline your performance and give you a boost of speed and power to take you to another level, and we can help you find the best options for your lifestyle and your feet.
It isn’t always easy to find the best shoes for every sport, but we have an excellent range of running shoes for men and running shoes for women, trail shoes for men and trail shoes for women and cycling shoes for you to choose from, and our friendly team will be happy to help you narrow down the options. Read on for our quick guide to choosing the best footwear for every sport. Check out our brand new range of Puma running shoes!
Matching Your Shoes to Your Sport
Running in shoes that are designed for walking is a recipe for disaster and increases the risk of foot injury, as you will not have the right level of support and cushioning for your feet. There are 26 bones in each foot, as well as 33 joints and more than one hundred muscles, tendons and ligaments. This means that there are several components in need of support, and the feet need good footwear to maintain good health.
It is important to think about the type of activity you will be doing when you are buying training shoes. For instance, running demands well-designed running shoes that provide good arch support and cushioning in all the right places for your feet, while walking calls for more flexible shoes that have a good amount of support for the heel to provide shock absorption as the foot hits the ground.
Sports such as tennis and football require specific shoes designed to withstand the pressures that these games place on the feet, and it is important to look after the feet in order to protect your general wellbeing and stay active. Football shoes or boots, for instance, should be designed to withstand wet, muddy conditions, and the level of traction and grip required will depend upon the position and surface you play on.
Consider Your Foot Type
Your feet are as unique as you are, and it is important to find shoes that make them feel great. If you have flat feet or fallen arches, you may require specific footwear that supports the feet effectively, and custom-made arch supports may be a useful option inside your training shoes. Ensuring that your feet are supported correctly can reduce the risk of pain in the lower back, hips and knees as well as in the feet, so this is a great investment in your health.
It is worth considering the way your feet move as you walk or run, as this can influence the type of shoes that are best suited to your feet. For instance, if your heel strikes the ground first, you will require more cushioning here, while people who run on the balls of their feet may require a different type of cushioning inside the shoe. A simple gait analysis will help you identify the way your feet move, and this can help you choose the best options.
Running Shoes for Comfort and Style
Finding running shoes that suit your feet can be a game-changer in your running routine, and the keywords here are comfort and support. You should prioritise shock absorption, especially if you are running on hard surfaces, to reduce the impact on the joints in your feet and legs. The level of support you require will depend on your gait and the surfaces you are running on. A treadmill will require very different shoes from road running, for instance.
Ensuring that your feet are comfortable as you run is essential, and you should feel good in your running shoes. They should support your feet securely so that they do not roll, and provide a good level of cushioning. Choose shoes that are breathable to keep the feet cool while you are running, and allow your shoes to dry out between wears to avoid a buildup of bacteria.
Running shoes will generally last for around 300-500 miles of running, and it can take some time for your feet to adjust to a new pair, so you should begin breaking in your new running shoes before your old ones are worn out. Check for damage before you run to ensure that you are not putting your feet at risk of injury.
How to Find Good Shoes
Here are our essential tips for shoe shopping:
- Whether you are buying shoes for running or for cycling, you should aim to try them on at the end of the day. This is because the feet swell during the day, and this will ensure that you do not buy shoes that are too small. For the same reason, it’s important that you try shoes on both feet, as the feet can differ in size quite substantially.
- Ensuring that you have plenty of space in your shoes will allow your toes to spread and reduce the risk of foot conditions that result from tight shoes, such as bunions and hammertoes. Your shoes should have a wide toe box with plenty of room around your longest toe, and should fit the feet well without slipping off as you walk or run.
- Make sure that your feet are comfortable and do not pinch or rub your feet. It is true that it will take a little while for your feet to adjust to new shoes, but if they are uncomfortable to begin with, this is only likely to get worse as you wear them more frequently.
- The socks you wear can make a big difference to the way your feet feel in your shoes, and training socks can often enhance your performance with strategic padding, circulation-enhancing technology or moisture-wicking properties. We have a good range of sports socks for you to choose from, and it is a good idea to try these on with your shoes to ensure a good fit.
- You should also think about the materials your shoes are made from, and with running shoes, there is a huge variety of options to choose from. For instance, breathable fabrics that use mesh to keep your feet dry can be ideal for trail runners or if you often run in the rain, and there are many sustainable materials that you can try.
Find Great Sports Shoes at The Edge
The footwear you choose can make or break an adventure and give you the extra support you need to take your training to the next level. At The Edge, we know how important it is to choose the right footwear for your sporting activities, and we can help you find the best solutions.
Pop in and chat with our experienced team or explore our extensive range on our website, including running shoes, cycling shoes and walking shoes. We also stock a wide variety of running clothing for men and women, and all the accessories and equipment you need for cycling, swimming and triathlon.
