Whether you are a new runner or experienced runner, there is a common denominator: SHOES.  Let’s face it: shoes can make or break our runs, which is why shopping for the right shoes is the most important aspect of running.

MISTAKE 1- HOW TO AVOID IT

I have to say that I was quick to go to our specialty running shoe store Fleet Feet when I became a runner, which was a good thing, but I was also quick to ask one of my good friends for shoes recommendation, which is the biggest mistake you can make as a new or experienced runner, and these are the 10 reasons WHY:

1. Your feet are different.
2. Your running mechanics and pace differ.
3. The shoes that work for your friend’s feet, might make your feet miserable, or even cause you injuries.
4. Shoes need to match your specific running goals, such as running 5K races, half marathon, or marathons.
5. Road and trail shoes are totally distinct, so you need to know whether you will do road running, trail running, or both.
6. Running is a unique experience and needs to be customized to your feet and body mechanics.
7. Shoe brands and models change all the time, so your friend’s shoes might be an older version that is different from the newer/updated version of the same shoe brand.
8. Do your own research and understand your foot type, whether you are a pronator, a supinator, or have a normal foot (I’ll explain the difference below).
9. Only buy shoes that you can return in case they don’t feel good after taking them for a short and long run.
10. Your friend’s experience with a certain pair of shoes is not your experience, so rely on yourself and the salesperson’s advice and recommendation when buying shoes.

Although there are many shoes that work for people with various feet, it is critical to know what type of feet you have, so spend a few minutes checking your feet before even heading out to your local specialty shoe store. These pics will help you, as well as the detailed article attached below.

http://www.northcoastfootcare.com/pages/Foot-Problems-in-Runners.html

After I bought the wrong type of shoes when I first started to run, I experienced knee pain, blisters, ankle pain, and just uncomfortable running, so I think we can all benefit from following Dusty Robinson’s advice regarding buying the right shoes. Robinson is the General Manager of Fleet Feet store, Sacramento, and he answered my questions regarding finding that right pair of shoes that will make you run blissfully and hopefully blister-free.

1. What is the most important thing when buying new shoes for new and experienced runners?

“FIT, which means more than length of shoe. The most important aspect of any fit is the shoe shape matching your foot shape. From this starting point a new or experienced runner has a lot of options based off their own preferences, and, of course, shoes that will reduce their chance of injury.”

2. How can you tell what type of shoes work the best for the way a person runs?

“This is truly a loaded question. Fitting of shoes is as much an art as it is a science. Sure there are mechanics involved, but there is also the runner’s history of training, injury, the type of experience they want to have in a shoe, etc. The only way to really tell is to be assisted by a FIT Specialist. With that said, a good rule of thumb — be sure you feel like you are sitting “in” the shoe not “on” the shoe. This is the first sign that shape of shoe doesn’t match your foot.”

3. Please explain the pronation and supination and what type of shoes those runners should buy and what type of shoes should they avoid?

“Pronation is the foot’s natural movement from outside to inside in an effort to adapt to the ground and absorb shock. Supination is the movement from inside to outside that occurs towards the end of the gait cycle allowing the foot to act as a propulsion device. Typically those who “over”-pronate (pronating is normal, over-pronating or moving beyond a neutral position is when we have a point of concern) will utilize a range of stability shoes that help in slowing the rate at which the foot is pronating. Those who supinate (or “under” pronate) typically utilize a neutral and often times more flexible shoe.”

4. What is a stability shoe and what is a speed workout or track shoe? Please explain the difference they make when running a 5K vs. a half marathon.

“As stated above, a stability shoe typically assists in slowing the rate of pronation. With that said, this is a complex issue and in a proper personalized fitting the solution for each person can vary quite a bit. As for a speed workout or track shoe, in most cases this simply means something that is lighter. When trying to run faster you don’t want to carry more weight than necessary. You are also often times going a much shorter distance so you can afford to be in a shoe that is less structured (or protective). This shoe can be relative to your current training shoe. For example, someone wearing a stability shoe for training could workout in a lighter yet stable light weight trainer as their “speed shoe,” whereas, a person who trains in a neutral shoe, may opt for a racing flat for their speed days.”

5. Why should runners be careful about the unconventional shoes so to speak, such as Hoka, Altra?

“The main reason runners should be careful is that there is no ‘best shoe’ out there. It is an individual process in finding what will work for each person and make sure that the  mechanics match up to the runner’s preferences. The shoe your best friend uses most likely is not the best shoe for you. This is where a proper fitting is where the real answers come from.”

6. What are your top three tips when someone is looking to buy a good pair of running shoe?

“Well of course, visit Fleet Feet Sacramento and work with our trained FIT Specialist would be my first tip. But in all seriousness, people call professionals when they need help with real estate, plumbing, mechanics, etc. Yet, with all the advances in shoes, people continue to think that simply picking shoes out on their own is a good decision. In walking and running we land with 2 – 4 times our body weight and take 1400-1600 steps per mile. We should want the absolute best solution underneath us when we do this wonderful activities.

Robinson’s most important tip: your fitness shoe is likely to be a half to full size larger than your everyday shoe and pay attention to shape and comfort.

 

MISTAKE 2 – LEARN ONE WAY TO AVOID PLANTAR FASCIITIS

 

Another important aspect of buying the right shoes is the heel drop. The article from REI website is quite good to explain this, as well as how to get the proper fit for your shoes.

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/running-shoes.html

It took me more than a year to realize the mistake I made this summer. I wanted lighter shoes for my 5K races and track workout. Without doing much research, I found a light pair of Saucony online and bought them. I ran in them on the East Coast during our vacation and experienced calf pains. At the end of June, I developed plantar fasciitis, for the shoes had a very low drop, instead of the regular 10 mm drop that my other Saucony shoes had. Having such a height shoe drop is unfortunately a quick way to develop plantar fasciitis along with other factors, such as sudden increase in mileage, calf tightness, and overuse.

Now that we have so much more knowledge about shoes and feet type, we have to remember to wear the moisture wicking pair of socks. Balega brand is my very favorite, as my feet are comfortable in my shoes and stay dry, blissful, and blister-free.

MISTAKE 3 – RUNNING IN THE SAME PAIR OF SHOES

We all know how easy it is to spend $100 or more on a good pair of running shoes, but as much as we try to save money by owning just one pair of shoes, this could be a super costly mistake. According to a 2013 study, runners who rotated among two or more different pairs had an injury rate 39 percent lower than single-pair runners. That is quite a study and a revelation for some runners who might want to get at least two pairs of shoes to rotate.

And if you are like me and already made this mistake, don’t feel bad. We’re here to share and make one another stronger. I also have to admit that it took me a year before I really bought my second pair of shoes and started to rotate them. I can tell you that I have had my strongest year so far winning many 5K races, finishing second in my age group in the Pony Express marathon in May, and just running faster and stronger. Another great change I made was to buy a very light pair of Nike shoes for my track workouts and 5K races, which has also made me faster.

What can I say? Shoes, shoes, and more shoes!

HAPPY FEET! RUN WITH JOY!

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!