One of the most common queries we get is “what are the best runners for my foot?”

When you enter one of the many amazing sports stores, not only do you find numerous brands but a growing number of styles of support for you to chose. As Podiatrists, we do at least 2-3 shoe education nights a year at places like The Athlete ‘s Foot and The Running Company as well as host running shoe brands in our clinics to keep up with the changes and models of shoes on offer. So we get it, the market can be overwhelming!

One fantastic company sends us the same model twice a year, an Asics trail shoe. Can you believe it changes every time and in the United States they change every season… well the colour that is!

Our advice when looking for new runners – keep it simple! Shoes are classified in to 3 types of function to suit the type of foot you have.

  • Control Shoes – For those of us, who tend to excessively pronate, roll in or have flatter feet when standing.
  • Neutral Shoes – The Goldilocks of feet; this is for those who are gifted with an average type of foot in that its not too high, not too low but just about right.
  • Cushion Shoes – These shoes are for very high arched feet often with really clawed toes. This foot type doesn’t absorb shock too well so the shoe has lots of cushion and foam in the midsole. You might have heard of the Asics name for these; Cumulus and Nimbus. They name them after clouds because of the shoes soft and comfortable sole.

When buying new runners, tennis shoes or work boots, stick to the below steps and you should be well on your way to a comfortable 2020!

  1. Measure both feet standing. End of the day is better when the feet have spread a little.
  2. Walk around the store in the new shoes.
  3. Check for room in the toe area (there should be about a thumb print of room at the toe when the heel is pressed to the back of the shoe).
  4. Check the heel is not slipping, as that’s the killer blister area for new shoes when they are a bit stiff.
  5. Ask the shoe store how to lace up your shoes correctly.
  6. Wear them around home for a few days before launching them into full time activity.

Our top tip: if you are going to spend 40+ hours in your work shoes spend up big and your feet will love you. If you find your feet still hurt, we are here to help. Come into one of our clinics for a consultation, the issue may not be your new shoe but an underlying issue with your foot. At least you won’t need advice on shoe shopping!