Let's be practical! In Runnea we give you 6 tips to buy online the running shoe you need. The main problem we runners of all types and conditions is that, on many occasions, we buy the product we want, via the Internet, somewhat blindly, because obviously we can not try it until we receive it at home. It is not that it is a big inconvenience, because most stores have free returns, in most cases, which makes things easier.
It is true that this type of incidents are common mistakes that are usually made by beginner runners; those who are more experienced are more experienced in the battle, and it is more difficult to catch them in this type of resignation, since they are clear about how your ideal running shoe should be. But no one is libre the hook.
However, and with the idea of being 100% satisfied with that new pair of running shoes to go running, and minimize errors to avoid the hassles that carry implicit returns, one of the keys to keep in mind is that the silhouette chosen is to pay special attention to three relevant sections, such as:
Not because they are obvious and very generic you should overlook them, but by applying this series of tips you will reduce the margin of error in your purchase, and of course you will be more satisfied with the purchase made.
Find out about the basic characteristics of the shoe.
This is the first step, and it is important because it helps you to sift through the wide range of brands and models. Therefore, you should answer questions such as: What type of footprint? On what surface do you run? What is the use you are going to make of them? What distances are you going to run with them? And others that are not so decisive: What is their drop? And even what budget do you have to optimize your search for quality/price ratio?
Obviously, running on asphalt is not the same as running in the mountains, it is a clear difference. But it is also not the same to buy a top of the range shoe in cushioning than a faster and lighter shoe, and more oriented to compete with the idea of beating personal bests.
Fortunately there is a lot to choose from, and although that can also be a problem, the more data and information you have about the model in question, the better purchase you will make.
Measure your feet, and don't just rely on the size you usually wear.
The quickest option and the easiest resource is to think that if I normally wear a size 42 or 425, my ideal running shoe should be a half or one size bigger to fit me perfectly. If you focus on looking for the equivalence in US size it will be accurate, but know that it won't be enough, and we'll argue it. Nike size 425 for men is equivalent to a size 9 USA, and yet ... is that same size the same for adidas? Know that no, because the German brand uses different measures (size 9 USA corresponds to a 427 in adidas, for example!
And to see for yourself, we invite you to access the:
With all this, what we advise you from Runnea is to measure your feet, both of them. The size in centimeters in length gives you the definitive clue to know if that running shoe fits you or not. All brands provide this information either on the product box or on the tongue of the model itself.
In case you do not have a tape measure or ruler at hand, the home method, but also effective, is to check that between the tip of the big toe with the front of the shoe should be at least the width of the thumb. Remember that Running shoes always have to be somewhat loose, because if they are too tight they can lead to injuries, in the form of black toenails and blisters, among others.
Consult the manufacturers' sizing guide.
This section is well linked to what we have mentioned in the previous section on the different sizes between brands. Mainly, these disparities are due to the different lasts, as well as to their upper linings, and even to the seams that may be present in the shoe, and that will vary its fit.
Finding the balance between design, functionality and performance
When we do not have much knowledge on the subject it is very easy to get carried away by the aesthetics and design, and leave in second place its performance features. It's a big mistake, because no matter how beautiful it is, if it bothers you and hurts you with every stride you take... what good is it? It's bound to injure you, and sooner rather than later!
So we say yes, fashion and trend, yes; but also pay attention to what the shoe can offer you to make your running experience better.
Read reviews and look for opinions
On the other hand, you have to be aware that the technologies and materials of the models evolve and change from edition to edition, and models that used to fit you perfectly, now it is possible that those sensations have changed, even if they are small nuances, but enough to "ruin" your race, if you have not foreseen them before.
In this sense, the reviews of our Runnea #RunTester team can come in handy, not only because we present you the main novelties of the models, but also because we evaluate them, giving our opinion on their strengths and opportunities for improvement. And of course we also indicate for which runner profile each one of them is aimed and optimized for.
What is the best time of day to try on a running shoe?
It may sound like a tall tale, and of course you will have to put it into practice when the carrier delivers the package to your destination, but you should know that it is not the same to try on your running shoe in the morning as it is in the afternoon.
The reason for this is that feet, as a general rule, tend to swell in the morning, so the best option is to try on the model in the afternoon/evening to see if it fits you perfectly. And don't forget to try on both feet, because as the imperfect beings that we are, we tend to have one foot longer than the other.
Also try them on with your socks on, if you run with them; or even with the insoles, if you need them for running!
Sweeping a little for home, and although it is self-promotion, you know that one of the strengths we have in Runnea is the Running shoes comparator -you can face the models you want to see their characteristics and valuation quickly and easily-; as well as our active search engine in the wide catalog of Running shoes, trail running and trekking, you have a number of practical and effective filters that will help you a lot when it comes to narrowing your search for models, including even price ranges and distances to run.
What's more, one step further, in our Running shoes outlet you can also search not only by store, but also by size. The great argument in favor that we offer you:
We always present you with the best Running shoes, at the best price available.
Last point to close the post, and that should also be clear, and is that a correct choice of running shoe you need also means greater durability of the same, because "a Running shoes can last us on average between 650 or 750 km. I would always change them before reaching 850 kilometers run with them", as Toni Fernández Sierra, sports podiatrist and total Running shoes geek -in the good sense of the word-, who we have recently signed for our Runnea Team, points out.
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