If you’re a runner, whether it’s marathon training or a light jog around the block, you’ll probably be aware of how important it is to look after your feet. Foot problems are common, especially amongst athletes, and can be very painful to live with. The most important factor in preventing foot pain is finding shoes that fit well and give your feet the support they need.
Well-fitted shoes are vital to the success of your running, and they will really help to support your feet in all the right places. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re choosing the shoes that suit your feet best, and gait analysis is a very useful tool to help you make the right decision.
The Benefits of Gait Analysis: Finding The Right Running Shoes
Cheap or high fashion running shoes are likely to be doing your feet more harm than good, especially if you’ve never had an expert opinion on what you should be running in. Visiting a specialist store such as Foot Solutions will allow you to access a free gait analysis test, enabling a professional fitter to see exactly where your feet need the most support according to the way you walk or run.
How to Find The Right Shoes:
1. Get a gait analysis test. It’s really important to know what you’re looking for, so take advantage of gait analysis to find out exactly how your feet strike the ground when you’re running. The pressure on your feet can be very different depending on whether your feet rotate inwards or outwards when you run, and the best styles for your feet can differ widely as a result.
2. Look for cushioning. Good quality running shoes will offer you heel and forefoot cushioning, which should make shoes very comfortable. Checking your old shoes to see where they are worn will be helpful as you will see where you need the most cushioning in your new pair.
3. Seek support. The support in your running shoes will be inside them, and will be made of a firm material that is designed to slow down the natural pronation (inward roll) of your foot. This will help to keep your body aligned, avoiding the problems that can result from an uneven gait.
4. Choose comfort over fashion. If you need a pair of shoes that will be comfortable and supportive while running, don’t be tempted to go for style over comfort. Shoes that fit you properly and give you support in all the right places will be far more pleasing to wear than the newest designs, so make your choices wisely!
Find Comfortable Running Shoes in Ireland
If you’re a keen runner, you need supportive and correctly fitted running shoes. Pop into Foot Solutions today for a free gait analysis and try the latest ranges of training shoes: your feet deserve it!
