Tips for purchasing running shoes

Don't just take any shoes

Don't just take the first shoes on the shelf, just because you like the style, or because they are cheap. These shoes will be with you for at least 1200 km. If you calculate 5 minutes per kilometre, you get about 100 hours. Put differently: if you run for 40 minutes per training session, you will have 150 running sessions in which you may enjoy your shoes or be annoyed by them. In the worst case, you may even end up with pain or injuries.

Purchasing new running shoes

Come into the running section of our shop where our trained staff will cater for your individual requirements and wishes. Bring your old running shoes with you, as the salesperson can get some insights into your running style from the wear of the sole and from possible deformations of the shoe (e.g., the heel cap has been pushed in).

Don't be too rigid when it comes to your price limit. After all, it is your health on the line. You should buy the pair that fits best and not the cheapest or most expensive (our prices generally range between € 90,- and € 155,-).

First we will have to determine your foot type to see if you have a normal foot, a skew foot, flatfoot, high arched foot, or a splayfoot. There are fitting – and non-fitting-- models for every foot type.

Next you have to determine the right size. When standing still, you should have 1 cm of extra space in front. You might otherwise get sore spots, as the foot swells when you are running. Make sure you don't buy your shoes too small. When trying the shoes on, wear your regular running socks.

Tell your salesperson exactly which surface you normally run on, and for how long and how often you typically train. Also whether you would like the shoes solely for training, or for training as well as for competitions, or for competitions only.

Now we are ready to make a first selection of suitable shoes. The final decision is down to your individual running style. Do you land mostly on your heel or on your forefoot? Do you land squarely on your feet? Do you have excessive foot pronation or supination? In order to answer these questions, you can run before the trained, critical eyes of a member of our sales staff (running- and video analysis on our treadmill).

How long do running shoes last?

Are you one of these people that only buy new running shoes when the profile of the old ones is completely worn down? In that case you-- like many other runners-- are changing your shoes too late! The average life span of a running shoe is about 1,200 km. After 1000- 1,200 km the support- and guiding functions of training shoes are no longer sufficient to stabilise the foot, thus increasing the risk of injuries dramatically. In the event of severe foot pronation, this may be the case after as little as 900 km. Keep in mind that the forces when running can amount to approximately 2-3 times your body weight.

Recognising wear and tear

Even if the heel cap is pushed in as little as 4-5 mm, it means a wrong alignment of 1-2 cm for your knees, and even more for your hips. Faulty joint positions are bound to end with pain and injuries. They will also put an end to your training! A good tip for avoiding this: bring in your running shoes after 700- 900 km and have them checked in our running department.

Buy your new training shoes early, so that you have enough time to break them in. This way you can get used to them slowly. Use both pairs of shoes parallel for several weeks (you may want to use your new shoes only once or twice a week, and the old ones the rest of the time.) If you train more than 3-4 times a week, it would be a good idea anyway to alternate between two pairs of training shoes. That way you can largely eliminate the risk of overstrain. When you have discarded your training shoes after 1,200 km, you may still wear them for leisure, but not for training.

Winter running shoes

Most brands offer special models for off-road and winter training. These differ from summer training shoes by their chunkier sole profile and mostly waterproof materials. Since training shoes should be exchanged regularly anyway, we would advise you to invest in a pair of trail shoes as a second model. Your regular training and competition shoes will last longer if they are not used in bad weather.

Care of your training shoes

We are often being asked, is it okay to wash my dirty training shoes in the washing machine or not? The answer is no! It damages the shoes and shortens their life span. If the shoes get wet, remove the insoles, stuff them with paper and let them "rest" for one day. To keep them clean, simply brush your shoes off once in a while.

Accessories

In our running section you will of course also find all the necessary equipment for Nordic Walking as well as plenty of accessories, such as pulse watches, drink belts and functional running wear.

For additional information and specialised products see www.runsport.at and click on "Einkaufsratgeber".

Use our foot and video analysis when purchasing running shoes!