By: Chris Spyke
The shoe takes a runner’s desire and curiosity and puts it into motion, connecting them to the surface as it navigates the runner through more than just a run.
The most challenging aspect of a run doesn’t take place on the road or trail, in the last mile, on the big hill, or when you face the wind. It’s the act of sitting down, actually lacing up your running shoes and deciding, “today, I’m going to do this.” The mindless act of stepping in and lacing up has profound impact on the execution of a great run.
And yet, so many overlook the importance of this process, and even more so the correlation between your shoes and the quality of experience while running. Beyond the seemingly abstract relationship shared by the runner and their shoes, there is a definite importance in using proper running shoes.
Upon impact while running, your body can land with the force of up to five times your body weight, which is one of the many reasons companies spend years developing footwear to best accommodate this motion. There are many different styles of running shoes, all designed to offer varying amounts of support and cushion. Unfortunately, reading an article on the internet that asks you vague questions or asks you to do the long outdated “wet test” will not provide an accurate shoe fitting.
Finding the right shoe is really more of an art than a science, with lots of things to consider:
- What are you using them for? – Are you running your first 5K or Ultramarathon?
- Gait/Biomechanics – How does your body move?
- Body Type – Larger people will wear a shoe differently than a smaller person.
- Proper Sizing and Fit – What sort of foot type do you have? Are you wearing the right size?
- Injuries – What sort of running-related injuries have you experienced?
A proper shoe fitting is truly an in-depth conversation about all these factors, which is the reason why local running specialty stores, such as Gazelle Sports, are around today. Our staff at Gazelle Sports are typically runners themselves, but more importantly, they genuinely care and want to spread the joy of movement with you. They will ask the questions you didn’t know needed to be asked and use their vast experience and the industry’s finest expertise to put you in the best shoe for you.
About the Author: Chris Spyke is the Training Program Coordinator at Gazelle Sports in Grand Rapids, who runs not only for health, but also to satisfy his curiosity and desire for exploration in daily living. He enjoys his role at Gazelle Sports because he thrives on the opportunity to passionately help others reach their goals by sharing his knowledge and experience in running 5+ marathons, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
