Choosing the right running shoe guide

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Steve Torbett, Biomechanics Expert at SportsShoes.com, has advised countless runners, including Nell McAndrew, on how to choose the right shoes for them. He says:

“Running with the wrong running shoes can cause discomfort and even lead to injury. As you only get one body, it’s important you look after it!

“You should change your running shoes approximately every nine months at a decent running shop, just like Nell does at the SportsShoes.com HQ in Bradford. There, we offer biometric testing for all our customers to find the right shoes, but there are other ways to find the perfect trainers just for your feet at home.”

Shoe size


“Your foot expands when running anything over a couple of miles, so it’s advisable to spare a thumb-width of room at the front of your running shoes. This might mean going up half a size.”

Foot width


“The better the fit, the better you’ll run! Most shoes are built on a standard D-width fitting, but some cater to different widths as well. Generally, Brooks shoes tend to be broader, Adidas shoes tend to be narrower, while other brands, such as New Balance and Nike offer different width sizes.“

Your weight

“When you run, you place 2-3 times your body weight on your running shoe and built-in cushioning helps to relieve some of that pressure. Unsurprisingly, the heavier you are, the more you’ll need. Very light runners will fare better with a more responsive running shoe.”

The Wet Test

“To determine what type of runner you are, you’ll need to look at your pronation. This is the movement of the foot from heel strike to big toe off and is the lower leg’s natural way of absorbing shock. Based on this, runners can be divided into three main biomechanical categories. The easiest way to find out which category you fall into is to do the wet test, which involves examining the print left by your foot after a bath or a shower. Compare your print to the graphics below to find out how you pronate:

Wet Foot Test

Still a little confused? Sportsshoes.com have a great video which further explains How To Choose The Right Running Shoe

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