Like most sprinters and runners, you always look for ways to improve your performance. But if you’re also like most runners, you might not be giving your shoes enough attention.
Even if you have the perfect pair of running shoes, they won’t do you good if they’re not in good shape. In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to keep your shoes in great condition so that you can avoid running pain.
Running shoes can be the new culprit for your running pain:
Running pain can occur to anyone and because of various reasons, but this can also be caused by running in unsupportive shoes. If not treated timely and adequately, this running pain can lead to various injuries as well as muscle imbalance.
A recent study showed that running shoes are more related to how you run. This means that your running shoes can change how you run, lead to severe foot pain, and raise your risk of other injuries.
Is Comfort the only option For Running Pain
Sometimes the pain is not because of bad or sensitive feet or weak arches. Often it’s from putting weight on your feet for a long time.
When your feet hurt, you go to a nearby shop to get the most comfortable and high-quality running shoes. One that is well-padded and provides sufficient bounce while walking or running. However, this thick, soft cushioning and bounce can cause severe running injuries and foot pain.
According to a recent study, runners who use more cushioned running shoes are more prone to shin splints and stress fractures compared to those who run with less bouncy and padded shoes.
Furthermore, cushioned and bouncy running shoes change the way sprinters are running. In simple words, a more cushioned shoe means more “false” bounce it will give.
This unusual bounce modifies the natural bounce that a runner gets while running. When you run, your lower body and legs naturally bounce through your knees and feet movements. When you want to run, you need to bend your knees and ankles to get the bouncing movement and roll your feet from heel to toe to move forward.
However, when you add any unusual thing into the mix, such as an extra bounce from a shoe means you are changing your natural stride. This thing can cause severe running pain and other injuries.
A Bouncier Shoe means Minimum Control
For years, runners have been told that a bouncy shoe is a key to a good run. But new research suggests that this might not be the case. The bouncier shoes mean that you will not be bending or twisting your knees and ankles to produce the bounce, and your shoes will do this for you.
The researchers also stated that runners wearing thick and cushioned shoes usually have stiffer legs, especially while walking or running.
Moreover, the thick sole of a cushioned shoe can make it difficult to feel your foot placement, which can lead to rolling your foot or landing on the wrong part of the foot. Additionally, the added weight of a cushioned shoe can make it harder to run with good form. So next time you’re shopping for running shoes, don’t just go for the most cushioned option. Instead, choose a shoe that strikes the right balance between cushioning and support.
Your Shoes Are Too Supportive
You’re not alone if you’ve ever been told you have a pronation problem. According to one study, nearly 75 percent of the population is said to overpronate. And the go-to solution for many people is to buy a more supportive shoe. But here’s the thing: pronation is a normal part of the gait cycle and doesn’t necessarily mean something wrong with your feet.
Most people don’t need special shoes to Correct their pronation. So if you’ve been told you have a pronation problem, don’t worry – there’s a good chance you don’t.
It is also seen that when you buy a pair of the most supportive shoes, the issue gets more complicated. A comfortable and supportive shoe is not always the ultimate solution. Now, we are not saying that your diagnosis is wrong maybe you have a severe pronation problem but try to understand that support or supportive shoes are not always the right answer.
Often, it’s all about practicing or training your feet to land rightly, and that will solve your issues. If you are unable to place or land your foot correctly while running, you will feel pain.
Furthermore, too supportive footwear means too stiff and firm shoes. Remember, too much Stiffness makes you uncomfortable, and you cannot control your gait. This lack of gait control can result in more issues, including shin splints and severe ankle pain. In some cases, it can also cause knee, back pain, and even hip injuries.
3 Mistakes to Avoid When It’s About Running Shoes
We all know that running is good for our health, but if you’re not doing it right, you might be putting your body at risk. Here are three significant mistakes to avoid when it comes to running shoes. (You don’t want to get injured, do you?)
So, continue reading and ensure you are getting the most out of your workout.
Mistake #1: Your shoes should be as per your exact foot type
Before buying a running shoe, you need to know your exact foot type. That’s because the type of foot you have — whether high-arched, neutral, or flat — affects how your foot contacts the ground as you run. And this can make a notable difference in how comfortable you are during a long run or walk.
The easiest way to determine your foot type is to look at the foot’s arch.
- For high arch users, running shoes with thick cushioning are perfect.
- For low arch or flat feet users, running shoes offer adequate stability and excellent motion control.
- For normal arch users, look for running shoes that offer great stability.
A bit about foot arches
When you want to know your foot type, the best way, in my view, is to visit a reliable and well-known running shoe store.
Remember, these stores have experts with all the knowledge and understanding about foot type, stride, and mechanics that can affect your run. Hence they can guide you better.
Mistake #2: You are wearing too old shoes
Not many people will agree, but the fact is that all running shoes have a limited working life, and it is measured by miles.
Most running shoes work well for 300 to 400 miles. So, if your running shoes have crossed that limit, you will be prone to injuries; in this case, they are the victim to blame for running pain.
Furthermore, tracking the number of miles that you have run or walked is easy nowadays. You will find various mobile apps that can help you out.
These apps are handy as they tell you how much life is left in your shoes, and you can plan to buy a pair well before time.
Mistake #3: You might be wearing too new shoes
Wearing old running shoes can cause various issues, including foot pain. However, this can also happen when you are wearing brand new pair of running shoes.
According to experts, you need to walk for at least 100 miles after buying a new pair of running shoes. This will give your feet some time to adjust to the new shoes.
While shopping for the new pair, be cautious and never buy a pair with thick cushioning as it is not recommended for runners.
In the End
It might not be your fault if you’re experiencing pain while running. In fact, it could be your shoes. Believe it or not, the wrong pair of shoes can cause all sorts of aches and pains, from heel pain to shin splints. So how do you know if your shoes are the problem?
Check for the above-mentioned signs and details. Hopefully, this information will help you determine whether or not your current running shoes are causing you pain. Stay safe and healthy out there.
