For anyone who has visited a running specialty store, you probably wondering if there is a source for cheap running shoes? Well, the fact is, like anything else…you get what you pay for.
I assume you are visiting my site in an effort to find less-expensive running shoes. First, that’s great you recognize the need for good running shoes, as it sets up everything else about your run.
Before you make any purchase, make sure you are buying the right shoe for you. If that doesn’t make sense to you, you really need to visit a retail store that specializes in running shoes. The reason…our feet are all made differently, and some need help with proper pronation, while others over-pronate. I will say that you can find less-expensive running shoes for most brands, but they will be inferior to those you see at dedicated running stores.
I will say, if you are training for a long distance race, like a marathon, you will either get injured in time, or be purchasing two pair of cheap shoes for every pair of specific running shoes, such as those sold at specialty stores.
I don’t want this article to be a ‘how to run guide’ or ‘watching your stride length guide’, but you should understand the basics of running before buying a pair of shoes. When you run, you should always try to land on the outside of your foot, just above your pinky toe, and the following list is based on that form. Though you really should be fitted by a professional, here are some tips to point you in the right direction…
Form and Comfort
Once the proper category of shoe has been determined, you will want to make sure there is no pinching, your toes are not crouched in the toebox, no seam at inappropriate places, etc. Test out the shoe and see, overall, how it feels when you are running.
The feel may change throughout your run, but the general firmness and form of the shoe should remain the same. Just remember, running shoes are different in that they do not form around your foot, as they are made of all man-made materials; your foot will swell in the shoe.
Support
In the previous tip, we discussed how the shoe should feel on the edges, now let us determine how the shoe fits top to bottom. A good test to determine if the shoe is right for you is to stand on one foot and feel how your foot is positioned in the shoe. Your foot should be positioned over the midsole, and feel fairly firm, not much movement.
Foot Position
When you first put the shoe on, the widest section of the shoe should fit the ball of your foot. If the ball of your foot is not in this section, the shoe is either too small or too big for your foot. If this is correct, all other sections of the shoe should properly align with their respective part of your foot. The shoe, overall, should not be tight fitting. Your foot should rest against the edges of the shoe liner, not tightly, and not very loose.
I should point out that comfort in a running shoe may not be felt until during the run. So make certain the shoe is not too snug fitting, as this will cause problems. The reason you want your shoe fitting firm and not tight is that during your run, your foot will swell, filling out the shoe and you want to have sufficient room for this to occur.
Balance
The shoe should feel similar on all sides…foot properly anchored in the shoe, and you should not be leaning in one way or another. This test helps determine if you are in the proper shoe category or not. An example…when running, your heel should not feel like it is slipping or sliding.
I hope this article helps you in forming a decision about cheap running shoes. Do not hesitate to contact me for any help.
