Choosing the Right Running Shoes to Prevent Foot and Knee Injuries

Barefoot running is a complete no for many people as your foot requires a cushioned support when you set yourself for running. Sometimes it may be really cool to run when you have nothing on your feet but it may increase the risk of injuries to the feet and the knees. Choosing the right running shoes is important to prevent injuries. Using proper running shoes can not only protect your feet, but also prevent injuries to your knees and support the entire leg efficiently. The basic criteria in picking the right running shoe is – support, cushioning and protection. Choose the right running shoes to prevent foot and knee injuries.

Choosing running shoes does not mean simply going to the store and picking up the fanciest looking running shoes. Checking with the salespersons and choosing running shoes recommended by them, is not enough. Choosing the right running shoes depends on various considerations and you need to understand them, work on your requirements and seek help of your trainer or an expert, if required.

The main features in running shoes are the key benefits they offer and the reasons for which you choose to use running shoes. As there are a variety of running shoes offering these benefits, you need to understand your individual needs to be able to choose the right one for you.

Some of the benefits of using running shoes and the variations depending on your type of feet, will help you choose the right running shoes for yourself.

Every foot is different and every person has a different gait, which needs to be considered in order to choose the right running shoes. A trainer or an expert can help you to understand the type of foot you have and suggest some options most suitable for you. Foot arches play an important role and the amount of arch support your feet need must be taken into account.

Choose the right running shoes based on your foot arches and individual requirement. Based upon the arch collapse, you will need running shoes that provide adequate support for the specified type of foot.

Common types of foot depend on the foot arches and extent to which they are over pronated, under pronated and neutral. Running shoes are recommend according to the foot type and degree of pronation.

• Motion control shoes are recommended in running shoes when the arch of your foot drops too much. In this, more pressure is exerted on the inner side of shoes and as the foot turns inwards. Those who run with over pronated feet, increase their risk of foot and knee injuries. Hence they need good motion control and stability, which can be offered when you choose the right running shoes.
• If the foot arch remains up to a certain level, called under-pronation, it results in wearing out of shoes on the outer side of the shoes. People with this type of feet, can feel pressure when landing. In such cases, choosing running shoes that are flexible, cushioned and which offer good support to the feet are advised.
• People with neutral pronated feet are somewhere in the middle of the above two categories. The right running shoes in this case, is a neutral shoe that provides right amount of cushioning and stability. Such people need to choose shoes that offer shock absorption and which help to relieve pressure on the knees.

Choosing the right running shoes based on the foot type can support the feet well and protect them from foot and knee injuries.

While running, you need to take extra care to protect your foot from injuries. You have to protect your foot from the uneven surfaces and other possible foot injuries while running. Some injuries may be obvious and noticeable, while some injuries to the feet may not be revealed until they bother you later in life.

Not only foot injuries, but running with improper shoes also increases your risk for knee injuries Choosing the apt running shoes can protect you from foot and knee injury.

Choosing the right running shoes for any foot injury prevention depends a lot upon your gait and the type of runner you are. When running, every person has a specific way of putting the foot on the ground and choosing the right running shoes, also depends on the way in which you launch yourself.

If you are a heel striker, choose the running shoes that are cushioned enough, particularly at the heels. Choose the right running shoes that offer protection to your heels when running on hard surfaces. Running also requires you to take leaps and your body bounces, which increases your risk of knee injuries. Choose the right type of running shoes, which provide good support and cushioning, so that you are free to leap and jump, without hurting your knees.

When you wish to choose running shoes for yourself, the primary aim is to prevent foot and knee injuries. It is important to understand that your types of foot, the foot arch and your running gait has to be considered.

Here are some tips to choose the right running shoes to prevent foot and knee injuries.

• Look out for options – Check for the range of running shoes available in the store. Seek help from the shoe store representative and gather information about the features of running shoes available.
• Understand your requirements – It is better to get your feet evaluated to know the arches, gait, running patterns and any other foot related issues. Consider any previous injuries to the foot and knee, stability issues when choosing your running shoes. Also, consider your running requirements, whether your need running shoes for fun run or if it is for a competitive participation.
• Be prepared for shopping – When choosing the right running shoes, it is advisable to go for shopping in the evening or towards the end of the day. The reason being, it is usual for the feet to swell by the evening, so choosing running shoes at that time can give you a proper fit. It is also important that you wear your regular types of socks when trying out the running shoes. Make sure you carry any prescribed shoe inserts to place in the running shoes when trying them out.
• Have a short run – After you have chosen the most probable running shoes, try them in both feet and have a short run to check if they are suitable.

How to choose the right running shoes to prevent foot and knee injury is a big question for those who are going to be a pro-runner or the ones who are professional runners. Your shoe must have enough toe-room that can give room when making the moves on the running track. So, hopefully this guide helps you to choose the right running shoes to prevent from foot and knee injuries.