How to Choose Running Shoes For Women

When you buy your next pair of running shoes, you will be looking for several factors, including comfort, weight, arch support, and cushioning. In this article, we’ll discuss some of these factors. By the end of this article, you will know what to look for in a pair of shoes and what to avoid when choosing yours.

Comfort

When choosing a new pair of running shoes, you should keep a few things in mind. The first thing is to consider your gait. If you tend to run on hard surfaces like a treadmill, you’ll probably want to get a pair that is designed for those surfaces. Then, look for comfort and support. If the shoes don’t provide these features, you might want to reconsider your purchase.

Make sure the toe box is wide enough for you to wiggle your toes without feeling cramped. When choosing womens footwear, make sure they allow a thumbnail’s width between the front of the shoe and your big toe. It allows for proper toe movement while running, which is essential to your balance and propulsion. If you’re buying online, check the sizing chart and ask for a trial run. Some stores will allow you to return them if they don’t fit properly.

Cushioning

There are three areas of concern when it comes to cushioning. In the first place, there is your natural foot arch. The second concern is your foot type. For instance, an underpronator may strike her heel first, roll inward slightly, and have a low to medium arch. On the other hand, a neutral gait runner may strike her heel in the middle so that she will want a neutral cushioning shoe.

For neutral arch feet, stability shoes will work best. A high-arched foot will respond better to a motion control shoe than a neutral-cushioning shoe. A neutral-cushioning shoe will absorb shock but provide minimal support. While neutral-cushioned shoes are best for low-arched feet, they also offer minimal cushioning. Cushioning is essential for running shoes, as it can increase comfort and mileage significantly.

Weight

Whether you are a casual runner or a seasoned athlete, the weight of running shoes should not be a primary consideration. While you can get away with running in a pair of lightweight shoes, the fact is that the majority of running shoes weigh less than one pound. Nonetheless, it would help if you kept in mind that there are some exceptions. If you are an occasional runner and plan to run around a half-marathon or marathon each year, you may want to consider buying a pair of heavyweight shoes.

While lighter running womens footwear is excellent for long-distance runs, runners who have been putting in miles on their sneakers may find that the added weight makes their running slower. For instance, a study published by the University of Colorado Boulder in 2016 revealed that 3.5oz lighter shoes led to 0.78% faster times over the three-kilometre distance. However, this study was based on limited evidence. Furthermore, the authors state that it is unclear if the added weight slows down the runner’s pace.

Arch support

Women should look for arch support and extra cushioning when shopping for running shoes. There are several types of arch support, and you will want to choose one compatible with your arch type and foot size. The proper arch support can help your feet feel better as you run and reduce the risk of injury. You can also add an orthotic insole to your running shoes to increase stability and comfort. If you are not comfortable wearing an orthotic insole, you may need a custom-fitted orthotic.

Material

There are different materials for women’s running shoes. Nylon is not used by many of the more modern brands. But it is an excellent material because it is breathable and long-lasting. Another material for running shoes is knit, which refers to how the fibres are woven. Knitted fibres are solid but breathable. Mesh promotes airflow and is light and comfortable. Most brands allow you to customise the colours of the upper.