Choosing the Right Pair of Women’s Running Shoes
Running shoes are not all created the same. Ask expert runners and they’ll tell you that running shoes are very specific to the individual based on several key factors, including the shape of your foot and even how you walk. You may find certain styles or brands don’t work for you, while others construct shoes that fit perfectly to your foot. Here are factors to consider when choosing the right pair of women’s running shoes:
Know Your Gait
Your gait is the way you walk. Perhaps you’ve never considered it before, but it helps to know your natural gait in order to select a pair of women’s running shoes that will perform well for you. There are three types of gaits to consider – neutral pronation, overpronation, and supination.
Neutral pronation means the wear on the sole of your sneaker is evenly distributed, indicating a natural heel-to-toe action. If your gait is overpronation, it means the most wear is on the inside of the shoe, while supination refers to wear that is on the outside of the sole of the shoe.
This has everything to do with the arch of your feet and how it affects your gait. A neutral arch means the weight of your foot is distributed evenly as you stride. A low arch coincides with pronation, which means the foot tends to roll more inward when it lands, while a high arch coincides with supination or rolling of your foot outwards as it lands.
Finding the right size, fit, and style for women’s running shoes
As you run, jog, or walk, your foot tends to swell with the activity. The size of casual shoes you usually wear may not be the best fit for your running needs. You may want to go up half a size when selecting a pair of women’s running shoes. Be sure to also consider the brand of shoe, as some tend to run wider or narrower than others. You may already be aware of brands that you can wear comfortably and those you can’t.
Before you purchase a pair of women’s running shoes, ask yourself where you most often run. Is it the treadmill at your gym? Your neighborhood sidewalks? Or do you spend most of your time off-road on trails and paths? If so, you’ll want to consider a pair of trail running shoes which feature a sturdier, more durable rubber outer sole with deeper tread and more support.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Men’s and Women’s Running Shoes the Same?
There are many similarities between men’s and women’s running shoes; however, a few key differences should be noted. Women tend to have higher arches than men, so most women’s running shoes are constructed with that in mind. If you have a lower or more neutral arch, you may have to search specifically for a pair of shoes with that feature. Women’s running shoes also often feature a narrower fit to coincide with a narrower foot.
However, the most noteworthy difference between men’s and women’s running shoes is in sizing. If you are considering a men’s running shoe, you will need to determine the men’s size equivalent to women’s sizing.
What are the Best Running Shoes for Women?
The best running shoes for women are the ones that fit your foot the best and provide the key features, such as durability, breathability, and comfort, that you need to perform well. City Gear offers a large selection of top brands like Nike women’s running shoes, as well as adidas, New Balance, Under Armour, and more. Why wait? Start your running journey now.
