The Right Running Shoe Fit
Getting the proper fit is the most important factor when buying new running shoes. Here, four prominent specialty running-shoe store owners--each of whom has fitted thousands of runners--share some of their secrets.
From the August 2004 issue of Runner's World
1. Line up the ball. "When you try your shoe on, the ball of your foot (the widest part) should line up exactly with the widest part of the shoe. If that fit is right, everything else should line up--from the toes to the heel. As for width, when you're standing in the shoe, your foot should rest gently against the sides of the shoe, rather than jamming up against them or not touching at all. Also, be sure your toes aren't being pinched from the side." -Chris Schmidt, The Finish Line, Allentown, Pennsylvania
2. Stand on one foot. "I have people stand on one foot, which puts extra stress on the shoe and the foot, so you can better tell if it's going to feel right. When standing, your foot should feel situated atop the midsole. That is, it shouldn't feel like it's moving around too much on top of the midsole, and it shouldn't feel like it's flopping over the sides of the midsole either. When you run in the shoe, don't be too put off if it feels overly supportive, as most runners need more support (or motion control) as they age." -Curt Munson, Playmakers, East Lansing, Michigan
3. Check for balance. "I have a runner stand in the shoes to see if he or she feels properly balanced. You should feel anchored; the shoes shouldn't be making you lean in a certain direction. There should be plenty of toe space, and when you walk or run, your heel shouldn't slide out of the shoe at all. I often have people run in the shoes down a slight hill next to the store. Downhill running exaggerates impact, so if the shoes feel okay, you should be fine in them." -Chet James, Super Jock 'n Jill, Seattle
4. Focus on the ride. "Once we determine the type of shoe you need--whether motion-control, stability, or another--we bring out shoes from three different manufacturers and have the customer try them all. Then you need to be sure there's no pinching, or a seam that's pressing against your foot. Finally, we have people run or walk in the shoe to really focus on the ride, or how the shoe feels from the point when the heel hits the ground to when the toe lifts off it." -Don Lucas, Luke's Locker, Dallas
See More Articles in Running Shoe Basics
Getting the proper fit is the most important factor when buying new running shoes. Here, four prominent specialty running-shoe store owners--each of whom has fitted thousands of runners--share some of their secrets.
From the August 2004 issue of Runner's World
1. Line up the ball. "When you try your shoe on, the ball of your foot (the widest part) should line up exactly with the widest part of the shoe. If that fit is right, everything else should line up--from the toes to the heel. As for width, when you're standing in the shoe, your foot should rest gently against the sides of the shoe, rather than jamming up against them or not touching at all. Also, be sure your toes aren't being pinched from the side." -Chris Schmidt, The Finish Line, Allentown, Pennsylvania
2. Stand on one foot. "I have people stand on one foot, which puts extra stress on the shoe and the foot, so you can better tell if it's going to feel right. When standing, your foot should feel situated atop the midsole. That is, it shouldn't feel like it's moving around too much on top of the midsole, and it shouldn't feel like it's flopping over the sides of the midsole either. When you run in the shoe, don't be too put off if it feels overly supportive, as most runners need more support (or motion control) as they age." -Curt Munson, Playmakers, East Lansing, Michigan
3. Check for balance. "I have a runner stand in the shoes to see if he or she feels properly balanced. You should feel anchored; the shoes shouldn't be making you lean in a certain direction. There should be plenty of toe space, and when you walk or run, your heel shouldn't slide out of the shoe at all. I often have people run in the shoes down a slight hill next to the store. Downhill running exaggerates impact, so if the shoes feel okay, you should be fine in them." -Chet James, Super Jock 'n Jill, Seattle
4. Focus on the ride. "Once we determine the type of shoe you need--whether motion-control, stability, or another--we bring out shoes from three different manufacturers and have the customer try them all. Then you need to be sure there's no pinching, or a seam that's pressing against your foot. Finally, we have people run or walk in the shoe to really focus on the ride, or how the shoe feels from the point when the heel hits the ground to when the toe lifts off it." -Don Lucas, Luke's Locker, Dallas
See More Articles in Running Shoe Basics
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