Running Shoes: The Perfect Pair
The following article was written by Jessica Getty.
Good footwear provides the basis for a great run! Most athletic shoe companies make shoes in a variety of styles, materials, shapes, and colors, so your options are virtually unlimited. Lucky for animals, most running shoes are naturally vegan, as synthetic materials are much more breathable and readily available. Companies such as Saucony, Brooks, New Balance, and ASICS all offer high-performance vegan options.
Choosing the right category of shoe for your needs is crucial. Some shoes are built for motion control (ideal for people who have low arches or flat feet, which can lead to over-pronation) and others for stability (designed for people with normal to medium arches). Some shoes are cushioned (for those with high arches). Most shoe companies manufacture shoes in every category, which can make shoe shopping a little overwhelming. For this reason, most running stores will have someone who can watch you walk and evaluate in a few moments which type of shoe is right for you. If you take one thing away from this article, let it be to shop by category, not by brand!
Comfort and durability are also important features of any good running shoe. Lots of runners swear by ASICS shoes, which offer lots of support and cushioning. Better yet, ASICS has made it easy to shop for vegan running shoes. Online stores such as Pangea and Zappos also have vegan search features.
Just remember that the average running shoe only lasts between 300 and 500 miles. Although that may sound like a lot, a distance runner can run that far in just a few months! After a shoe reaches its limit, its structure begins to break down, and the shoe should be replaced.
Ready to go shoe shopping? Here’s a handy tip: Try going at the end of the day since that is when your feet are at their largest. If you wear orthotics or inserts, be sure to bring them with you when you try on shoes.
Now, what are you waiting for? Go find your perfect pair! Once you do, please share your experience with us in the comments section below.
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