How to Pick The Best Running Shoes

The most important thing in training is the running shoes. Therefore they should be in optimal condition – and stay that way. The most frequently asked questions and answers about purchase and care.

Buying advice running shoes: Which shoe suits me?

• I want to start running: Choose a so-called neutral shoe that offers cushioning, support and comfort, but also rolls well at slow speeds. In case of malpositions, stability shoes provide the necessary support.
• I am rather small and light: Avoid unnecessary cushioning and pay attention to flexible soles. So-called flex notches in the forefoot and heel area and thinner midsoles allow a comfortable rollover.
• I’m rather tall and heavy: Your shoe should offer more cushioning and stability. The harder sole becomes flexible due to the body weight. For problem feet, stability shoes or orthopaedic insoles are recommended.
• The shoe fits in the front, but the heel slips out: Some manufacturers offer their models in different widths where the forefoot area is wider. Tip: First find a shoe that fits in the heel and then choose the appropriate width.
• The size is correct, but the shoe presses a little in the forefoot area: The toes should always be free to move forward. Elastic stretch fabric in the forefoot area helps against lateral crumple zones, and for sensitive feet there are models with seam-free inner material.
• I bend my ankle strongly inwards: try shoes with pronation support. The alternative: A rounded heel area reduces the leverage and force on the joint. This reduces overpronation.
• I run a lot in the forest and in all weathers: Ask for a trail shoe. It is robust and weatherproof and has a non-slip tread for jogging in uneven and muddy terrain.
• I would like to run faster or participate in competitions regularly: Slip into a competition shoe. So-called lightweight models are light, have little cushioning and allow a good impression of the ground.

How to care for your running shoes

How many kilometers do my running shoes last?

Good running shoes have a “life expectancy” of about 1000 training kilometers. Depending on body weight, running style and preferred running surface, sole and cushioning wear out much earlier. This can already be the case after 500 kilometres – for example if the model is designed for a lower body weight or does not compensate for an existing defective position in the foot. If you run a lot on hard asphalt, the materials are subjected to greater stress and the cushioning loses its function earlier.

How do I know that I need new running shoes?

You keep a running diary? Then enter the purchase date of the shoes in addition to the kilometres run. So you can always check when the 1000 kilometer mark is reached. You should retire your pedals if the sole is crooked, the tread is worn, the midsole is compressed or even brittle.

Can I put my running shoes in the washing machine?

With dirty or unpleasantly smelling shoes there is only one thing that helps: wash them! However, shoes should not be washed in a drum, because the plastic parts can lose their elasticity due to heat and aggressive detergents. The adhesives can also dissolve. If you still want to take the risk: just take the quick wash cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Tip: It is better to clean your shoes by hand – with a sponge or brush and with lukewarm water and mild detergent.

What do I do with wet shoes?

Rain showers, puddles or shoe washing – it is inevitable that the shoes get wet. To protect the upper material, you should dry your shoes – and not just put them in a corner when they are wet. This prevents bacteria or fungi from spreading. That’s the way to do it: Take out the insole and stuff the shoe with newspaper – this will suck the moisture out of the material. Then remove the paper and let the shoes dry at normal room temperature.

I need the wet shoes back immediately – can’t I dry them faster?

Too much heat shortens the life of your jogging shoes. Drying in the blazing sun, on the heater or even in the tumble dryer is taboo, because the heat can make shoe materials and insole brittle or even shrink.

Tip: So that you can always train dry feet, it is worth buying a second a pair of running shoes.

More than a pair of running shoes – isn’t that a bit excessive?

The second pair of shoes are worth it if you are one of those frequent runners who tie their running shoes on two days in a row. In this way you can allow the cushioning material a regeneration break between frequent training sessions. Tip: Get different models from different manufacturers with which you train alternately. In this way you always challenge your feet and muscles a little differently.

I want to start running – can I jog in my walking shoes?

Today there are the right shoes for every sport, and that makes sense. When running, the shoe has to absorb the impact forces of each running step. That is why cushioning is the heart of the jogging shoe – but not of the walking shoe. Because when walking, significantly less force is exerted on the ankle joints, knees and hips. It is therefore advisable to purchase running shoes.

Do I absolutely have to buy an expensive brand shoe?

At first glance, even the shoe from the grab table may look chic – you can’t look inside. Cheap no-name shoes are usually made of inferior materials that wear out faster. That’s why you play it safe with brand manufacturers when it comes to quality and durability. Tip: Keep an eye out for discontinued models from last season. They are often considerably cheaper than the current collection, but offer the same quality.

Do I have to go to a running shop to buy running shoes?

In principle, qualified advice is recommended for running business. After all, the shoe should fit your feet and running preferences. The staff is usually trained and can also help you if your feet are incorrectly positioned. In addition, the choice of manufacturers and models is usually larger than in normal sports shops, which have to cater to all types of sports.

Tip: Pay attention to a running analysis with treadmill and video recording – this is part of a qualified consultation.

When I bought running shoes I was advised to wear running socks – what good are they?

Pure synthetic fibre socks or a material mix of cotton plus synthetic fibres ensure that moisture is transported away from the skin. In contrast, normal cotton socks quickly get your feet wet. In addition, special running socks are noticeably more comfortable: the socks are padded under the sole and additionally reinforced in the heel and toe area. Compression inserts at the instep and upper waistband prevent slipping or pressing creases. There are no seams that could rub and cause blisters.