6 things to look for when choosing new training shoes

Comfort

Comfort is key! Try a few different shoes to see what feels good, look for any rubbing marks, wearing or points of discomfort. If you’re unsure, your local physio or podiatrist can be a great resource to help find your fit.

Activity specific

Pick the right shoes for the right job. The activity (e.g. weights, running, CrossFit, boxing, etc.) and surface you train on (i.e. gym, trail, road or track), makes a big difference to the shoe design you need and finding something specific to your activity and environment can help with comfort and injury prevention.

Width

The right shoe size and also the width of the shoe plays a big role. For example, to absorb the shock when you run, the front of your foot needs enough room to spread out, so make sure your foot has room to move.

Heel drop

It is the difference in height from the heel to the front of the foot, and can affect how force is distributed through different joints in your body. A higher heel drop can load more through the front of your knees and shins, while a lower heel drop can load more through the back of your calf and Achilles.

Stack height

Stack height refers to cushioning, so how much foam is between your foot and the ground.  It is specific to your individual training  mechanics/terrain. Too much foam may cause instability through your stride and not enough foam can limit your shoes’ shock absorption ability.

Weight of your shoe

The heavier your shoe, the more energy you need to use it. So transitioning from a heavier shoe during training to a lighter shoe on competition day may be beneficial to improve your performance.

This is only a short and summarised list. Foam type, midsole technology and breathability are other considerations when choosing a shoe. If you’re unsure what shoes would suit you best, pop down and give us a visit, we’ll be happy to help you find your fit! To arrange an appointment please call 020 3161 4646, email info@coventgardenphysio.com or book online here.