We receive many requests for help choosing a running shoe from new customers, new runners and also existing customers looking for a change.
Although there is nothing better than a Running Fit, to ensure you end up in the right shoes, plus custom insoles, we appreciate that many of our existing and new customers would like some help and advice if you can’t make a visit to our Sports Lab.
We have therefore put together the following guide and some advice to help you choose a shoe. Of course, feel free to email us at info@ if you have any additional questions and we will be glad to help.
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If you are running off-road on gravel/dirt paths, woodland trails, tracks or country footpaths then it’s worth thinking about a ‘trail shoe‘. With grippier and thicker soles they provide a lot more traction especially in mud and wet grass, but less shock absorption on hard ground. The sole treads will also have less traction for wet and damp roads or pavement and may even be slippery.
It is important to wear the right type of socks when trying on running shoe to make sure that they will feel the same when you are out and actually running.
A technical running sock will reduce the risk of blisters or rubbing and will help to cushion your feet and regulate temperature. We certainly do not recommend running in your old white sports socks. These are usually made from cotton and will increase the risk of rubbing, blisters and also getting cold feet in winter and hot feet in summer.
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If you have running shoes and are happy with the size, then that is a good starting point. Read our sizing guide by manufacturer below to help if you are unsure about size or are changing brands.
Most running shoe brands make their shoes using USA shoe sizing. But be careful as there is no standard shoe form (or ‘last’ as it’s known in the industry), and the same size may be different from one brand to another. When each brand converts to UK sizes, they don’t necessarily convert the same – especially for Women’s sizes.
With your foot in the shoe and with the shoes laced up, you should be able to get a thumbs width between the front of your big toe and the front of the shoe a little less is OK more is probably too big.
Running Buying Guide
If you are wearing through the toe of the shoe it might mean it is too short. If you are slipping in the heel it might mean your shoes are too long, or too wide.
To check if the shoes are the right width, start with your running socks on and standing in the shoes with your shoes laced.
Women with wide feet can benefit from a Men’s shoes or a D width over the narrower B width if you are struggling to find a shoe in a wider width.
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It is also possible to go up a half size to get a bit more width, but you need to be careful that the shoe does not become too long as not only do you stand a chance of tripping, or your foot won’t sit in the right place and therefore the shoe won’t function as intended.
It’s also important to consider instep and arch height. If you have a high instep or arch you might also need a wider and or higher volume shoe.
If in doubt, why not consider a trip to the Running Lab where we can accurately measure and recommend the right shoes for you – and we can also create our signature Custom Insoles (as worn by athletes and amateurs alike), for an unbeatable bespoke fit!
National Education Association
Most runners consider this a worthwhile investment and our Custom Insoles come with a fit guarantee, so you can get your money back if you have any issues – though we get precious few returns.😊
If you are wearing through the toe of the shoe it might mean it is too short. If you are slipping in the heel it might mean your shoes are too long, or too wide.
To check if the shoes are the right width, start with your running socks on and standing in the shoes with your shoes laced.
Women with wide feet can benefit from a Men’s shoes or a D width over the narrower B width if you are struggling to find a shoe in a wider width.
Broadway World: Sdmt Announces Cast And Creative Team For Co Production Of Billy Elliot
It is also possible to go up a half size to get a bit more width, but you need to be careful that the shoe does not become too long as not only do you stand a chance of tripping, or your foot won’t sit in the right place and therefore the shoe won’t function as intended.
It’s also important to consider instep and arch height. If you have a high instep or arch you might also need a wider and or higher volume shoe.
If in doubt, why not consider a trip to the Running Lab where we can accurately measure and recommend the right shoes for you – and we can also create our signature Custom Insoles (as worn by athletes and amateurs alike), for an unbeatable bespoke fit!
National Education Association
Most runners consider this a worthwhile investment and our Custom Insoles come with a fit guarantee, so you can get your money back if you have any issues – though we get precious few returns.😊