Running shoes are performance shoes designed especially for physical activities, like athletics and fitness exercises. The shoes feature special elements like added cushioning to withstand running and other physical activities. Additionally, they are made from special materials that endure the pressures of exercise and constant use. The market features many brands and models of runner shoes. While this is a benefit, it is also a downside because it means you must carefully select the best option from the lot. The point is to choose the right shoes, depending on your type of running, environment, and size. Note that choosing the right running shoes is important because they can protect your feet. Below are examples of ways in which the right shoes can protect your feet.
The right shoe can prevent injury
Wearing the wrong shoes when running or exercising can cause various injuries. Most of these injuries can prevent you from enjoying your run and negatively impact your performance. Below are some examples;
• Plantar fasciitis- is an irritation or inflammation of the tissue at the bottom of the feet. Plantar fasciitis develops when you wear shoes that do not provide ample support for your feet. Additionally, this condition can cause stiffness and pain in the foot arch. Therefore, you can avert this condition by choosing right-fitting shoes with steady ankle and arch support.
• Shin splits- are an injury caused by the swelling of muscles and tendons on the shinbone. Wearing shoes with shock-absorbing insoles can protect your feet from this painful injury by absorbing the impact they produce when pounding the road during runs.
• Blisters- are fluid-filled sacs that form under the epidermis caused by rubbing of the heel on the shoes. For instance, as your heels rub against your shoes, the top layer tears and causes blisters, which can be painful and hinder your fitness training. Wearing good running shoes that fit smoothly and do not chafe can protect your heels from blisters.
• Achilles tendinitis- is where the tissue connecting the heels to the muscles in the lower part of the leg tear or strains. Various causes can cause this injury, such as rapid mileage increase and failure to stretch before running. However, the wrong shoes can also cause Achilles tendinitis. The right shoes will raise your feet and keep them from landing flat on the ground. Additionally, they will eliminate stress on your leg muscles.
The right shoes will protect your feet from ankle sprains
An ankle sprain happens when the ankle rolls outward or inward against its natural position. When an ankle sprain occurs, the ligaments in your feet stretch, resulting in a lot of pain. Additionally, an ankle sprain can prevent you from running and exercising for a while, waiting for it to heal. A comfortable pair of shoes for running can protect your feet from this pain and its impacts on your experience and performance.
The right shoes prevent over or under pronation
Pronation is the inward rolling of your feet when they land on the ground. For example, when you run, you lift your feet and land on the ground with force, which will cause them to roll inward. However, when your feet roll excessively inward, it is called over-pronation, which may cause injuries and discomfort. On the other hand, when your shoes only roll in slightly, it is called under-pronation. Various types of shoes promote neutral, over, or under pronation, depending on their arch height.
They protect your feet from the impact of the ground
When running, especially during trail running, your feet impact the ground with force, which can injure them or cause discomfort. This also happens in road running. Therefore, the right shoes will protect your shoes from the dangers of the impact on the ground, like straining, blisters, or pricks from objects.
They protect your feet from discomfort
The right pair of shoes for running can also protect your feet from discomfort. For instance, you will not have to worry about your feet feeling too restricted or pain from injuries or ill-fitting shoes. It is worth mentioning that discomfort may trigger falling, which may result in injuries exceeding your feet. Additionally, discomfort may hinder you from exploring your full potential while running or exercising by keeping you from walking or running as usual.
They protect your toes from bruising
Wearing the wrong pair of shoes or ones smaller than your actual size can cause bruises on your toes. For instance, they can cause painful corns, hardening, and blackening of your toes. Additionally, the wrong shoes may cause the loss of your nails. These issues can change your running style, force you to take some downtime for healing, or cause further injuries.
Conclusion
Besides protecting your feet, the right shoes can improve your athletic performance. According to experts, comfort and injury prevention are some of the vital elements for promoting better performance. Therefore, aside from exercise, all runners should endeavor to purchase the right pair of shoes.
