Proper running shoe fit is always the best way for anyone to make their next shoe purchase decision. No one should ever select a shoe based on how it looks. Instead, they need to make sure it fits perfectly so running is as enjoyable as possible.

There are hundreds of shoes available and so it’s a good idea to narrow down the options prior to trying them on at the store. A person needs to take time to learn tips related to running shoe fit. This ensures that their running safely and never experience unnecessary foot pain. Here are a few tips that will help find the perfect fit.

Employ Wiggle Room

A person’s feet need extra space within the toe box when repeatedly pounding into the pavement during each run. For this reason, there needs to be wiggle room between the front of the shoe and the longest toe. Using about a thumb’s width is sufficient.

This is the same for any type of shoe. However, it’s far more important with running shoes because of the stress placed on the feet when running. Major foot pain will result if this wiggle room isn’t present to absorb the force of impact.

Select a Slightly Bigger Size

This is one of the key running shoe fit tips. It’s important to understand a person’s real shoe size in order to successfully go up a half size in length. Here’s the way to find the real shoe size:

Wear a pair of socks with average thickness
Stand on a piece of blank paper
Use a pen or pencil to outline the foot’s shape on the paper
Use a ruler to measure the furthest points horizontally
Measure the furthest points vertically
Repeat the process for the other foot. Most people have one foot slightly larger than the other and should use the larger foot’s size for their next set of shoes.

Lock it in

The mid-foot section needs to have a secure fit. Only the toe area should have any wiggle room. The rest of the shoe needs to fit comfortably without any wobbling from side to side.

If the shoe isn’t locked in snugly with plenty of structure, then a runner is typically going to experience painful injuries. This is the last thing they want because it will derail their training regimen. Of course, the shoe needs to fit snugly without feeling too tight or constricted. A good way to think about it is to imagine the foot cradled inside a person’s hand, where the foot is softly cradled at the mid-foot section.

Check the Heel

The heel area needs to fit just like the mid-foot section. Make sure there isn’t any heel slippage when testing how well the shoes fit. A shoe that slips in the heel is terribly distracting. This is true whether someone is jogging lightly around the neighborhood or training for the next marathon.

It doesn’t matter whether the choice is going to be a shoe with:

A padded collar
Bootie-like construction
An exo-skeletal heel tab

No matter the security feature selection, it’s important to walk long enough throughout the store and make sure the heel section fits snugly and comfortably.

Gauge the Right Selection Based on Running Type

Ultimately, the selection of the best running shoe depends on the type of running being employed. For example, sprinting requires a different type of shoe compared to long-distance running. Speedrunners need to stay connected more closely to their shoes. In that case, it might be a good idea to find a more snug-fitted shoe with less wiggle room. A long-distance runner is going to want the extra wiggle room.

A person shouldn’t forget the shape of the arches when learning the best way to select their running shoes. Neutral or stability pronation needs to be considered. So does the selection of the best cushioning category. These categories range from level one to five.

Select the Correct Sock Thickness

Socks shouldn’t be too thick during a shoe-fitting session. It’s also important to think about the environment when choosing the correct sock thickness. Different types of socks are needed when running in various conditions. Using compression socks during the hot summer months can affect overall running comfort level. Thick socks are typically a good choice when running during colder fall or winter months.

Use the Proper Lacing Technique

The way lacing affects a shoe’s fit shouldn’t be underestimated. There are different ways to lace a shoe. For instance, slippage can be avoided by using the lace-lock method. On the other hand, a person with high-foot volume will achieve a far less irritating fit by using the open-tie pattern.

Measure Foot Size Annually

We discussed how to measure foot size above and why it’s so important to measure both feet. Keep in mind that foot size has a tendency to change with age. For this reason, a person needs to re-measure their feet annually. This helps ensure that buying new shoes doesn’t result in the wrong size being placed on the feet. Be sure to use the tip we already mentioned about going up one-half size in length.

Choose the Proper Online Store

In today’s environment, buying shoes online has not only become the norm, but it is also a far safer and more convenient option.

However, there’s always the chance of the wrong shoe size arriving in the mail. That’s why it’s important to look for an eCommerce company that allows for a long enough exchange time frame. Many companies allow a person to wear the shoes on a run or two to make sure the fit is perfect. If the fit isn’t ideal, then allowing for an exchange is usually arranged.

Finding running shoes that fit perfectly isn’t difficult. Simply follow these tips.