OMG SHOES.

Spring is in the air, and it is time to get back outside! This means many things for many people: maybe gardening, outdoor sports and activities, and if you’re like me getting back to running outside! So I want to write a quick blog today about the importance of proper shoes!

First I always feel the need to say this- RUNNING ISN’T BAD FOR YOU IT’S HOW YOU RUN THAT’S BAD FOR YOU. Proper form is incredibly important- we are MADE to run really. Possibly more important than form is choice of shoes. No matter what you’ve heard, barefoot shoes are not good for running unless you’re already used to running without shoes and likely you aren’t. Seriously, check it out they’ve been sued a lot. So go to a sports store right? See what feels good and then buy them, right? Nope.

Did you know that when running, every time your foot hits the ground, that three times your body weight is exerted on the lower joints? Now, that sounds scary but it’s why we have arches in our feet to spread and absorb shock, it’s why we have cartilage, and it’s why form is so important. However, this also highlights why shoes are so important. Did you know that also while walking or running our feet swell so your running shoes need to be slightly larger than your street shoes? Then factor in things like if your foot rolls in or out (pronates or supinates) when you strike the ground, knee placement, etc and we are building the importance of proper shoes. The body is basically a stack of jenga blocks full of blood and when one is off then the rest are in danger too. So the proper size, padding, weight, and support are all super important for the health of not just your feet and knees, but all the way up to the hips, spine, and even shoulders and neck!

Going to a sports store and buying an off the rack shoe is the equivalent of getting a one size fits all tshirt for your wedding. It’s going to be comfortable, but not appropriate and not fit anyone like it should. Do yourself and your body the favor of going to an actual running store and having them watch you run or walk, maybe do a strike test, or some even have machines these days to analyze weight placement and therefore give you the best shoe for you. Personally, I pronate when I run so I need something with a higher “guide rail” on the inside to keep my foot in place. This little bit of knowledge took my running game to a different level, and took away the knee pain I had been experiencing.

So just like other fitness advice- don’t just ask your friends what works for them. You aren’t the same, your body isn’t the same, and you need to consult someone who actually can give you directly what you personally need for your health and well being. Running is an excellent form of cardio, especially on these mild but warm spring days. Get out and enjoy the beauty of the budding season and appreciate things you’ll never notice about your town in a car. However, please do so safely and in the right gear for you. Be well everyone, and happy running!