The last thing you need in the middle of marathon training is a foot injury, right? To throw the brakes on just because of some incessant pain? No, thank you! While you might be able to pull through a sore quad, persistent foot discomfort can terminate training in a flash.
Feet often take the brunt of training woes because they’re active in both touchdown and push-off of your stride. Your feet absorb the impact of shock when you land and thrust forward when you take off. So the single most significant weapon in preventing injuries when running is the right pair of shoes. Here’s what to consider when getting a pair of marathon training shoes:
- Pronation Type – How Does Your Foot Hit the Ground?
The manner in which your foot hits the ground defines the way your body absorbs the impact of shock. There are three types of pronation:
- Underpronation: This happens when you strike the ground with the outside of your feet. The outside edges of your soles usually get worn down first. Look for cushioned shoes with soft midsoles.
- Overpronation: This happens when your feet roll towards the interior, forcing the inside of your foot to bear the weight. The inside edges of your soles get worn out first. You’ll need a shoe with motion control and complete support.
- Normal Pronation: This happens when your whole foot bears your weight as you run. You’ll need shoes with a mix of stability and cushioning.
- Pay Attention to Width and Length
Besides 10 toes, feet come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and being aware of each foot’s specifications is critical in choosing the right pair of shoes. If the edges of your foot feel compressed in a particular shoe, ask for a wider size, not a larger size.
- Weight
Take into account both your weight and the shoe’s weight. If you have a sturdier build, you’ll want a different type of support than someone who is more petite. And since you’re training for a long-distance race, you’ll also want shoes that don’t weigh you down as well.
- Rely on Comfort Level Rather than Brands
With so many options, it can be quite overwhelming to figure out where to start as far as which brand. Plus, sizes vary from one manufacturer to the other. No matter how convincing an advertisement looks, your feet are the only real judges, so above all, value fit.