Buying running shoes online can be hard. With so many shoes to choose from, how do you choose the right running shoe? The best running shoes for women should be comfortable and tailored to your specific activities.
Here are some tips on what to look for in a shoe to decide whether it will be comfortable for you:
Fit:
- Length: A good fit will leave about a thumbnail's width of space between the end of your toe and the front of the shoe. This gives you some extra room if your feet swell, lets your toes splay out through your stride and protects your toenails from hitting the front of your shoe.
- Width: The widest part of your foot should sit at the widest part of the shoe where it’s designed to flex as you run. Pay attention to the way your foot aligns over the midsole to determine if you might need a wide size.
- Volume: Make sure that on the top of your foot the tongue or laces of the shoe are not squeezing anything and that you feel comfortable and secure in the shoe
Underfoot feel:
- Flexibility & Cushion: Running shoes are designed to flex from side-to-side and front-to-back. Some are more rigid while others are more flexible. As you take your shoes for a test run or walk, pay attention to how the shoe rolls your foot from heel to toe, and whether it feels like it moves with your natural gait. This can help you decide whether you’re looking for a women’s neutral running shoe or a women’s stability running shoe.
Still not sure where to start? Go through our fit id® Outfitting Process at your local Fleet Feet to learn your foot size, shape and gait pattern. From there, our expert Outfitters can help you narrow down the shoe brands and models to try out.