When you run, you place 3 times your body weight on your landing foot. How many steps do you take with each run?
Our feet turn in (pronate) as they land, to distribute the force and protect the legs.
Yes, you can run barefoot, but a good pair of running shoes goes a long way in protecting the feet.
Running shoes serve to
- Cushion the feet and absorb the shock
- Support the feet to prevent them from turning in too much, as may be the case in overpronation.
Choosing running shoes is basically about comfort and fit.
Asics and New Balance have pretty good running shoes. I personally prefer Nike Air.
What’s more important is the comfort and fit of the shoe.
How do you choose a pair of running shoes?
- Bring along a pair of running socks when you go shoe hunting
- Pick the shoes you like
- Try them with your running socks on. The width should fit nicely while the length may be slightly longer than your normal shoes, but never too short.
- The arch of the shoe should fit your fit.
- Walk around in them. Are they comfortable?
Take your time to choose a pair of comfortable running shoes that cushion and support your feet well.
Foot Pronation
If you are a serious runner, you might want to pick shoes according to whether your feet over pronate, under pronate or have normal pronation.
This cartoon video explains normal pronation, over pronation and under pronation.
If you suffer from knee pain when you run, it might be time to change your running shoes.
Overpronation can lead to knee pain.
A pair of running shoes that provide good support will prevent overpronation and address that knee pain.
Your running shoes do have a lifespan. When they are worn out, even if they still look ok on the outside, the support structure within may no longer be so effective. If you’ve been using your running shoes for months, and then your knees begin to feel uncomfortable while running, it may well be time to get a new pair of running shoes.
After a fairly recent health scare, I started running to lose the excess weight I'd gained with my first pregnancy. 12 years after giving birth to my first child, I finally reached a healthy weight.
I'm a foodie with a sweet tooth and a huge appetite, hence maintaining a reasonably healthy weight is a challenge. It involves a daily effort and a permanent switch to a healthy lifestyle. I'm using this blog to keep myself in check and to share my experiences with others who too struggle with weight management. 
