Tips for Buying the Right Shoe for Your Next Run

With the right pair of shoes, running can feel like flying.Running shoes provide protection, support, shock absorption and bounce, so you can focus on achieving your running goals.

If you choose the right pair, you'll boost your performance and decrease the risk of injury.But if you end up with a pair that doesn't fit properly or doesn't accommodate your needs, every step can be agonising.

The optimum pair of running shoes for you will depend on several factors, so it's not always easy to pick a clear-cut winner.With countless styles and fits available, you might need a little help narrowing down your options.We've got your back.

The best running shoes for you are going to be the ones that feel the most comfortable.But it's not easy to get a sense of whether comfort will endure over long runs when you're only trying them on.

When assessing comfort, pay attention to the feel on different parts of your foot.Learn the different components of the shoe and how they affect fit.

The upper is the top part of the shoe above the sole.Look for an upper that resembles your foot shape and doesn't rub or pull.The revolutionary Nike Flyknit upper provides lightweight support and reduces waste by 60%.

Look for a toe box that doesn't irritate your foot. You should have enough room between your toes and the toe box to flex and spread out your toes comfortably without jamming into the toe box.

The saddle is the section that contains your shoe's laces and works to hold your foot in place.Try to find a saddle that supports your foot without feeling too tight around the arch as you move.

The midsole is designed to absorb impact.Choose a midsole that doesn't make the shoe too heavy and that feels comfortable.Avoid a midsole that is too soft or too firm—be like Goldilocks and choose one that's just right.

The outsole is the durable bottom layer of the shoe.Look for a footprint that resembles the shape of your foot and makes you feel stable.You'll want tread that provides enough traction for your preferred running surface without being unnecessarily stiff or heavy.Strike a balance between durable and flexible if possible.

The heel counter (or heel drop) is the material that connects the upper to the shoe lining at the back of the shoe.The height of your heel versus the height of the ball of your foot can impact your stride.Pay attention to how the shoe feels when you walk or run, and avoid shoes that put stress on one portion of your foot or another.

The sockliner is inserted into the shoe to aid comfort.It affects how soft and supportive a shoe feels when you first step into it.In most shoes, it can be removed or replaced with orthotics.Make sure you try running in the shoe rather than relying on the initial feel.

The ankle collar is the top part of the shoe where you put your foot in.A good ankle collar won't slip or rub on your Achilles, and will comfortably fit around your ankles.This can be a point of discomfort in many shoes, so pay attention to the area when you take the shoes for a test run.

A key consideration in picking a running shoe is injury avoidance.The design of your shoe, and the materials used to construct it, will determine whether you get a cushioned ride during your run.The level of support you feel can determine whether your shoe will help reduce your risk of injury.

Historically, motion control shoes were thought to offer the best defence against pronation, which is the natural inward motion of the foot during a step.Unfortunately, this type of shoe hasn't reduced the percentage of running injuries over the years.

Based on data collected from real runners, scientists at the Nike Sports Research Lab discovered a simple solution: cushioning and comfort are the keys to reducing injury.

Of course, increased cushioning can lead to a bulkier, foam-laden shoe.To avoid that problem, the NSRL developed a unique rocker shape for a smooth heel-to-toe transition, and a wide base at the toe and heel for more stability.

To increase your odds of not getting hurt, opt for a comfortable, cushioned fit.Combine it with a diversified running routine tailored to your individual running experience and goals.

When shopping for your next pair of running shoes, consider both the typical distance of your runs and the environment.

1. Double-check your actual size: Don't assume you'll be the same size in every shoe. Use a size chart and measure your feet to find the perfect fit.
2. Order a half-size up: If you're having trouble deciding between sizes, it's always better to order a half-size up.
3. Shop during the evening: Since your feet swell as the day wears on, you might find a pair of shoes that fit well in the morning but feel tight by the evening. It's a good idea to shop after 5pm to find the perfect fit.
4. Wear your running socks: Wear the same sweat-wicking running socks you plan to wear for your runs to ensure a great fit.
5. Take them for a test run: You should always jog around in several pairs before deciding on the right ones. Nike stores allow you to jog around the store to get a feel for the shoes in action. For a more thorough trial, consider buying more than one pair, testing them out and returning one.
6. Consider the style last: A pair of stylish running shoes might bring you an extra confidence boost, but getting a good look should come after fit and comfort. Once you've narrowed down your options to the ones that feel just right, you can pick the pair that most closely matches your aesthetic.

Check out the Nike guide to running footwear for more help finding your fit.

Early running shoes resembled leather dress shoes with spikes for traction.After the process of vulcanisation provided a way to fuse rubber and cloth, rubber-sole running shoes emerged and changed the game forever.

Nike co-founder and longtime University of Oregon athletics coach Bill Bowerman was an early innovator, as one of the first to experiment with waffle-patterned rubber soles for increased traction.By the 1970s, podiatrists and scientists weighed in on shoe design, and things got even more interesting.

First, the idea became popular that athletes should choose running shoes based on their arch height and pronation.For decades, runners were advised to analyse the shape of their feet and choose a shoe accordingly.But a growing body of research began to show that pronation didn't increase the injury risk for runners, and therefore didn't need to be corrected by running shoes.

Later, around the beginning of the new millennium, the idea took hold that barefoot running provided the most comfort for athletes.The minimalist running shoe became all the rage, until studies showed that the amount of cushioning in a shoe doesn't change the speed of the force applied to your foot, which is what creates the likelihood of injury.

In fact, runners tend to adjust their stride naturally depending on the shoe.If they're not getting cushioning from the shoe, they'll adjust to landing on the forefoot to absorb shock in the calf and Achilles.

In recent years, Nike researchers at the NSRL have been using large amounts of data from athletes around the world to observe running patterns and understand what kinds of running shoes are best at preventing injury.Recent findings suggest that cushioning and comfort are the most important qualities in a running shoe.

So what does all this mean for you?Simply put, you don't need to pay too much attention to your gait when choosing a shoe, unless you pronate or roll your foot so much that it causes you pain.Instead, when you try on a shoe, jog around a bit and focus on how it feels.