Running Shoes Guide: How To Find The Right Pair

Few sports can claim as low an entry point as running.

For exploring Canada’s endless wealth of gorgeous trails, all you really need is a good pair of shoes. But these days, just buying shoes can feel a tad overwhelming. I don’t know when exactly the industry exploded with options for running shoes, but I know that many beginners to running could understandably feel daunted by the variety of options now available.

It’s important to understand that this is a deeply personal choice. The shoes you love might be hated by the next person to try them. To avoid too much mental anguish over this choice, here are some suggestions for how to think about running shoes, and find the pair that will keep you running.

Set Aside Some Time

I get it. Not everyone likes shopping. That’s especially true when we’re trying to do it quickly. But you’ll want to set aside from time, preferably on the weekend, to try out as many shoes as possible. Buying shoes isn’t like buying a car because we all have our own feet.

It’s great to be able to buy everything online these days, but I’d really encourage new runners to buy their first pair of serious running shoes in person, where they can feel the difference between styles and brands, and find something that truly feels comfortable. You’re not just looking for something that feels good the first 10 minutes. You want something that continues to offer support many miles later.

However, if you live far from physical stores and don’t have any option but buying online, consider leveraging a return policy in your favor. Order two pairs closest to your size, then return the ones that don’t fit as well.

Be Realistic About Your Goals

Before spending anywhere from $100 to $200 on a pair of shoes, make sure you’re honest about what you need.

While many of us might dream of running an ultramarathon one day, we have to start out with 7-kilometer loops around the park, so you want to buy shoes for that first. You can work your way up to additional running shoes once you’ve put some kilometers behind you.

Waterproof Shoes Aren’t Necessary

Most of the time, you don’t really need a waterproof shoe. While waterproof hiking shoes offer extra and sometimes necessary protection, runners have different needs. When running, your feet will sweat too much for a waterproof membrane — it just doesn’t work that well.

There are other exceptions to this, such as mud- or snow-covered trails, along with cold, wet weather. Generally, however, you’ll want to start with highly breathable shoes. Since waterproofing doesn’t come cheap, this will also save you some money early on.

Know About Stack Height

The “stack height,” for those unfamiliar with the term, applies to the amount of material under your feet. It’s one of the most important differences between shoes.

There’s also no definite answer whether more is better. Some runners feel more comfortable with less material, preferring a minimalist or natural feel. Others prefer thicker shoes with tall stack heights, and often believe that translates to fewer injuries.

Again, the point here is to try many stack heights and find out what feels good to you. Remember to take little jogs around the store. Don’t be shy. You need to work those shoes a little to see how they’ll hold up on the road.

In case you’ve missed the overall point here, it’s simply the importance of experimenting. We have lots of options now, and since we all have our own special feet, that’s actually a good thing. It means we can find something that really works for us.

And then we can spend more time enjoying the actual sport of running. When you’ve got as many beautiful trails as we have here in Ancaster and throughout the country, trail running offers a wonderful way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors.