Planning to buy shoes for jogging for the first time? Or are not too impressed with your last shoe purchase? Check out this post for five important factors that you should consider to not go wrong with the running shoe selection.

Jogging is one of the easiest and relatively inexpensive ways to keep yourself fit and healthy. But with your feet doing most of the work when you jog, it is very important to make sure that you have a pair of good-quality shoes for it. The shoes will not only keep your feet more comfortable but will also help improve your jogging performance.

But with thousands of options on the internet, how will you pick the right shoes for you? Here is a list of 5 factors that every buyer should consider to make the right decision-

1. Arch Type

The amount of support your feet will need while running or jogging majorly relies on your arch type. There are three arch types-

• High Arch– Feet with high arches generally supinate or roll outward every time they hit the ground. Go with neutral shoes for guiding the lateral inward pressure by providing support to the arches with cushion.
• Medium Arch– With medium arches, your feet might be a little flexible due to which they pronate or make the ankles roll slightly inwards. If you have medium arches, go with stability shoes for stabilising the inward flex.
• Low Arch- More pronounced biomechanics is generally the only major difference between medium arches and low arches. With low arches, your feet might be more flexible and even overpronate. The right shoes for you are the one that offers higher stability and support.

2. Cushion Level

While a lot of people believe that the higher is the cushioning, the better are the shoes; this is not always the case for everyone. The right shoes cushioning depends on some factors such as your jogging style, the terrain where you jog, and even the reason why you are jogging or running.

A lot of manufacturers divide these shoes into multiple cushion levels ranging from Level 1 to Level 5. The Level 1 cushioning is the lightest design with just a thin layer of cushioning material. This cushion is known to strengthen your feet when you jog. Similarly, the highest, Level 5 shoes offer maximum cushioning and are generally used by professional racers and seasoned joggers. However, people who are new to running, can also benefit from such cushioning.

3. Fabric

The next factor is the fabric of your shoes. If you usually jog in cold and wet settings or for running through wet bushes or grass, make sure that you select a pair of shoes that are made from a waterproof material. But avoid such materials if you generally jog in warmer conditions as they will make your feet sweaty and hot.

Irrespective of the weather or the place where you run, always go with shoes that are made from a breathable material to keep your feet sweat-free and healthy.

4. Outsole

The outsole is the bottom part of the shoes which gets in contact with the jogging surface. This part is generally made from many different types of foam and rubber compounds which are placed strategically for improved grip, bounce, and flexibility.

If you generally jog on challenging terrains, prefer shoes that have outsoles which provide higher durability and traction without making the shoes very heavy.

5. The Weight of the Shoe

Last but not least is the weight of your jogging shoes. The weight of the shoes you select should depend on the terrain where you generally run. If you jog on smooth pavements or want to improve your jogging performance, go for lightweight shoes.

But if you run trails or jog on difficult terrains, you should prefer something that is more sturdy and durable even if it is a little heavy.

Are You Ready to Make the Decision?

While you might have your preferred footwear brand or favourite colour combinations, you shouldn’t really purchase jogging and running shoes based on your personal preferences solely. If you are indeed serious about jogging, make a selection based on the factors discussed in this post, and you are sure to make the right decision.

And with so many options now available in the market, you might also be able to match your preferences with the factors discussed in this post.